13 Non-Princess Animated Heroines Who Are Way Too Freakin' Underrated

Mostly part of equally underrated but great movies, tbh.

1. Kida, Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Disney

This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest, yet most underrated Disney movies. How can an epic submarine adventure to the lost city of Atlantis, including a diverse cast with many strong female characters and lots of humor, not receive more love?! Kida actually starts as a princess and a warrior, but then becomes the queen of Atlantis. She is strong, independent, wise, a good leader and willing to accept change when it's for the better.

In case you needed more proof of her badassery:

Disney

2. Chel, The Road to El Dorado

DreamWorks

Sassy and smart, she knows how to make the best of any situation, and is searching for something more (even thought most of us wouldn't complain about living in a city made of gold, tbh). And she has her jewelry game on point!

3. Esmeralda, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Disney

Born as a poor gypsy, she is probably the opposite of a princess. Yet Esmeralda is outspoken, unafraid to question authority and fight for what she believes in, fiercely loyal to her people, and kind to everyone, being one of the few who didn't judge Quasimodo for his looks. She is able to hold her ground in a fight and be as seductive as a cartoon character ever could.

4. Marina, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas

DreamWorks

Marina is a noblewoman engaged to the prince, who chooses to join Sinbad the Thief on a dangerous quest in order to make sure he keeps his promise and saves her husband-to-be. Determined, assertive, and sharp, and longing for freedom and adventure, she discovers a new way of life that suits her better (and a new man, also).

5. Megara, Hercules

Disney

Ah, this character may not be a princess, but she surely is the queen of sarcasm, witty humor, and being chill. She is able to play with men's emotions, and knows to take care of herself first and foremost. After being disappointed in love before, Meg doesn't trust people easily, but after finding someone who deserves her affection, she is ready to sacrifice herself for them.

6. Captain Amelia, Treasure Planet

Disney

Back to underrated Disney movies: move along, princesses, here comes a Captain. A competent sailor, skilled fighter, remarkable acrobat, and not even entirely human, Captain Amelia is the badass alien we all aspire to be. Also, you will fall in love with her english accent and refined insults.

7. Helga Sinclair from Atlantis

Disney

The greyest of all grey characters, Helga is a villainess for the most part, but she nevertheless plays an essential role in taking down the big bad guy. Seductive and strong, she knows how to use her looks, guns, and mind alike, fighting both with her body and sharp wit. She is basically the Disney version of a blonde Black Widow.

8. Wendy Darling, Peter Pan

Disney

Wendy is a storyteller who, much like Alice, dreams of impossible worlds and adventure. She doesn't want to grow up and enjoys the freedom her childhood gives, but she is a mother-like figure for the lost children, taking care of them and her younger brothers. Kind and good-natured, she never lets anything disturb her positive attitude.

9. Shanti, The Jungle Book

Disney

In the first Jungle Book, Shanti only appears at the end, luring Mowgli to come to the main village with her song and pretty eyes. But in the sequel (I know! Sequels suck.) we get more of this awesome character. Even though she knows how to have fun, she is the most mature and responsible of all children, being the only one who understands the dangers of the jungle. But when she needs to be brave, she proves herself by going alone into the jungle to find to bring back Mowgli.

10. Audrey, Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Disney

# A tough, sarcastic, tomboyish, teenage Latina and excellent engineer who burns everyone with her ironic remarks, pops her gum in front of danger, and is ultimately ready to fight for the greater good. Need I say more?

11. Alice, Alice in Wonderland

Disney

Alice is only a child, but she is already a dreamer who personifies curiosity and innocence. She is not scared of ending up in Wonderland, and she is eager to explore this confusing, whimsical new world. Her imagination runs wild and reminds us that sometimes a bit of daydreaming doesn't hurt.

12. Jane, Tarzan

Disney

Until recently when I rewatched Tarzan, I never remembered Jane being such a good character. She is an adeventurer and an intellectual, as passionate about studying wildlife as her father. She is curious about the world, loves nature, and wishes to protect it.

13. And Eris from Sinbad

DreamWorks

Princesses, queens, whatever, this is a freaking goddess AND one of the greatest villains in animated movies. Incredibly powerful, cunning, and evil for the pure fun of it, she makes it seem like bad guys have the most fun. And if those aren't hair goals, you need a new pair of eyes.

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