Top 10 Dress Reveals in Animated Movies
#10: Jasmine's Wedding Dress
“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)
What better moment for a dramatic dress reveal than walking down the aisle as a bride? In the Disney straight-to-home video sequel, Jasmine debuts a beautiful gown on her wedding day. Members of the audience clamor to see her make her entrance, which is accompanied by a lot of theatrics. White doves lay down a carpet for her to walk on, and peacocks shield her from sight with their tails. When the princess is unveiled, everyone is impressed by her elegant outfit. She appears in a long sleeved white dress with gold accents and jewelry. The lilac flowers in her hair pick up on the dark purple tone of her brooch, while she carries a bouquet of white flowers. Overall, it’s a lovely display.
#9: Pocahontas's Ball Gown
“Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” (1998)
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Symbolically, this moment is a bit of a bummer, as it shows Pocahontas being further separated from the culture of her homeland. That being said, it’s an impressive transformation and reveal, which is why it makes this list. It’s preceded by a musical makeover scene, during which the heroine is styled in British formal wear from the era. The song "Wait 'Till He Sees You" helps build anticipation for her final look. This build up pays off when she finally emerges fully dressed at the top of the steps. John Rolfe stares up at her from below, entranced by her beauty. We get it! That descent down the stairs gives getting-picked-up-for-prom vibes in the best possible way.
#8: Rapunzel's Wedding Dress
“Tangled Ever After” (2012)
Rapunzel and Eugene tie the knot in a silly short starring their animal pals, Pascal and Maximus. There’s a simple yet extremely tasteful aesthetic running through the event as a whole, so when the bride enters donning her wedding dress, she really shines. Her stunning white gown has a show-stopping train that’s nearly as long as the church’s aisle. The puffed sleeves are reminiscent of the number she wears in the original film, but with far more elegance. To top it all off, the look is brought together by a tiara and a bouquet. Eugene and others can’t help but vocally express their appreciation for the reveal, and we’re right there with them.
#7: Esmeralda's Festival of Fools Look
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Just like her nomadic peers, Esmeralda is a master of illusion. She demonstrates as much during the Festival of Fools when she makes an impressive entrance wearing a colorful, new outfit. While entertaining the crowd, Clopin takes to a makeshift stage and disappears in a puff of magenta smoke. Esmerelda then appears in his place, donning a red dress with fuschia accents and ready to put on a show. The incredible trick could pass as magic, and transitions into Esmerelda’s own dance performance. As well as being striking on its own, her outfit perfectly compliments the memorable display.
#6: Ariel's Glimmering Dress
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
In animated films, many outfit transformations are magical in nature. Such is the case when Ariel acquires the ability to walk on land for the second time. After King Triton witnesses his daughter’s heartbreak over potentially losing Eric, he grants her legs. She emerges from the water on two feet and reunites with her true love, wearing a fabulous sparkly lilac-y gown. The color is almost reminiscent of the purple top she wears as a mermaid, and the sparkles give the impression that the dress is dripping wet from the ocean. One thing’s for sure: this look is way better than the burlap one she wears during her first stint as a human.
#5: Anastasia's Fantasy Dress
“Anastasia” (1997)
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Over the course of the historically-inspired film, the protagonist serves more than one fabulous dress reveal. For example, she debuts an extraordinary dark blue ensemble at the Paris Opera House, much to our and Dimitri’s awe. Our pick for this list, however, occurs within Anya’s imagination during the song, “Once Upon a December.” When she unknowingly returns to her former home, the orphan recalls her previous life as a Grand Duchess (though she doesn’t realize it). She envisions her ragged clothes turning into an exquisite yellow dress with a light blue belt. Golden sparkles accentuate the transformation, making it all the more dramatic. Later on, Anya dons a gown remarkably similar to the one she imagined, creating something of a full circle moment.
#4: Tiana's Green Wedding Gown
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Tiana dons a few notable dresses in the classically animated fairy tale. But the green gown she wears toward the end of the film has become her most iconic. Not only is it symbolic of her life as a frog, but it also has the best reveal. When the spell cast upon Naveen and Tiana is finally broken with a kiss at their first wedding, they’re miraculously returned to their human forms. The golden magic that surrounds the couple is dazzling. It melts away to unveil them wearing fabulous, coordinating formal outfits. Although they aren’t shown wearing these clothes for very long, Tiana’s botanic-inspired dress leaves a long-lasting impression.
#3: Belle's Ballroom Outfit
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Some of the best dress reveals are also the simplest, as evidenced by this breathtaking moment. The anticipation builds beforehand during a makeover scene featuring not Belle, but her date. The Beast is shown putting an effort into his appearance for the first time, which is so touching. Belle, on the other hand, isn’t seen until her look is complete. She emerges from one side of the split staircase wearing an astonishing yellow gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a full skirt. The Beast meets her halfway down the steps, and they descend the rest of the way together as Mrs. Potts sings. From the blocking to the setting, this revelatory moment is perfect. It’s no wonder Belle’s dress has become iconic in its own right.
#2: Elsa's Blue “Let It Go” Ensemble
“Frozen” (2013)
We’re not going to lie, we’re a little jealous of Elsa’s ability to switch up her look in an instant. If there’s one thing the ice queen loves, it's a magical makeover. The first time we see her use her powers to completely transform her clothes is by far the most famous, and for good reason. Towards the end of her power ballad, “Let it Go,” Elsa turns the conservative coronation gown she’s wearing into a fabulous light blue number. The long sleeved dress shimmers and has an attached cape that we’re honestly kind of obsessed with. It’s a reveal that reflects Elsa’s newly empowered state of mind, and we’re here for it.
#1: Cinderella's Ball Gown
“Cinderella” (1950)
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This is it. This is the cinematic dress reveal that sets the bar for all others, animated or live-action. After her stepsisters tear her gown to shreds, Cinderella is left with nothing to wear to the ball. That’s when her Fairy Godmother gives her the makeover of a lifetime. She magically turns Cinderella’s ruined ensemble into a glorious shimmering dress with a full skirt. It’s accessorized with a matching headband, a black choker, long white gloves, and of course, glass slippers. The fantastical transformation has been recreated many times in film and television, and the outfit itself is instantly recognizable. It goes without saying, but the moment is one of our all time favorites.
