16 Disney Women Who are Absolute Bosses 

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Disney women know how to get things done. They solve problems, stand up for themselves, and follow their dreams. We’re willing to bet that you’ve been inspired by a Disney woman before: perhaps their bravery gave you the courage to pick up a new hobby, step up your leadership game, or be true to your heart. These 16 Disney doyennes are a few that particularly stand out to us, and we think you’ll agree that they are total bosses in love and life:

Belle is a kind, gentle bibliophile, but that doesn’t mean she can’t stand up for herself. When Gaston is a little too pushy, she has no problem showing him to the door, and shutting it in his face, to boot.

When Rapunzel sings “When Will My Life Begin?” in

, we can’t help but think “it sounds like your life is pretty full already!” Sure, Rapunzel would love to see and experience the world around her, but it she’s been staying busy in that tower. With all of the cooking, reading, and painting she does on a daily basis, we’re willing to bet she’s quite the renaissance woman. Just look at that mural!

, her feisty sister brings a different type of power to the table. Anna is vulnerable and caring, but when someone hurts her or her family, she won’t stand for it.

Ariel is curious and bold, quite unlike anyone else under the sea. Her thirst for knowledge and her dedication to curating the kingdom’s coolest secret cavern makes her a total boss.

Dory’s nuggets of wisdom are some of our favorite Disney•Pixar quotes of all time. Dory helps Marlin see the world from a different perspective, and reminds us that sometimes you have to take risks and let go to fully live your life. You have to believe in yourself and keep going, even if the people around you insist you’ll fail. Also, it helps to know how to speak whale.

Imagine you have been captured by pirates at gunpoint. Would you be level-headed enough to remember your maritime legal rights? We sure wouldn’t, but Elizabeth Swann handles the situation with grace and power. There are so many reasons to love Elizabeth Swann, but her ability to remain calm under pressure (plus her irrefutable intelligence) is something to be admired.

Jasmine is a woman who knows what she wants and takes action. She refuses to be defined by a tradition that she disagrees with in her heart and mind. Also she has a pet tiger, and that alone makes her extremely boss-worthy.

Nala’s shade is the shade we should all aspire to: when she seeks help from Simba and he starts offering poor excuses, she won’t stand for any of it. Nala doesn’t let Simba’s pride stand in the way of helping the Pride. And in the end, it was partly  her persistence that helped Simba realize what he needed to do.

Sally is a strong and inventive woman. She is constantly surrounded by people who want to control her or refuse to listen to her voice of reason, but she outsmarts them at every turn. In the end, Sally is probably the most admirable character in the whole movie. Who would have thought a rag doll could have so much substance?

Rambunctious, strong-willed Merida is a force to be reckoned with. However, throughout

she gains compassion, understanding and learns about what’s truly important in life. We can’t think of anything more boss-like than learning and growing from your mistakes.

to the end credits (featuring the truly incredible vocal stylings of Stevie Wonder and 98 Degrees), Fa Mulan slays everything: Saving her father from a burden he couldn’t bear, keeping up with all the boys in the army, and ultimately defending and saving the city from attack, Mulan is powerful beyond measure. To have the emperor, not to mention thousands upon thousands of people, bow to you is a feat. Mulan got the recognition she deserved as boss lady extraordinaire.

Jessie is a welcome addition to Woody’s roundup, and an outspoken one at that. Full of charm and charisma, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

Cinderella basically runs an entire household by herself. As if balancing three platters on her person isn’t difficult enough, she also manages the laundry, the livestock, dealing with three grumpy people, and taming a precocious cat. Hats off to you, boss princess with dainty feet.

Pocahontas is a free spirit who doesn’t always choose the smoothest course, but always tries to choose the right one. She brings peace to her people, and saves John Smith’s life. Boss status.

are a dream team (and squad goals, obviously) but there’s no question that Flora leads the pack. Without her, hiding Briar Rose wouldn’t have been possible. She also reminds us that it’s always a boss move to ask for help and work together with your friends to solve a problem.

When we think of someone making their dreams a reality, we think of Tiana. She held on to her dream for so long, and with hard work and determination, she made it come true. We also appreciate the fact that she brought her payment in cash to fund Tiana’s Palace.

These are just a few of the Disney women we think are beyond amazing. Which Disney woman do you think is a total boss? Tell us in the comments!

Tagged as: Aladdin (1992), Anna, Ariel, Beauty and the Beast (1991), Belle, Brave (2012), Cinderella (1950), Cinderella, Dory, Elizabeth Swann, Finding Nemo (2003), Jasmine, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, Merida, Mulan (1998), Mulan, Nala, Nightmare Before Christmas, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pocahontas (1995), Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Sally, Sleeping Beauty (1959), Tangled (2010), The Lion King (1994), The Little Mermaid (1989), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tiana, Toy Story 2 (1999)

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