Top Disney Prince Saves Princess Movies
Hey guys! Ever been in the mood for some classic Disney magic where the prince swoops in and rescues the princess? Yeah, me too! It's a tale as old as time, and honestly, who doesn't love a good rescue story? We're diving deep into some of the best Disney movies where the prince takes center stage as the hero. Get ready for some amazing stories, because we're about to journey through animated worlds filled with brave princes, damsels in distress (sometimes!), and of course, a happily ever after. Let's get started, shall we?
The OG: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Let's kick things off with the one that started it all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This movie is a cornerstone of Disney history, and it's where we get our first taste of the classic prince-saves-princess trope. In this story, the evil Queen, consumed by vanity, plots to eliminate Snow White, the fairest of them all. Snow White flees into the forest and finds refuge with the seven dwarfs. But the Queen isn't one to give up, she tricks Snow White into eating a poisoned apple.
Here, our prince, Prince Florian, steps in! When Snow White is under the spell of the poisoned apple, the prince makes his grand entrance. Now, this isn't your typical action-packed rescue. He comes in, finds Snow White in her sleeping state, and gives her a true love's kiss. This is the original 'kiss of true love' that breaks the spell, and it's a huge deal. The prince's love is what ultimately saves her, making him the hero of the story. It's a simple, yet powerful message about the power of love and how it can conquer all, even a poisoned apple. The prince doesn't fight a dragon or battle a villain physically, but his love and a kiss break the curse, making him a true hero in the most romantic way possible. The Prince, who is actually just called “The Prince” in the film, embodies the ideal of a prince, and shows the world what it means to truly love someone and be brave. It is important to note that the Prince does not have a large role in the story, but his actions are what matters, he saves the day.
The Prince's Role
The Prince's role is brief but essential. He symbolizes true love and is the catalyst for Snow White's ultimate salvation. His presence is a beacon of hope and a reminder that good triumphs over evil. He's the one who sees her beauty, not just externally but also internally. His kiss is what brings her back to life and allows them to live happily ever after. This is the film that started it all, with the prince as the hero. This film is iconic.
A Tale of Love: Cinderella (1950)
Next up, we have Cinderella, another timeless classic that showcases the prince saving the day. In this tale, Cinderella is trapped in a life of servitude, mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. She dreams of escaping her difficult life and finding happiness.
Now, Prince Charming is the ultimate romantic hero in this one. He throws a ball, all the girls in the land are invited, and of course, Cinderella wants to go. Her fairy godmother makes sure Cinderella gets to the ball and meets Prince Charming. They fall in love, but Cinderella has to leave before the clock strikes midnight. The Prince is immediately smitten with Cinderella, but can't find her, until the slipper fits perfectly.
Now, the Prince doesn't physically fight any villains to save Cinderella. He's not exactly a warrior, but he does something just as important: he recognizes her worth and pursues her. The Prince goes around the kingdom, searching for the woman whose foot fits the glass slipper. His search, driven by love, is his heroic act. He eventually finds Cinderella, and his love for her sets her free. Prince Charming's persistence and unwavering belief in Cinderella are what save her from her terrible circumstances. He essentially rescues her from her old life and gives her a chance at a much better future. Cinderella's prince, much like the story, is magical.
Prince Charming's Heroism
Prince Charming's heroism lies in his devotion and determination. He uses his power and position to search for Cinderella, making sure that he finds her. His willingness to go above and beyond to find her, and his love for Cinderella, is the very definition of a romantic hero. He sees past her rags and recognizes the beautiful person inside, and this makes him a true hero.
The Beast's Transformation: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Beauty and the Beast flips the script a bit. While the prince still saves the princess, it's not in the way you might expect. The story centers around Belle, who is imprisoned in the Beast's castle. The Beast, who is actually a prince under a curse, has to earn Belle's love to break the spell.
In this tale, the Beast's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption. He has to learn to love and be loved in return. Gaston, the narcissistic antagonist, is determined to marry Belle. The climax of the film sees Gaston confronting the Beast in a battle for Belle's affection. Here, the Beast, in his true form, has to defend himself and Belle against Gaston. The Beast, initially seen as a monster, becomes a protector, defending Belle from Gaston's cruelty. The Beast's transformation into a hero, and ultimately a prince, is the culmination of his journey of redemption.
So, while the Beast is the one who is technically rescued by Belle's love at the end, he also fights to protect her, making him the hero who saves the princess. His transformation back into a human prince is the ultimate rescue, symbolizing the power of love to break curses and redeem even the most flawed individuals. This is a very complex story.
The Beast's Role
The Beast undergoes a dramatic transformation from a fearsome creature to a loving prince. He initially imprisons Belle but eventually learns to love her. His bravery in protecting Belle from Gaston, and his ability to change, are what ultimately make him a hero, as well as a prince. This movie proves that change, and being a hero, can take time.
Rescuing the Lost: The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaid has a prince saving the princess element too, with a bit of a twist. Ariel, the mermaid, falls in love with Prince Eric. To be with him, she makes a deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to become human.
Ariel, now human, tries to win Eric's love, but Ursula is a scheming villain and attempts to sabotage their relationship. Eric has to save Ariel from Ursula's clutches. He fights Ursula to save Ariel, and in doing so, he defeats the villain. Eric's love for Ariel is what empowers him to save her. He's not just a prince but also a brave protector, willing to risk everything for the woman he loves. This film is one of the most beloved Disney films of all time.
Prince Eric's Heroism
Prince Eric shows his heroism through his bravery and love for Ariel. He fights Ursula to save Ariel, and his willingness to risk his life for her makes him a true hero. He sees her for who she is, and goes to the ends of the Earth, and the sea, to save her.
The Power of True Love: Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty is another classic, focusing on Prince Phillip. The evil Maleficent curses Princess Aurora to die on her sixteenth birthday. Aurora is hidden away and raised by three good fairies. But of course, the curse comes into play, and Aurora pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep.
Prince Phillip has to go on a heroic journey to rescue Aurora. He has to battle Maleficent, who transforms into a fire-breathing dragon. Phillip's fight with Maleficent is one of the most visually stunning and action-packed sequences in Disney history. He fights through thorns and obstacles to reach Aurora, proving his bravery and love. Prince Phillip's actions are the ultimate example of a prince saving a princess, and he ultimately breaks the curse with a kiss, waking Aurora up. This film is full of magic and action.
Prince Phillip's Heroism
Prince Phillip's bravery and determination are at the forefront in Sleeping Beauty. He fights off evil, and never stops trying to reach and save Aurora. His actions solidify him as a true hero, and this is what Disney is all about.
Additional Considerations and Modern Takes
It's worth noting that Disney has evolved over time. Newer movies often offer more nuanced portrayals of heroism, and some even challenge the traditional prince-saves-princess narrative. However, the classic stories hold a special place in our hearts. They introduced us to the idea of a prince saving the princess, and that is a story we still love today.
These films are beloved because they remind us of the power of love, courage, and true heroism. They provide a sense of hope and belief in happily ever afters. Each story offers something special, whether it's a romantic kiss, a daring battle, or a journey of self-discovery.
These Disney films, with their princes and princesses, are still cherished by audiences of all ages, and we love them! So, next time you're in the mood for some feel-good fun, give one of these classics a watch. You won't be disappointed!
I hope you enjoyed this journey through some of the best Disney movies where the prince comes to the rescue! Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!