Disney has a long history of making excellent princess movies fans worldwide adore. However, Disney princes seem to fall to the wayside of their partners, who are undoubtedly more popular. While some princes are relatively forgettable, others stand out as charming and charismatic.

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Whether they play a large role in the movie or give their princesses agency and independence, some princes are more popular among fans than others. Some princes, especially those in older films, feel boring and do not contribute to the story aside from being a love interest. Other princes make their presence known, are active in the plot, and win the viewers' love.

Updated by Alexandra Locke on January 1, 2023: While Disney Princes often fall to the wayside when discussing Disney couples, many deserve more recognition. Their princesses may be more popular and beloved, but these charming men deserve to be recognized as well. With so many wonderful princes to choose from, this article has been updated to include even more of Disney's best princes.

15 Prince Charming Doesn't Serve The Plot

Cinderella

Cinderella dances with Prince

Cinderella's love interest, Prince Charming is the prince of the kingdom where Cinderella, her step-sisters, and Lady Tremaine live. Cinderella's stepmother and step-sisters emotionally abuse her and attempt to stop her from attending the royal ball, but Cinderella still manages to steal the prince's heart.

Unfortunately, Prince Charming's only role in the film is to be Cinderella's love interest, and he does not offer much else to the plot. As a result, he is quite a boring character. The only memorable thing about him is his name, which is often used in a general way to describe a perfect partner.

14 John Smith Lacks Depth

Pocahontas

Pocahontas and John Smith lock eyes in the forest.

John Smith comes to America as part of the fleet sent to colonize the land and eliminate the Native people already living there. While on his mission, Smith meets Pocahontas, the beautiful daughter of Chief Powhatan. The two fall in love, despite others frowning upon their relationship.

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Not only is John Smith a generic character with a generic name and little personality, but the reason he originally sets out for America is to kill Pocahontas and her tribe. While he quickly recognizes the errors of his thinking, Smith is not as memorable as other princes and does not stand out next to Pocahontas.

13 Prince Phillip Fights A Dragon To Save His Love

Sleeping Beauty

Prince Phillip and Aurora smiling, Sleeping Beauty

In Sleeping Beauty, Prince Phillip hears Aurora singing in the forest and instantly falls in love with her despite not knowing who she is — much to his father's disappointment. Unbeknownst to him, Phillip is already betrothed to Aurora but thinks the young woman in the woods is the peasant girl, Briar Rose.

When the fan-favorite villain Maleficent, kidnaps Aurora, Phillip sets out to rescue her. He is fearless in his mission and will do anything to save the girl he loves — willingly taking on a fire-breathing dragon. While brave to a fault, there is not much depth to his personality compared to the more recent Disney princes.

12 Simba Returns To His Responsibilities

The Lion King

Simba roaring in The Lion King

Simba begins The Lion King as a confident and eager young prince. Although he gets a little lost along the way, Simba eventually returns to Pride Rock to atone for his mistakes and take his rightful place as king.

Simba is one of the most likable Disney princes because he proves that it is okay to make mistakes. As one of the most relatable princes, Simba helps fans to feel like they can overcome their shortcomings to do something great – even if they need a not-so-gentle-nudging from their loved ones.

11 Prince Adam Spends Most Of The Movie Angry But Eventually Softens

Beauty And The Beast

Prince Adam and Belle embracing in Beauty and the Beast.

Beauty and the Beast's prince, Prince Adam, turns into a giant beast after he refuses to show an old witch kindness. He kidnaps Belle's father Maurice and takes her in exchange when she comes to rescue her father. Adam is furious for most of the movie and verbally abuses Belle.

As the two spend more time together, Prince Adam softens up and allows himself to enjoy being around the brilliant, charming, and strong Belle. He even allows her to use his magic mirror to see her father and commits other small acts of kindness. Eventually, they fall in love, and true love's kiss saves the day just as the last petal falls off the magical rose, turning Adam back into a handsome prince.

10 Prince Eric Accepts Ariel As She Is

The Little Mermaid

Prince Eric and Ariel in front of the sunset in Disney's Little Mermaid

While many disagree with the overall messages of The Little Mermaid, it is hard to deny that Prince Eric is a good partner for Ariel. When he initially meets her, she appears to be a human unable to speak. However, he eventually learns she is a mermaid who traded her voice to be with him.

This fact does not deter Eric from Ariel; he puts his life in danger to save her and her father from Ursula, showing that his love for her is unrelenting. Eric is handsome, kind, and noticeably happier when he is with Ariel. Despite the messages portrayed when Ariel gives up her voice and changes herself for a man, she ultimately picks a good partner.

9 Robin Hood Is Unconventionally Philanthropic

Robin Hood

An image of Robin Hood from Robin Hood.

Despite Robin Hood technically being a thief, it is nearly impossible to avoid the devilish smirk on his face as he cheats another rich person to give back to the poorest in his community in Robin Hood. His gallant charms and playful spirit add to his likability and make him seem more approachable than a lot of Disney princes.

Robin Hood’s generous spirit makes him a fan favorite. Where a lot of other princes flaunt their wealth, Robin Hood immediately gives it away to those most in need. Brave, giving, and roguishly charming, Robin Hood steals audiences' hearts as well as the coins from the rich.

8 Li Shang Charms Mulan As Her Captain

Mulan

Mulan and Li Shang smiling, Mulan.

Mulan goes to war to defend China, disguising herself as a man to protect her ill and aging father. The captain of her troop is Li Shang, an army general's ambitious and driven son. During the war, Mulan saves everyone's lives, but when her troop discovers she is a woman, everyone turns against her and almost takes her life.

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While Li Shang is initially disgusted by Mulan and her actions, he eventually realizes Mulan is incredibly brave and strong, leading him to give her the praise she deserves. Shang is funny, charismatic, and confident, making Mulan fall for him long before he realizes her true identity.

7 Prince Naveen Goes From A Player To A Devoted Husband

The Princess And The Frog

Prince Naveen and Tiana with a hammer in The Princess and the Frog.

When Prince Naveen meets Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, he is an arrogant, spoiled prince used to getting whatever he wants. He also brags about his past relationships with many women. However, as he spends more time with the humble, sweet, hard-working Tiana, he changes his ways.

As Prince Naveen falls in love with Tiana, he realizes what is important in life. His dream is to help Tiana achieve her dreams, and he becomes a selfless and devoted husband who always puts his wife first. Not only is he handsome and charming, but he loves Tiana unconditionally.

6 Aladdin Is A Diamond In The Rough

Aladdin

Aladdin And Jasmine On Magic Carpet, Aladdin

Aladdin falls in love with Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah, when she goes to the village in disguise and steals food for hungry children — almost getting her hand cut off. When he learns her identity and releases Genie from the lamp, Aladdin wishes to become a prince to win her over.

Aladdin takes Jasmine on a magic carpet ride around the world, something she has always dreamed of while trapped behind the palace walls. His charm, humor, kindness, and thoughtfulness win her over. Despite both parties initially lying about their identities, the two fall in love. To this day, Aladdin is one of the most exciting and likable Disney princes.

5 Hercules Swims Through The Underworld To Save His Love

Hercules

Hercules pointing off-screen in Hercules 1997.

Hercules is the strong and kind protagonist of the eponymous Disney film. Though he initially feels awkward and out of place, Hercules eventually learns that he is the son of two gods. From there, Hercules trains as hard as he can to prove to his dad that he belongs in Olympus.

Hercules is charming, sweet, and overall, a nice guy. He does whatever he can to help in any situation – even swimming through the Underworld to retrieve Megara’s soul. Hercules is a good guy who fans are delighted to see whenever he is onscreen.

4 Tarzan Knows The Importance Of Family

Tarzan

Tarzan from Tarzan (1999) looking at an old photo of his family

Although he was raised by gorillas, Tarzan is a gentle soul who cares deeply for his family and the jungle. Despite not knowing much about life in England, Tarzan does his best to learn so that he can communicate with Jane and the others.

Tarzan’s strength, loyalty, and bravery all play a part in what makes him a beloved Disney prince. Although he is not technically the new leader of the Gorillas, Kerchak acknowledging him as his son solidifies Tarzan in the hierarchy of Gorilla society. He may mess up sometimes, but Tarzan proves that he can protect his village and his people

3 Milo Thatch Finds Atlantis

Atlantis: The Lost World

Unofficial Disney Prince - Milo Thatch

Milo Thatch begins Atlantis: The Lost Empire as a bumbling scientist obsessed with finding an ancient journal. Fortunately, that status does not last for long as Milo finds himself on a whirlwind ride to the city he spent his whole life searching for.

Milo is studious and loyal. He loves discovering new things and is willing to try anything once. He knows the importance of keeping traditions alive, plus, he helps the Atlantians learn more about their culture, which was previously lost to them. Although it was sad to see Milo stay behind with Kida, fans can be sure that he will find the happiness and adventure he always craved in his previous life.

2 Kristoff Puts Anna First No Matter What

Frozen

anna embraced by kristoff in frozen 2

Although Frozen's Kristoff technically is not a Disney prince (though he will be once he and Anna marry), he is one of the best partners in any Disney film. He and Anna fall in love on their trek to find her sister Elsa. They save each other's lives many times along the way, and Kristoff puts Anna first in every situation.

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By the film's end, Kristoff knows he loves her but disregards his feelings to bring her to Hans, who they believe will heal her frozen heart with an act of true love. Hans turns out to be the villain, but Kristoff and Anna's love prevails. By the end of Frozen 2, the couple plan to marry. Kristoff is the sweetest and most thoughtful Disney prince and will do anything for the girl he loves.

1 Flynn Rider Is The Perfect Disney Prince

Tangled

Flynn Rider and Rapunzel watching the lanterns, Tangled

Flynn Rider, or Eugene Fitzherbert, is the thief-turned-prince who meets Rapunzel and helps her along her adventure to find the floating lights in Tangled. While his initial intentions for assisting Rapunzel are not great, the two fall in love during their adventure. He also risks his life to save her from the evil Mother Gothel. After Gothel's karmic death, Flynn and Rapunzel return to the kingdom, where she reunites with her parents.

Despite initially being rough around the edges, Flynn softens up and tells Rapunzel about his past and childhood struggles, giving viewers a better sense of who he is. Flynn can think of witty remarks on the flip of a dime. He is charming, handsome, and a deeper character than many of the other princes.

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