15 most empowering female Disney characters of all time

Magical and larger than life, Elsa is the perfect mythic character—but she can’t help but wonder why she was born with powers. What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? Featuring Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Magical and larger than life, Elsa is the perfect mythic character—but she can’t help but wonder why she was born with powers. What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? Featuring Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved. /
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THE LION KING – Featuring the voice of Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, Disney’s “The Lion King” is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019. © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. /

4. Nala

A good best friend will always be totally honest with you. They’ll push you to be your best, and call you out when you’re acting like a fool. Nala, from The Lion King, is a really good best friend.

When Simba tells their mothers that he wants to take Nala to see something at the watering hole, she scoffs and asks “What’s so great about the water hole?!” Throughout their childhood, Nala continuously lets Simba know when he’s being dim-witted.

When they grow up, nothing changes. Well, once the shock of Simba actually being alive passes. As soon as she’s wrapped her head around it, Nala lets Simba know exactly what she thinks of the fact that he’s essentially been hiding out and letting his kingdom go to ruin.

In fairness, she doesn’t know Simba’s big secret. And in all reality, that’s the problem. Had Nala known why Simba was so ashamed and scared to return, she would’ve given him the exact right advice, and told him that what happened to Mufasa wasn’t his fault.

In The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, Nala is only cooler. Now she’s queen, as she deserves to be. Once again, she’s keeping Simba on the right path. She tells him to loosen up on their daughter, and to be more trusting of Kovu.

Honestly, you have to wonder if things would ever run smoothly without Nala. And she knows it.