By Alright, let’s talk Disney Princes. The ones who have somehow been overshadowed by their princess counterparts, but let’s be honest, they’re the unsung heroes of Disney’s classic tales. We often get wrapped up in Snow White’s apple or Cinderella’s glass slipper, but y’all, these princes? They’ve been doing the heavy lifting for decades. And I’m here to remind you why.
I mean, I’m not saying they’re all perfect (hello, Prince Eric), but these guys are basically the original “fixer-uppers,” just minus the contractor’s fee. They fight dragons, dodge curses, and—oh yeah—fall in love. The things we could learn from them. Anyway, let’s dive into the history and evolution of Disney Princes—and why I think they’re low-key the best part of the fairy tales.
Where It All Started: The Early Days of Disney Princes
Prince Charming – A Real “Silent but Deadly” Hero
Let’s start with the OG—Prince Charming. He’s the guy who showed up in Cinderella (1950) and said, “You know what? I’m going to search the kingdom for this girl.” And guess what? He did. And no, it wasn’t creepy at all. In fact, it was kind of sweet. I mean, sure, he didn’t have much of a personality, but hey, back then, it was all about the visual stuff. You didn’t need a deep backstory for a prince. He just needed a fancy cape and to be good at kissing.
But here’s the kicker: He didn’t even know who he was kissing at first. It was a blind-date situation, but still, he was out there, doing the thing. Props to him.
The Evolution of Disney Princes: Not Just a Pretty Face Anymore
Prince Eric – Not Just a Sailor, But a Real “Catch”
Fast forward to The Little Mermaid (1989), and bam, we meet Prince Eric. Here’s a guy who does more than just look good in a sailor suit. He actively falls for Ariel (without even knowing her whole backstory—brave, but risky), and then does something about it. He doesn’t just wait for Ariel to solve her problems. Oh no, he jumps right in, nearly dying in the process. Talk about dedication.
So yeah, Disney Princes were starting to change the game. No longer were they just there for the kissing and the crown. Eric? He was a whole mood. And like, who wouldn’t love a prince who risked his life to save a woman who was basically a fish at the time?
The Beast – Redemption is a Total Vibe
Next up, let’s talk about the Beast. He’s not just a grumpy dude who needs a good skincare routine. No, he’s a whole redemption arc wrapped in fur. In Beauty and the Beast (1991), we see a prince who’s literally cursed for being selfish. Now that’s some real personal growth right there. And let’s be real: it wasn’t just Belle’s beauty that changed him—it was her kindness and patience.
Side note: I’ve tried being patient. I’ve tried being kind. It’s really hard, especially when people cut you off in traffic. But anyway, I digress. The Beast teaches us that you can always grow—no matter how rough your first impression might be.
The Disney Renaissance: Princes Who Are Actually Important
Aladdin – The Prince Who Wasn’t a Prince… Yet
Okay, now we’re talking about Aladdin (1992). This dude, I mean—Aladdin, right? He starts off as a street rat (literally, that’s how the song goes), but by the end of the film, he’s a Disney Prince in every sense. But here’s the twist: He’s not born into royalty. Nope, he has to literally wish his way into that life (with a bit of help from his buddy, Genie).
But what sets Aladdin apart is his heart. He doesn’t want to be a prince for the fame or wealth. He just wants to be with Jasmine, the love of his life. And y’all, we’ve all been there. We’ve all done that “I’m not good enough for you” internal monologue, so Aladdin’s struggle is something we can all get behind.
Simba – A Prince Who Gets His Hands Dirty
Simba’s journey in The Lion King (1994) isn’t just about becoming king—it’s about learning what it means to be a good leader. I mean, dude literally starts as a carefree cub and ends up taking on a wild boar with his bare hands. Talk about leveling up.
Simba’s a Disney Prince who learns through suffering—losing his father, running away, and then eventually coming back to face his fears. It’s a journey of growth, and if you ask me, it’s one of the most emotionally powerful arcs in Disney history.
Bullet List: The Traits of a True Disney Prince
Okay, let’s pause for a sec. What makes a true Disney Prince? Sure, they’ve got the charm and the shiny crowns, but there’s more to it. Here’s what all the best princes have in common:
- They actually do stuff. I’m talking about action here. Not just waiting around for someone to hand them a sword.
- They’re vulnerable. Whether it’s a curse, a misunderstanding, or just being bad at talking to their crush, they get real about their feelings.
- They’re brave in ways that go beyond fighting villains. It’s about facing inner demons, stepping up when it matters most.
- Oh, and they can sing. (Because, of course, they can.)
The “Modern” Disney Princes: Complex, Funny, and Relatable
Flynn Rider – The Sarcastic Prince
Ah, Tangled (2010). Flynn Rider—what a character. He’s the charming rogue who starts off as a classic “bad boy” but turns into an earnest, loving partner. What’s great about Flynn is that he’s not trying to be perfect. He’s not even really trying to be a prince. But when it comes to Rapunzel, he’s all in. Plus, can we talk about his smolder for a sec? I mean, seriously.
Flynn’s story is like watching a guy slowly realize he might actually be a decent human being. And for the record, he has some of the best one-liners in Disney history. It’s like he’s almost self-aware. Almost.
Kristoff – A Prince with No Title, But Lots of Heart
Now, let’s talk about Kristoff from Frozen (2013). He doesn’t have a crown or royal blood, but is he a Disney Prince? Absolutely. He’s a guy who works hard, helps his friends, and—unlike every other prince before him—doesn’t try to overshadow Anna. That’s right, Kristoff’s entire deal is about supporting Anna, not about winning her over.
Kristoff’s a prince for the modern era. He’s not flashy. He’s not smooth. But he’s there when you need him. And let’s be honest, I’d rather have Kristoff as a partner than Prince Charming any day. At least Kristoff knows how to talk about feelings (and the guy can pull off a yodel).
Bullet List: Some of the Most Legendary Disney Princes
Now that we’ve gone through a few of my personal faves, let’s take a minute to appreciate some of the other Disney Princes:
- Prince Eric & Ariel – The sailor prince who doesn’t even care that she’s half-fish.
- The Beast & Belle – Beauty and the beast—literally.
- Aladdin & Jasmine – A street rat with a heart of gold.
- Simba & Nala – From childhood friends to ruling the Pride Lands.
- Flynn & Rapunzel – A thief who found his heart (and his place in the kingdom).
- Kristoff & Anna – A rugged ice harvester and his queen.
Each of these relationships is a unique take on what it means to be a Disney Prince—and what it takes to earn your happily ever after.
The Legacy of Disney Princes
So, let me wrap this up for you. Disney Princes aren’t just sidekicks in their own stories. They’re integral to the magic. Over the years, they’ve transformed from the silent heroes of old to complex characters with their own issues, quirks, and sometimes questionable decisions.
And yeah, maybe we could do with a little less “perfect” and a little more realness in our future Disney Princes. But for now, I’ll take what we’ve got. Because, hey, these guys taught me a thing or two about love, bravery, and, most importantly, learning from mistakes.