1. Belle

Honestly, I don't think there was a single moment when Belle needed the Beast or Gaston to save her. She was the one who ended up saving the Beast (Prince Adam) and broke the curse that he was under for so long. In addition to this, all she wanted was something different for her life. She wanted to see the world and be herself without judgment, even if it was against popular opinion. I mean, come on, she reads! She loves reading! Even when Gaston told her women shouldn't read, or they'll start getting ideas...thinking! Belle is her own woman. A beauty, but a funny girl, no shame.

2. Tiana

If there was ever someone you needed to look up to, this is your girl! She believes that with plenty of hard work, you can accomplish anything in your life. Sure, she had to learn to have fun, but she taught someone else they importance of hard work. In my opinion, they saved each other. Digging a little deeper, she found out more about herself than she ever thought possible.

3. Jasmine

She didn't want to be treated like a prize to be won, she didn't want to be forced into a marriage, she wanted the laws to change so she could live happily, she desired freedom, and she had the sass to make it happen. Jasmine is an intelligent woman with a heart of gold. She was even bold enough to call Aladdin out on his lies demand the truth. When she finally saw a whole new world, she was open to it and soaked it all in! When it came to Jafar, she was not afraid to let him know how she felt about him, but she was not afraid to try and seduce him to make sure Aladdin had the chance to get the lamp. Also, she kind of sorta has a pet tiger...'nuff said. Definitely in my top five list.

4. Cinderella

Contrary to popular belief, Cinderella was not just some girl waiting around for her prince charming. She worked day in and day out to keep her family happy, even if it meant living in misery. Yet, when given the chance to finally have some fun, she took it! She didn't go to the ball to find love, she went to experience something she never had before and just happened to find romance. The dream that was a wish her heart made finally came true! After the ball, she didn't expect the prince to go looking for her. Actually, she tossed aside the idea completely thinking that she had to settle back into her life. During all this, she didn't complain once and she never held a grudge against her family.

5. Kida

A princess who had to take care of her ailing father and find a way to save her people? No pressure there. But she did it! Not only that, she can handle herself just fine in a fight, only taken down when guns came into the picture. She wants to learn, she wants to know things, and just gain as much knowledge as possible while being courageous and free-spirited.

6. Rapunzel

While I am not the biggest fan of her, she did make the best of a bad situation. She tried to find her own happiness and never asked for anything expect basic necessities and entertainment. She would often dwell on when her life would begin, but it was just something for her to look forward to on a daily basis. When she finally went out, she had one wish and it was granted by someone she knew she could use. Smart, right? She's open minded, kind, and adventurous, but a bit naive. However, she ended up being the one to resurrect a dead man, so...there's that.

7. Anna

She was just desperate for love and I can't really blame her for it. After her sister shut her out for no apparent reason, she was completely alone in the castle, so it's only fair that she would fall for the first person who gave her the time of day. For the first time in forever, someone noticed her. Yet, who was the one determined to save summer and bring her sister back, despite the cold and her sister's powers? That's right - Anna! She's fearless, fun-loving, goofy, and ready to save the day! Not to mention she sacrificed herself to save her sister rather than save herself. Ah, sisterly love, am I right?

8. Elsa

She. Has. Ice. Powers. Sure, she plunged the entire kingdom into eternal winter, but it wasn't all her fault. Fearing that she would hurt people, she thought it best to be on her own. That is some serious selflessness right there! Though quiet and timid, she is loving and clearly puts the welfare of others over her own. While some of her decisions were misguided by fear, she did what she thought was right. Yet, when alone, she was no longer afraid to let it go and see the true extent of her powers, which includes dress making and creating life, apparently. One of my personal favorite female leads.

9. Pocahontas

A Native-American princess who didn't want to settle down with someone so serious. She lived for freedom and was one with nature. She put herself between two warring groups just to prove that violence an hatred led to destruction. For whether they were white or copper skin, she wanted people to live in harmony with each other. Yes, she did it to save the one she loved, but there was no shame in proving a point either. In the end, she chose to stay with her people rather than leave with Smith knowing that she needed to remain loyal to her duties. Strong, tough, intelligent, and brave.

10. Nala

"CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT..." Sorry, that song is just beautiful, and so is Nala. I mean, come on, she's a lion! What more do you want? She can take down the king of Pride Rock herself and pin him down whenever she sees fit. She's scary when angry or determined, but she gets the job done! She fought alongside Simba and then became queen. Yeah, her life is pretty good.

11. Esmeralda

She believes in equality for every person in the world, regardless of where they came from or what they do. She embraces differences and encourages people to be their true selves without fear of judgment. She earned everything she owns and is not afraid tow work to make a living. She has no tolerance for people who discriminate and is not afraid to let them know about her disapproval, especially Frollo (who is a total creep by the way). Also, let's not forget she took down and entire group of soldiers by herself without breaking a sweat. She is one tough cookie.

12. Meg

While not that widely recognized, we do need to remember that Meg was willing to sell her own soul to save someone she cared about deeply, even though that jerk ended up being a waste of oxygen. She's sly, seductive, and has a thick skin. While she does what she's told from Hades, at least she realizes that her actions have consequences and she acknowledges that what she's doing is wrong. And even after Hercules formed some sort of disrespect for her, she still gave her own life to protect him. When she was given life again and Hercules was given permission to become a god again, she allowed herself to let him go so he could return home. So sweet!

13. Mulan

I feel like I shouldn't have to explain why Mulan ain't no damsel in distress.