Yes, we said we would do it, and now we have - here is our list of the Top 10 Best Movie Princesses who AREN'T Disney. You're welcome. So, sit back and relax, and let us guide you through the lands of non-Disney Princesses, and fingers crossed your favourite is on our list!
10: Anna Valerious (Van Helsing)
We can already hear the obligatory screams of 'she's not a princess' coming from the balcony, but we have put fearless Anna Valerious on our list because (technically) she is princess of the gypsies. So there. Yes while critics may have panned Van Helsing (although we secretly kind of love it), Anna was definitely one of the redeemable features. Portrayed by the kick-ass Kate Beckinsale, Anna had everything - large array of cool weaponry, lean fighting skills and enough attitude to fuel a large city. Her fearless attempts to kill her foes and her penchant for red earn her a place on our list at number 10.
9: Padmé Amidala (Star Wars)
Former Princess (technically) and Queen of Naboo, Padmé is pretty powerful and diplomatic, taking her responsibilities as ruler very seriously. Oh, and she's 14 years old. Bet you weren't all that clever when you were 14 - and you probably didn't command an entire nation. Padmé is distrustful of bureaucracy (and we kind of love that!) and completely opposes corruption, the disadvantages facing her people and tries her utmost best to rectifying any disputes. She can be incredibly serious when she needs to be but still loving when it matters, and that is why Padmé is number 9 on our list.
8: Princess Buttercup (The Princess Bride)
Buttercup is her name, farm boys are her game. Yes, Princess Buttercup knows what she wants and isn't afraid to chuck herself down a hill to get it, or crawl through fire swamps and have encounters with oversized rodents. And what about swimming with eels? No problem. Buttercup also isn't afraid to play martyr to save the person she loves. Pretty gutsy. I think we can all agree, Buttercup is pretty special.
7: San (Princess Mononoke)
Swooping in at number 7 is San, from Ghibli classic, Princess Mononoke. Raised by wolves, San is pretty distrusting (and generally hateful) of humans and seeks to defend her forest against human influence. As protective as the day is long, San is also a pretty skilled warrior, demonstrating particular proficiency with daggers and spears, while remaining fast and agile. However San has a unique quality in that although she can be vicious and protective like a wolf, she is still human and has a loving side to her as well.
6: Éowyn (Lord of the Rings)
Oh yes, it's the Witch King killer herself, Eowyn. Possibly one of the greatest moments from the Lord of the Rings trilogy was definitely Eowyn killing the dreaded Witch King after sneaking onto the battlefield disguised as a man. Oh yes, there seems to be some sort of theme in fantasy films where men just don't like women fighting. Go figure. But here is Eowyn to prove you all wrong, as she defeats someone who pretty much everyone fears. Eowyn also happens to be incredibly loving and fearless. Adding to her list of accolades, she also managed to kill the Witch King's Fell beast. Yeah, take that.
5: Odette (The Swan Princess)
A somewhat obscure addition to our list is the lesser known animated princess feature, The Swan Princess, which featured Odette, a princess who gets turned into a swan during the day and can change into a human at night, provided she is in a lake under moonlight. Complicated, huh. One of the things we like best about Odette is that she is not afraid to stand up for herself, and initially when Prince Derek can only think of her beauty in his contrived proposal, she rightfully rebuffs him, wanting him to see her for more than just a pretty face. You go, girl!
4: Neytiri (Avatar)
While we are frankly perplexed as to how Avatar can be the highest grossing film of all time, we have a particular soft spot for Neytiri, the outspoken Na'vi Princess. There are so many things to love about Neytiri; she is strong-willed, brave, loyal and finds the environment around her to be sacred and takes good care of it (which is something we could probably all do a little more). Wiser than a wise oak tree, Neytiri has a particular knack for being able to see past physical appearance and is incredibly spiritual, but can also become angry when something threatens the people that she loves. We also love her look with the blue skin and striking eyes and we love how she's pretty nifty with a variety of weaponry, not to mention being particularly skilled in riding her ikran, Seze.
3: Danielle de Barbarac (Ever After)
Into the Top 3 now, and if there's one thing we learned from Ever After, it's that Danielle certainly doesn't need anyone to save her. Even when the chips are down and she's stuck in a castle with a creepy dude with ridiculous facial hair, she still manages to find a way out. Danielle is a particular intelligent, wise, passionate and kind individual, who helps others around her while pondering life's greater meaning on a regular basis. An ultimate fan of Utopia, Danielle loves books and has often been described as a most passionate person. She has an interesting take on democracy and how the rulers of her land treat their subjects, and manages to unwittingly charm a prince with her strong and determined nature. Danielle is able to notice arrogance when she sees it and abhors greed and deceitfulness, and all of these factors make her almost saintly. Pictured above as the living incarnation of an Angel, Danielle is pretty spectacular whichever way you look at it.
2: Princess Fiona (Shrek)
So, who can beat out Danielle to the number two spot? Well, it's none other than everyone's favourite green princess, Fiona. Yes, Fiona is certainly an unconventional princess, in the fact that she likes to fight, burp and is relatively outspoken and feisty when she wants to be. Oh, and she's also an ogre, yeah, go figure. Fiona is incredibly down-to-earth and independent, and especially loyal to her friends, which is a valuable quality. Sufficed to say, Fiona is pretty bad-ass and heroic and we just love all her character quirks. All of this earns the red-haired princess a space at number 2 on our list.
1: Princess Anastasia (Anastasia)
OK, OK, OK. If you hadn't guessed it by now, Anya (or Princess Anastasia) is our number 1 Best Non-Disney Movie Princess. Yes, the somewhat forgotten princess from the movie that some people mistake for being by Disney (it's by Fox people!) - it's Anastasia! After being knocked out trying to flee from her family's home when Rasputin comes a-knocking, Anya winds up in a children's home in Russia, while her only living grandmother resides in Paris. Anastasia is full of character, is cheeky, feisty, outspoken and dreams of finding her family in Paris and living the life she has always wanted - love, home, family (yes, we did just quote a song from the film). It's no doubt that Anastasia is pretty gutsy, considering that she faces off against Rasputin herself and manages to (spoiler) kill him - hip, hip, hooray! Not content to live the life of a princess, she goes off travelling with former servant boy, Demitri. Anastasia has to be our favourite red-haired princess (are you seeing a theme developing?) and we hope that you love her too.
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