Disney Movies: How to Watch Every Animated Princess Film in Chronological Order
Disney is well-known for many things, but, of course, the beautiful and resourceful princesses that grace some of the brand’s most popular films typically standout. Ariel, Cinderella, and Belle are just three of the famous fictional characters who have become staples of Disney and the entertainment industry.
Though the public probably already knows that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first princess-based film to get released, fans and viewers may still be curious about the chronological order in which the films should be watched and ranked based off the plot. Luckily, Screen Rant was able to be put together this amazing resource that breaks down the timelines and inspiration behind each princess-centered Disney film.
A blast to the past
A lot of the inspiration behind the Disney films have surprisingly deep roots. The hit-movie Aladdin was initially released in 1992, but the background of the film goes all the way back to the 4th century. One Thousand and One Nights, the famous Arabic folktale, is what served as the inspiration behind the compelling story that introduced Princess Jasmine.
Brave is the next movie in the lineup of the chronological order of Disney’s princesses. Merida is the main character featured in Brave, and her story takes place at some point during the 10th century.
Moana is the sweet and strong princess who follows Merida in the timeline. Though a specific date has never been revealed in terms of the plot in Moana, many people confidently believe the princess’ story takes place at some point during the 10th century. The fictional movie that takes place on a Polynesian island became a huge success after its release in 2016.
Which Disney princess-films should fans and viewers watch after ‘Moana’?
Princess Aurora is the next character fans and viewers will encounter if they decided to watch the films in chronological order based on the movie’s content. Sleeping Beauty premiered in 1959, but luckily, fans and viewers never had to wonder about the intended time period of the movie since Prince Phillip addressed the issue directly. The fairy tale that influenced the popular film is linked and connected to the 14th century.
Princess Mulan would be the next princess to watch on-screen. There were a lot of different details and elements in Mulan that may have made it difficult to place at first, but luckily, there were some very specific references that clued the audience into the fact that this film was set to take place during the 15th century.
Shortly after this time period is when Pocahontas was playing out, so to speak. The historical connections to the film made it one of the easiest movies to place as far as timelines are concerned. Pocahontas’ story revolves around the 17th century. Though there are some discrepancies between the historical events and the fictional movie, the film is indeed based on the real-life of a Native American woman.
Princess Belle’s reputation and the story definitely stands out amongst the Disney franchise. The princess who is known her sweet and charming nature is based on a fairytale written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Belle is introduced to the world in Beauty and the Beast, and her story takes place at the end of the 18th century.
A new era for Disney’s princesses
Ariel seemed to mark an unofficial new era for Disney’s princesses. Princess Ariel’s whimsical and magical nature showcased Disney’s dedication to enhancing the diverse group of princesses they had already established. Not to mention, the playfulness of the plot might have made it even more challenging to figure out as far as the time period is concerned. However, ultimately it seems like the 18th century is the set time frame for The Little Mermaid.
Princess Rapunzel is the next character in the chronological order recapping the stories behind Disney’s princesses. In Tangled, the audience and viewers got to know the princess and her unique story involving her hair.
When all of the Disney princesses are listed in chronological order, Princess Cinderella comes in the last place. Cinderella marks the princesses entering the 20th century. Charles Perrault is the author who wrote the fairytale that the movie is based upon. Hopefully, with the help of this article, people everywhere can enjoy Disney’s princesses in the “correct” order.
