When we think of the beautiful and gorgeous princesses on the silver screen, we can’t help but think of the legendary characters created by Disney/Pixar. From Snow White to Elsa, all the beautiful, charming, strong and empowered princesses seem to belong to Disney. However, there are many other animated movies with plots revolving around princesses, or have a princess playing a pivotal role in the story. So, let us take a look at 10 non disney animated princesses who are just as awesome.
10 non disney Princesses That Deserve Your Attention
1 Fiona
DreamWorks’ Shrek series ranks among the most popular modern‑day fairy‑tales with a twist, where the ever‑lasting love story embraces two beings who don’t fit the conventional “beauty” mold. Princess Fiona Lillian, ruler of Far Far Away, brings life to the saga as a cursed human who later transforms into an ogress, spending her nights in ogre form after sunset.
She may dream of being rescued by a prince, yet she isn’t shy about throwing a few kicks and punches herself. Whether she appears as a human or an ogre, Fiona breaks the mold, proving that royalty can be unconventional and mind‑blowing.
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2 Anastasia
Former Disney animation veterans Don Bluth and Gary Goldman directed this Fox Animation Studios musical, which draws its story from the urban legend that Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia somehow survived the execution of her family.
In the film, Anastasia—who goes by Anya—has lost all memory of her royal lineage. She embarks on a quest to discover her past, allying with two conmen who recognize her striking resemblance to the lost duchess. Anya is witty, spunky, and radiates honesty; she refuses to act like a typical princess and isn’t afraid to fight for herself.
3 Thumbelina
Produced by Don Bluth Entertainment, released by Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, and distributed by 20th Century Fox, Thumbelina’s titular heroine has become a beloved non‑Disney princess. Visually, she follows the classic fairy‑tale template: long, strawberry‑blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes.
Sweet, romantic, and tiny enough to fit on a thumb, she possesses a heart brimming with love. Though she isn’t born royalty, she ultimately becomes the princess of the fairies after marrying Prince Cornelius, the fairy prince who rescues her.
4 Odette
The Swan Princess, produced by Nest Family Entertainment and Rich Animation and distributed by New Line Cinema, adapts the classic ballet Swan Lake and was directed by former Disney animation director Richard Rich. The golden‑haired princess Odette can transform into a swan by day and revert to human form at night.
She is gentle, caring, and kind‑hearted, always looking out for her loved ones. Odette also displays bravery, never shying away from speaking her mind. She marries Prince Derek, who rescues her, and together they raise a daughter named Alise.
5 Princess Irene
The European film The Princess and the Goblin, an adaptation of an 1872 novel, saw distribution in the United States via Hemdale Film Corporation, A. Film A/S, and J&M Entertainment, while the United Kingdom release was handled by Entertainment Film Distributors and Hungary by Budapest Film. The youthful Princess Irene is an adorable girl with large eyes and ginger hair.
Irene radiates cuteness, kindness, and compassion. She also possesses a courageous spirit, ready to embark on adventures even if she must travel alone. Her vivid imagination and willingness to go the extra mile to protect loved ones make her truly memorable.
6 Bala
Bala reigns as the princess of the ant colony in DreamWorks Animation’s Antz. Though minuscule in size, she demonstrates that ants possess a sophisticated, organized, and self‑respecting society. Bala herself is independent‑minded and despises seeing her colony suffer while confined within the Ant Hill.
With striking blue eyes, she is kind, caring, and loves to dance. Yet she is also strict, stern, and headstrong. Her mission is to safeguard the colony from General Mandible—her former fiancé—while planning to marry Z. Although she prefers to fight with her fists, a chair can double as a weapon when needed.
7 Pea
The Tale of Despereaux, a Universal Pictures production loosely based on the eponymous fantasy novel, centers on the brave mouse Despereaux Tilling, yet the human Princess Pea of Dor also plays a pivotal role. Although she lacks overt heroic feats, Pea remains a lovable character.
When her mother is terrified to death by the rat Roscuro, Pea lashes out, insulting the rodent. She worries deeply for her grieving father, the king, and ultimately befriends Despereaux. Her generous heart even leads her to apologize to Roscuro later on.
8 Selenia
In the French‑American movie series Arthur and the Invisibles, Selenia serves as the princess of the Mnimoys and is a central figure throughout the films. She is 999 Minimoy‑years old in the first installment, equivalent to roughly ten human years. Her ginger, pixie‑cut hair frames bronze‑orange eyes.
Selenia is athletic and driven to prove herself worthy of the throne when the time arrives. While she often dons rugged attire for adventure, she also slips into adorable dresses when the occasion calls for it. She never waits to be rescued, and she even defeats her kidnapper, Maltazard, showcasing her strength.
9 Princess Yum Yum
The British animated feature The Thief and the Cobbler endured a 28‑year production saga, later released in edited forms as The Princess and the Cobbler and Arabian Nights. One of its central characters is Princess Yum Yum.
Yum Yum rules the Golden City and dazzles with striking beauty—black hair, dark skin, and large expressive eyes—clad in exotic attire. She is intelligent, brave, and a true go‑getter. She rescues the cobbler Tack, falls in love with him, and confidently knows she outsmarts any man in her town.
10 Melisande
The Flight of the Dragon, an ABC Warner Bros. distributed film, draws loosely from a novel titled The Dragon and a speculative natural‑history work bearing the same name. Princess Melisande, daughter of the Green Wizard Carolinus, remains a largely forgotten figure, though she possesses traits that should have cemented her legacy.
She boasts a classic look—golden hair, dreamy blue eyes, red lips, and pale skin. Melisande is exceptionally courageous, even willing to risk permanent insanity for those she loves, and she shares her life with a pet dragon.
Other memorable princesses include warrior Xeno from Hercules and Xena, Princess Cholena from An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island, and a host of Japanese royalty such as Kaguya, Mononoke, Toyotomi, and the warrior princess Nausicaä. Even within the Barbie film universe, princesses receive a distinct, Barbie‑style twist. Beyond these, countless non‑Disney women, whether princes or not, leave an indelible mark.