Belle (Disney character)

Belle debuted in Beauty and the Beast (1991) as a beautiful bibliophile{{cite web |last=North |first=Jesse |date=December 22, 2011 |title=Beauty and the Beast Leading Lady Emily Behny on Her Hectic Wedding Day Audition |url=http://calgary.broadway.com/buzz/159154/beauty-and-the-beast-leading-lady-emily-behny-on-her-hectic-wedding-day-audition/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403014354/http://calgary.broadway.com/buzz/159154/beauty-and-the-beast-leading-lady-emily-behny-on-her-hectic-wedding-day-audition/ |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |access-date=January 31, 2015 |website=Broadway.com |publisher=Key Brand Entertainment}}{{cite web |date=October 14, 2010 |title='With her nose stuck in a book,' Belle is a kindred spirit |url=http://writemeg.com/2010/10/14/with-her-nose-stuck-in-a-book-belle-is-a-kindred-spirit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806180056/http://writemeg.com/2010/10/14/with-her-nose-stuck-in-a-book-belle-is-a-kindred-spirit/ |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=January 31, 2015 |website=write meg!}} who, although praised by her fellow villagers for her unrivaled beauty, is at the same time ridiculed for her intelligence and non-conformity. Having grown weary of her uneventful provincial life, in which she is relentlessly romantically pursued by an arrogant hunter named Gaston, Belle longs for adventure. After her father's horse returns without its rider, she willingly ventures into the woods in search of her father. She persuades the Beast that she will trade her own freedom in return for her father's, since her father is ill in the dungeon, promising to remain with the Beast in his castle among his staff of enchanted objects forever. Belle's curiosity leads her to the forbidden west wing where she discovers an enchanted rose without realizing that it is tied to the Beast's fate; and the Beast's rage at her trespassing causes her to flee the castle on horseback. Belle is pursued by wolves in the woods but they are driven off by the Beast, afterwards Belle helps the injured Beast back to the castle and nurses him back to health. Although she initially dislikes her captor, Belle gradually learns to accept the Beast in spite of his appearance and eventually befriends him. Belle and the Beast's strong bond greatly envies Gaston to the point of which he storms the castle and mortally wounds the Beast, though Gaston falls to his own death in the process. However, Belle breaks down and confesses her love for the Beast just in time to break the spell under which he had been placed by an enchantress as punishment for his selfish ways, and the Beast ultimately transforms back into a handsome prince.{{cite video |title=Beauty and the Beast |date=November 13, 1991 |type=Film |publisher=Buena Vista Pictures |people=Trousdale, Gary (director); Wise, Kirk (director)}}

In Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997), Belle attempts to reignite the castle's waning spirit by reintroducing and celebrating Christmas, in spite of the Beast's strong resentment towards the holiday. Meanwhile, a solemn pipe organ named Forte grows determined to sabotage Belle and the Beast's burgeoning friendship because he longs to maintain his co-dependent relationship with his master. Tricked by Forte into retrieving a large Christmas tree from a frozen pond, Belle nearly drowns, only to be rescued by the Beast. The Beast, however, having been misinformed by Forte, wrongly accuses Belle of trying to escape again, and locks her in the dungeon as punishment. When the Beast finally discovers the truth, they forgive each other, and Belle helps him thwart Forte's plan to destroy the castle.{{Cite AV media |title=Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas |date=November 11, 1997 |last=Knight |first=Andy (director) |type=Motion picture |publisher=Buena Vista Home Entertainment |place=United States}} Belle's Magical World (1998), depicts Belle as she interacts with both the Beast and his enchanted servants in various segments, exploring themes such as forgiveness, friendship, cooperation and respect.{{cite web |title=Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World |url=http://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast-belles-magical-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207073609/http://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast-belles-magical-world |archive-date=February 7, 2015 |access-date=January 31, 2015 |publisher=Disney}}

In Belle's Tales of Friendship (1999), a spin-off of the film series, Belle owns a bookshop in which she teaches valuable lessons to children by reading and retelling well-known stories and fairy tales, narrating four Disney animated shorts: The Three Little Pigs (1933), Peter and the Wolf (1946), The Wise Little Hen (1934), and Morris the Midget Moose (1950). For the first time, Belle appears as both animated and live-action versions of herself, voiced and portrayed by actresses Paige O'Hara and Lynsey McLeod, respectively.{{Cite news |title=Belle's Tales of Friendship |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/belles-tales-of-friendship |access-date=April 23, 2025 |work=Common Sense Media}}

After the success of Disney's first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Walt Disney himself had attempted to adapt the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale several times, notably during the 1930s and 1950s.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Sarah |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Still the Belle of the Ball |url=http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2012/01/still-the-belle-of-the-ball |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115222313/http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2012/01/still-the-belle-of-the-ball |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |website=D23}} The project was shelved due to challenges encountered adapting the fairy tale's static main characters and plot,{{cite web|url=http://animatedviews.com/2010/beauty-and-the-beast-glen-keane-on-discovering-the-beauty-in-the-beast/|title=Beauty And The Beast: Glen Keane on discovering the beauty in The Beast|last=Noyer|first=Jérémie|date=October 11, 2010|website=Animated Views|access-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122224621/http://animatedviews.com/2010/beauty-and-the-beast-glen-keane-on-discovering-the-beauty-in-the-beast/|archive-date=January 22, 2015|url-status=live}} and Walt Disney was particularly wary about animating Belle's imprisonment. Inspired by the success of 1989's The Little Mermaid, Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg greenlit another attempt at adapting the story under director Richard Purdum.{{cite book |last=Clarke |first=James |title=Animated Films – Virgin Film |publisher=Random House |year=2012 |isbn=9781448132812 |location=United States}} However, Katzenberg was dissatisfied with Purdum's dark, somber interpretation,{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Review: 'Beauty and the Beast 3D' Is The Same Great Movie, With Some Added 3D Charm |url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/review-beauty-and-the-beast-3d-is-the-same-great-movie-with-some-added-3d-charm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521160850/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/review-beauty-and-the-beast-3d-is-the-same-great-movie-with-some-added-3d-charm |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2013 |website=Indiewire}} and ordered that the film be completely reworked into a musical starring a strong heroine, similar to The Little Mermaid.{{cite web |last=Susman |first=Gary |date=November 15, 2011 |title=25 Things You Didn't Know About 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://www.moviefone.com/2011/11/15/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-beauty-and-the-beast |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130044146/http://www.moviefone.com/2011/11/15/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=November 30, 2015 |access-date=June 17, 2013 |work=Moviefone}} Largely fueled by some critics' condemnation of Ariel's characterization in The Little Mermaid,{{cite web |last=Cronin |first=Brian |date=July 1, 2015 |title=Movie Legends Revealed: The Feminist Origins of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=https://www.cbr.com/movie-legends-revealed-the-feminist-origins-of-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107180924/https://www.cbr.com/movie-legends-revealed-the-feminist-origins-of-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=Comic Book Resources}} Disney encouraged a "feminist twist" on the "Beauty and the Beast" story.{{cite web |last=Willstein |first=Paul |date=November 22, 1991 |title='Beauty's' Story Was A Beast For Disney |url=https://www.mcall.com/1991/11/22/beautys-story-was-a-beast-for-disney/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414235429/https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1991-11-22-2825583-story.html |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2013 |website=The Morning Call}} After hearing some of her ideas about Belle during a story meeting,{{Cite news |last=Abramovitch |first=Seth |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Original ‘Lion King’ Screenwriter Apprehensive of Remake: “I Wasn’t Thrilled With ‘Beauty and the Beast'” |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/linda-woolverton-lion-king-remake-beauty-beast-1165869/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130095036/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/linda-woolverton-lion-king-remake-beauty-beast-1165869/ |archive-date=January 30, 2025 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} Katzenberg hired screenwriter Linda Woolverton to write the film's screenplay.{{cite web |url=http://www.mouseplanet.com/10216/Evolution_of_the_Disney_Princesses|title=Evolution of the Disney Princesses|last=Korkis|first=Jim|date=February 13, 2013|work=MousePlanet.com|access-date=May 21, 2013}}

File:Katharine hepburn little women.jpg based Belle on actress Katherine Hepburn's performance in Little Women (1933).]]

Woolverton is credited with creating the character.{{Cite news |last=Pulver |first=Andrew |date=May 26, 2016 |title=How Disney’s princesses got tough |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/26/has-disney-finally-given-up-on-princesses |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130171827/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/26/has-disney-finally-given-up-on-princesses |archive-date=January 30, 2025 |access-date=March 18, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} She felt Disney had typically portrayed their female leads as victims,{{cite magazine |last=McGovern |first=Joe |date=May 26, 2016 |title=Linda Woolverton, the $3 billion Alice and Beauty and the Beast screenwriter, remembers a Belle battle |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/26/linda-woolverton-alice-belle-disney-heroines?xid=entertainment-weekly_socialflow_twitter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704193403/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/26/linda-woolverton-alice-belle-disney-heroines?xid=entertainment-weekly_socialflow_twitter |archive-date=July 4, 2016 |access-date=June 26, 2016 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} with Belle's lack of agency in early drafts of the script proving contentious among the film's writers.{{cite web |last=Cronin |first=Brian |date=May 2, 2016 |title=Was Disney's Beauty and the Beast Re-Tooled Because Belle Wasn't Enough of a Feminist? |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-cronin/was-disneys-beauty-and-th_b_9819154.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709185736/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-cronin/was-disneys-beauty-and-th_b_9819154.html |archive-date=July 9, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |website=The Huffington Post}} While the studio still wanted Beauty and the Beast to evoke their classic films, the writers by contrast envisioned Belle as "a woman that was ahead of her time". As the first woman to write a feature-length animated film for Disney,{{cite web |last=Dutka |first=Elaine |date=January 19, 1992 |title=Movies: Ms. Beauty and the Beast : Writer of Disney Hit Explains Her 'Woman of the '90s' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-01-19-ca-544-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113005433/http://articles.latimes.com/1992-01-19/entertainment/ca-544_1_disney-film |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |access-date=January 12, 2015 |website=Los Angeles Times}} Woolverton decided to use Belle as an opportunity to create a female character who would ultimately be better received than Disney's previous princesses, specifically Ariel.{{cite web |last1=Ames |first1=Katrine |last2=Ansen |first2=David |author-link2=David Ansen |date=November 17, 1991 |title=Just The Way Walt Made 'Em |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/1991/11/17/just-the-way-walt-made-em.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060915/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/1991/11/17/just-the-way-walt-made-em.html |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=March 9, 2013 |work=The Daily Beast |quote=From the start, the filmmakers knew they didn't want Belle to be the passive character of the original story or a carbon copy of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," a creation some critics found cloyingly sexist.}} Aware of the daunting responsbility due to the mermaid's popularity,{{cite news |last=Rothman |first=Lily |date=May 30, 2014 |title=The Same Woman Wrote Maleficent and Beauty and the Beast—Here's How They're Linked |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/2798136/maleficent-beauty-beast-writer/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531053546/http://time.com/2798136/maleficent-beauty-beast-writer/ |archive-date=May 31, 2014}} Woolverton fought relentlessly to create "a new kind of Disney heroine".{{cite news |last=Berman |first=Eliza |date=May 23, 2016 |title=How Beauty and the Beast's Screenwriter Shaped Disney's First Feminist Princess |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/4344654/beauty-and-the-beast-linda-woolverton/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627033902/http://time.com/4344654/beauty-and-the-beast-linda-woolverton/ |archive-date=June 27, 2016}} Inspired by the women's rights movement, the screenwriter conceived Belle as a brave yet book smart feminist to avoid creating an "insipid" princess. She believed contemporary audiences would not relate to Belle unless she was updated to reflect modern times,{{cite web |last=Dutka |first=Elaine |date=January 25, 1992 |title='Beauty And Beast' Writer Is As Feisty As Her Heroine |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/01/25/beauty-and-beast-writer-is-as-feisty-as-her-heroine/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116082505/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-01-25/lifestyle/9201241028_1_linda-woolverton-belle-show-scripts |archive-date=January 16, 2015 |access-date=January 1, 2015 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} but incorporated fairy tale elements so she would still seem plausible in her environment.{{Cite book |last=Zemler |first=Emily |url=https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Disney_Princess_Beyond_the_Tiara/FS9xEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Disney+Princess:+Beyond+the+Tiara+%22belle%22&pg=PA32&printsec=frontcover |title=Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara The Stories. The Influence. The Legacy. |date=2022 |publisher=Epic Ink |year=2022 |isbn=9780760373620 |location=United Kingdom |pages=29-32 |via=Google Books}} Refusing to watch Jean Cocteau's 1946 film adaptation of the fairy tale, Woolverton instead based Belle on actress Katharine Hepburn's portrayal of Jo March in the 1933 film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women.{{cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Jessica |date=June 7, 2012 |title='Beauty and the Beast' gets a budget-friendly makeover |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/beauty-and-the-beast-gets-a-budget-friendly-makeover/2012/06/07/gJQAK3B6KV_story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002043329/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/beauty-and-the-beast-gets-a-budget-friendly-makeover/2012/06/07/gJQAK3B6KV_story.html |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

The story team for Beauty and the Beast was predominantly male.{{cite web |last=Wloszczyna |first=Susan |date=May 30, 2014 |title=Maleficent Writer Linda Woolverton on Adapting Fairy Tales for a New Generation |url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/maleficent-writer-linda-woolverton-on-adapting-fairy-tales-for-a-new-generation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028022845/http://www.indiewire.com/2014/05/maleficent-writer-linda-woolverton-on-adapting-fairy-tales-for-a-new-generation-206602/ |archive-date=October 28, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2015 |website=Indiewire}} Woolverton frequently debated Belle’s characterization with some of the more traditional-minded story artists,{{cite web |last=Sampson |first=Wade |date=September 17, 2008 |title=Linda Woolverton and Belle |url=http://www.mouseplanet.com/8500/Linda_Woolverton_and_Belle |access-date=March 3, 2013 |work=MousePlanet.com}}{{cite magazine |last=Losgar |first=Maxwell |date=May 27, 2016 |title=Your Burning Questions about Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, Answered |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/05/linda-woolverton-interview |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701184301/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/05/linda-woolverton-interview |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |magazine=Vanity Fair}} although she was supported by Katzenberg and lyricist Howard Ashman, who advocated for Belle to be "a thinker and a reader" rather than a passive character.{{Cite news |last=Daly |first=Steve |date=March 14, 2017 |title=An oral history of the animated Beauty and the Beast |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/14/beauty-and-the-beast-oral-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119054758/https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/14/beauty-and-the-beast-oral-history/ |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |work=Entertainment Weekly}} She recalled that much of her work on Belle was met with pushback,{{cite web |last=Alcala |first=Eunice |date=June 1, 2016 |title=Beauty and the Beast Writer Wants a Strong Belle – Someone Who Doesn't Only Sit and 'Wait for Her Prince to Come' |url=http://www.inquisitr.com/3155673/beauty-and-the-beast-writer-wants-a-strong-belle-someone-who-doesnt-only-sit-and-wait-for-her-prince-to-come/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707125515/http://www.inquisitr.com/3155673/beauty-and-the-beast-writer-wants-a-strong-belle-someone-who-doesnt-only-sit-and-wait-for-her-prince-to-come/ |archive-date=July 7, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |website=Inquisitr}} including an instance where a scene depicting Belle choosing travel destinations on a map was replaced with her baking a cake.{{cite web |last=Keegan |first=Rebecca |date=May 29, 2016 |title=First Belle, now Alice: How screenwriter and headbanger Linda Woolverton is remaking Disney heroines for a feminist age |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-linda-woolverton-alice-through-the-looking-glass-20160523-snap-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628103305/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-linda-woolverton-alice-through-the-looking-glass-20160523-snap-story.html |archive-date=June 28, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |website=Los Angeles Times |quote=}} Arguing that baking did not align with Belle’s independent nature, Woolverton proposed having her read a book instead, although some felt this was too passive an activity. As a compromise, Belle was ultimately depicted walking while reading, a behavior inspired by Woolverton’s own childhood habit. Despite numerous revisions that she found at odds with her original vision, her overall concept for Belle remained largely intact. Woolverton acknowledged that her firm stance on Belle’s characterization was not always well received by the writing staff, but she remained committed to shaping the character as she had envisioned.

In adapting the fairy tale, Woolverton omitted Belle’s two selfish sisters and their love interests to focus on her dynamic with Gaston.{{Cite book |title=America's Film Legacy: The Authoritative Guide to the Landmark Movies in the National Film Registry|last=Eagan|first=Daniel |publisher=A&C Black|year=2010|isbn=9780826429773|location=United Kingdom|pages=808–809 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=deq3xI8OmCkC&q=belle+feminist+linda+woolverton&pg=PA808}} She also removed the subplot in which Belle asks her father for a rose. Characters from Purdum's treatment, including Belle’s younger sister Clarice and her strict Aunt Marguerite, were discarded;{{cite web |last=Omanski |first=Stephanie |date=December 17, 2014 |title=11 Evil Facts You Never Knew About Disney Villains |url=http://www.m-magazine.com/posts/11-evil-facts-you-never-knew-about-disney-villains-48007/photos/11-evil-facts-you-never-knew-about-disney-villains-69860#photo-anchor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128132543/http://www.m-magazine.com/posts/11-evil-facts-you-never-knew-about-disney-villains-48007/photos/11-evil-facts-you-never-knew-about-disney-villains-69860#photo-anchor |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=January 23, 2014 |website=M Magazine}}{{cite web|url=http://www.parentherald.com/articles/41024/20160504/beauty-beast-2017-news-original-disney-movie-retooled.htm|title='Beauty And The Beast' 2017 News: Original Disney Movie Was Retooled? What You Didn't Know About The First Film|last=Cruise|first=Rachel|date=May 4, 2016 |website=Parent Herald|access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live|archive-date=July 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710160311/http://www.parentherald.com/articles/41024/20160504/beauty-beast-2017-news-original-disney-movie-retooled.htm}} Clarice’s removal emphasized Belle’s loneliness, while Marguerite was replaced by Gaston as the film’s primary antagonist. Visual development artist Sue Nichols suggested that Belle needed a female confidante in the castle to help her feel safe and develop a bond with the Beast, leading to the creation of Mrs. Potts. In Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s version of the fairy tale, Belle is forced to take her father’s place as the Beast’s prisoner.{{cite web |last=Nicholson |first=Amy |author-link=Amy Nicholson |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Meet Paige O'Hara: The Voice—And More—Of Disney's Smartest Heroine |url=http://www.boxoffice.com/articles/2012-01-meet-paige-ohara-the-voice-and-more-of-disneys-smartest-heroine |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221102310/http://pro.boxoffice.com/articles/2012-01-meet-paige-ohara-the-voice-and-more-of-disneys-smartest-heroine |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |access-date=September 22, 2012 |website=Boxoffice}} To emphasize Belle’s independence, Woolverton rewrote the character to willingly search for her father at the castle, where she confronts the Beast and offers to take Maurice’s place. Woolverton explained that she wanted to establish Belle’s willingness to make sacrifices early in the film so the audience would find her decision believable. To add realism, Woolverton included small imperfections in Belle’s design, such as a stray lock of hair that frequently falls into her face, which was one of the few details she specified about the character’s appearance. During Gaston’s climactic fight with the Beast, his original line, “Time to die!”, was changed to “Belle is mine!” to keep the story’s focus on Belle.{{cite web |last=Klassen |first=Anna |date=November 13, 2013 |title=15 Things You Didn't Know About 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/8843-15-things-you-didnt-know-about-beauty-and-the-beast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203080657/http://www.bustle.com/articles/8843-15-things-you-didnt-know-about-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2014 |website=Bustle}}

Disney auditioned approximately 500 actresses for the role of Belle.{{Cite news |last=Gencarelli |first=Mike |date=September 11, 2010 |title=Interview with Paige O'Hara |url=https://mediamikes.com/2010/09/interview-with-beauty-and-the-beasts-paige-ohara/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613203300/https://mediamikes.com/2010/09/interview-with-beauty-and-the-beasts-paige-ohara/ |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=Media Mikes}}{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Melia |date=March 8, 2018 |title=These are the real faces behind every Disney princess |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-princess-real-life-2016-11#ohara-a-self-described-disney-fanatic-signed-with-the-studio-in-2013-to-paint-art-inspired-by-beauty-and-the-beast-she-alsostarredin-menopause-the-musical-in-las-vegas-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814153029/https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-princess-real-life-2016-11#ohara-a-self-described-disney-fanatic-signed-with-the-studio-in-2013-to-paint-art-inspired-by-beauty-and-the-beast-she-alsostarredin-menopause-the-musical-in-las-vegas-15 |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |work=Business Insider}} They originally considered re-hiring Ariel's voice actress, Jodi Benson, but decided she sounded too young and American for the character they created,{{cite book |last=Hischak |first=Thomas S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e1RTP8thtR0C&q=belle+jo+march+beauty+and+the+beast&pg=PA158 |title=Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary |publisher=McFarland |year=2011 |isbn=978-0786462711 |location=United States |page=158 |access-date=May 20, 2013 |via=Google Books}} who they wanted to sound more like an adult woman than a girl.{{cite web |last=Huver |first=Scott |date=May 30, 2012 |title=Beauty and the Beast 3D" Gives Original Star Paige O'Hara a Whole New Perspective |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Beauty-and-the-Beast-3D-Gives-Original-Star-Paige-OHara-a-New-Perspective-137157048.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302111535/http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Beauty-and-the-Beast-3D-Gives-Original-Star-Paige-OHara-a-New-Perspective-137157048.html |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=NBC Chicago}} Actress and singer Paige O'Hara was performing on Broadway when she first read about Disney's then-upcoming animated film Beauty and the Beast in The New York Times.{{cite web |date=October 5, 2010 |title=Interview With Paige O'Hara, The Voice Of Belle In "Beauty and the Beast" |url=http://www.disneydreaming.com/2010/10/05/interview-with-paige-ohara-the-voice-of-belle-in-beauty-and-the-beast/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312203952/http://www.disneydreaming.com/2010/10/05/interview-with-paige-ohara-the-voice-of-belle-in-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012 |work=Disney Dreaming}} O'Hara immediately booked an audition once she learned the studio was specifically recruiting Broadway talent for its female lead.{{cite web |last=Sands |first=Jez |date=October 25, 2010 |title=Beauty And The Beast: Paige O'Hara Interview |url=http://blog.onthebox.com/2010/10/25/beauty-and-the-beast-paige-ohara-interview/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118125006/https://www.onthebox.com/features/beauty-and-the-beast-paige-ohara-interview/ |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |access-date=February 18, 2013 |website=On the Box}} Familiar with O'Hara's work in the Broadway musical Show Boat, Ashman had already been considering her for the part.{{cite web |last=Huver |first=Scott |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Beauty and the Beast's Animated Belle, Paige O'Hara Says Emma Watson's Casting Is 'Genius' |url=http://people.com/movies/beauty-and-the-beasts-paige-ohara-emma-watsons-casting-is-genius/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028084817/http://people.com/movies/beauty-and-the-beasts-paige-ohara-emma-watsons-casting-is-genius/ |archive-date=October 28, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |website=People}} O'Hara auditioned five times over the span of two weeks,{{Cite web |last=Minow |first=Nell |author-link=Nell Minow |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Interview: Paige O'Hara, Belle in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" |url=https://moviemom.com/interview-paige-ohara-belle-disneys-beauty-beast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603050921/https://moviemom.com/interview-paige-ohara-belle-disneys-beauty-beast/ |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Movie Mom}} first solely for casting director Albert Taveres.{{cite web |last=Peppel |first=Sarah |date=October 1, 2010 |title=Personal Interview with Paige O'Hara or Belle of Beauty and the Beast |url=http://genesismoments.com/2010/10/personal-interview-with-paige-ohara-or-belle-of-beauty-and-the-beast.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017035743/http://genesismoments.com/2010/10/personal-interview-with-paige-ohara-or-belle-of-beauty-and-the-beast.html |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |access-date=October 13, 2012 |work=Genesis Moments}} She also mailed recordings of herself singing "Heaven Help My Heart" from the musical Chess to Disney.{{cite web|title=The Voice of "Belle" Paints Her Tale |url=http://voxoffice.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/paigeoharainterview.pdf|quote=just sing something that you love.|work=WordPress|publisher=Disney|access-date=September 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010700/http://voxoffice.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/paigeoharainterview.pdf|archive-date=December 3, 2013|url-status=live}} At her first in-person audition, O'Hara originally spoke and sang in a higher register but the filmmaker's preferred her natural voice. In addition to Katzenberg and Ashman, O'Hara's last few auditions were attended by directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, producer Don Hahn, and composer Alan Menken. They initially listened with their eyes closed to avoid being influenced by her physical appearance. Wise said they were drawn to a unique hitch in O'Hara's voice that helped convince them she was equally capable delivering comedy and drama, with certain qualities that reminded them of actress Judy Garland. An hour after her final audition, Disney telephoned O'Hara on her birthday to inform her she had been cast.{{cite web |last=Benedictus |first=Leo |date=April 30, 2012 |title=How we made: Don Hahn and Paige O'Hara on Beauty and the Beast |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/apr/30/how-we-made-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204072110/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/apr/30/how-we-made-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=August 31, 2012 |website=The Guardian}} The actress was fairly confident she had been cast before it was official, for which she credits Ashman.{{cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=January 25, 2012 |title=Spotlight on Beauty & The Beast 3D: Paige O'Hara |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/SPOTLIGHT-ON-BEAUTY-THE-BEAST-3D-Paige-OHara-20120125 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816194308/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/SPOTLIGHT-ON-BEAUTY-THE-BEAST-3D-Paige-OHara-20120125 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2013 |work=Broadway World}}{{cite web |last=Stanek |first=Billy |date=November 4, 2011 |title=Dateline Disney: 1991 |url=http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/11/dateline-disney-1991/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114111615/http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/11/dateline-disney-1991/ |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |work=D23}} The lyricist would later reveal to Benson that the final choice was between her and O'Hara, and explained that they ultimately chose the latter because they felt the princesses should be represented by different actors.{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=December 10, 2021 |title=In Her Own Words: Jodi Benson on The Little Mermaid |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/in-her-own-words-jodi-benson-on-the-little-mermaid/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919184902/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/in-her-own-words-jodi-benson-on-the-little-mermaid/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=Cartoon Research}}

File:Paige O'Hara (49200407146).jpg.|280x280px]]

Already 30 years-old by the time of her audition, O'Hara naturally imbued Belle's voice with maturity despite her character's young age,{{cite web|url=http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2013/08/06/disney-53-beauty-and-the-beast-2/|title=Disney 53: Beauty And The Beast|last=Burch|first=Rob|date=August 6, 2013|website=The Hollywood News|access-date=January 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122071233/http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2013/08/06/disney-53-beauty-and-the-beast-2/|archive-date=January 22, 2015|url-status=live}} reflecting Woolverton's vision.{{cite web |last=Bean |first=Jason |date=April 21, 2013 |title=More than 20 years after 'Beauty and the Beast', Paige O'Hara still remembered as voice of Disney princess |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/more-20-years-after-beauty-and-beast-paige-ohara-still-remembered-voice |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219031608/http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/more-20-years-after-beauty-and-beast-paige-ohara-still-remembered-voice |archive-date=February 19, 2017 |access-date=May 20, 2013 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}{{cite web |last=Edwards |first=Joyce |year=2013 |title=The Real Women Behind Disney Princesses |url=http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/photos/the-real-women-behind-disney-princesses-1374793062-slideshow/the-real-women-behind-disney-princesses-photo-1374793724213.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801063505/http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/photos/the-real-women-behind-disney-princesses-1374793062-slideshow/the-real-women-behind-disney-princesses-photo-1374793724213.html |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |website=Yahoo! Movies}} In addition to sharing Belle's love of reading,{{cite web |last=Rusoff |first=Jane Wollman |date=November 22, 1992 |title=Beauty & The Bridge First She Charmed Us With Her Voice In Beauty And The Beast. Now Fort Lauderdale's Paige O'hara Takes On A Very Different Role In A Film About Chappaquiddick. |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-11-22/features/9203020414_1_ted-kennedy-paige-o-hara-chappaquiddick-island/2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302111605/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-11-22/features/9203020414_1_ted-kennedy-paige-o-hara-chappaquiddick-island/2 |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2013 |work=Sun-Sentinel}} O'Hara empathized with her character being ostracized by her peers due to unconventional interests, explaining, "I was into musical theater ... while people were going to Led Zeppelin concerts ... I had a one-track mind, and I think that Belle was like that a lot". The actress worked on the film on-and-off for over two years, and completed the entire script during her first day of recording.{{Cite news |last=Jusino |first=Teresa |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Interview: Paige O'Hara Talks the Role of a Lifetime and 25 Years of Beauty and the Beast |url=https://www.themarysue.com/interview-paige-ohara-25-years-of-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530105431/https://www.themarysue.com/interview-paige-ohara-25-years-of-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=The Mary Sue}} She identified the scene where Belle is gifted the Beast's library among the fastest she recorded due to her own love of books, "so all I had to imagine was that my husband gave me that library".{{Cite news |last=Rome |first=Emily |date=September 21, 2016 |title='Beauty and the Beast': Belle herself has a book recommendation for you |url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/beauty-and-the-beast-3-book-lover-geek-out-moments-with-the-voice-of-belle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207064128/https://uproxx.com/hitfix/beauty-and-the-beast-3-book-lover-geek-out-moments-with-the-voice-of-belle/ |archive-date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |work=Uproxx}}

She initially found it challenging to soften her voice during recording sessions due to having been trained to project as a stage performer. Despite its costliness and technical complexity,{{Cite news |last=Feinberg |first=Scott |date=March 23, 2022 |title=‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Its Unprecedented Oscar Run in 1992: “It Was a Giant Moment for Everyone” |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/beauty-and-the-beast-oral-history-oscars-1235114971/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326065140/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/beauty-and-the-beast-oral-history-oscars-1235114971/ |archive-date=March 26, 2025 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} O'Hara and actor Robby Benson, voice of the Beast, were granted permission from Disney to record in the same booth as opposed to separately,{{cite web |last=Molina |first=Melissa |date=January 15, 2012 |title=Interview: Paige O'Hara On 'Beauty And The Beast 3D' |url=http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/01/15/interview-paige-ohara-on-beauty-and-the-beast-3d/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225051642/http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/01/15/interview-paige-ohara-on-beauty-and-the-beast-3d/ |archive-date=December 25, 2012 |access-date=December 22, 2012 |work=Shockya.com}} becoming some of the few voice actors to do so for a Disney project. O'Hara credited these intimate recording sessions with helping Belle and the Beast's relationship sound more convincing. One example is the scene in which the Beast discovers that Belle has disobeyed him by entering the forbidden West Wing.{{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=Bob |author-link=Bob Thomas (reporter) |url=https://archive.org/details/disneysartofanim0000thom/page/128/mode/2up?q=belle |title=Disney's Art of animation : from Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast |publisher=Hyperion |year=1991 |isbn=978-1562829971 |location=United States |pages= |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}} Although the actress would occasionally ad-lib per her directors' encouragement, none of her improvisation was included in the final film.{{cite web |last=Abbay |first=Semein |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Gofobo Interview: Paige O'Hara (Belle) from Beauty & The Beast 3D |url=http://www.gofobo.com/news/gofobo_interview_paige_ohara_belle_from_beauty_the_beast_3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103202536/http://www.gofobo.com/news/gofobo_interview_paige_ohara_belle_from_beauty_the_beast_3d |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |work=Gofobo}} Despite her successful stage career, O'Hara was virtually unknown to Hollywood when she was cast in Beauty and the Beast; she was one of the last obscure actors cast in a feature-length Disney animated film before the studio shifted towards casting celebrity talent in subsequent animated projects.

Since the film's release, O'Hara has reprised her role in a variety of follow-up films, tie-in media, and merchandise, including its direct-to-video sequels Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997), Belle's Magical World (1998), and Belle's Tales of Friendship (1999). In 2010, O'Hara said she was recording new material for Belle's merchandise as often as eight times per year.{{Cite news |last=Stadler |first=Nancy |date=October 4, 2010 |title=Robby Benson & Paige O’Hara look back on Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast” |url=https://jimhillmedia.com/robby-benson-paige-ohara-look-back-on-disneys-beauty-the-beast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302193804/https://jimhillmedia.com/robby-benson-paige-ohara-look-back-on-disneys-beauty-the-beast/ |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=Jim Hill Media}} In 2012, O'Hara described Disney as her "main employer for 20 years". In 2011, actress Julie Nathanson began voicing Belle in certain media appearances,{{Cite news |last=Conradt |first=Stacy |date=October 22, 2013 |title=The Faces Behind Disney's Princesses |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/53135/faces-behind-disneys-11-princesses |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630082746/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/53135/faces-behind-disneys-11-princesses |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |work=Mental Floss}}{{cite web |date= |title=Julie Nathanson Video {{!}} Celebrity Interview and Paparazzi |url=http://www.ovguide.com/julie-nathanson-9202a8c04000641f800000001cbb1a1b |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103131640/http://www.ovguide.com/julie-nathanson-9202a8c04000641f800000001cbb1a1b |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |website=OVGuide |publisher=}} a time during which O'Hara admitted that she found maintaining her character's high pitch more strenuous compared to 20 years prior.{{cite web |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |date=January 15, 2012 |title=Belle still tolls for actress O'Hara |url=http://www.lvrj.com/living/belle-still-tolls-for-actress-o-hara-137372028.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111124000/http://www.lvrj.com/living/belle-still-tolls-for-actress-o-hara-137372028.html |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}} O'Hara partnered with Disney Fine Art – Collector’s Editions to create a collection of original artwork inspired by the film, entitled "Belles by Belle".{{Cite news |last=Jacquin |first=Jeri |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Beauty and the Beast: Speaking with Belle Herself – Paige O'Hara |url=https://patch.com/california/imperialbeach/beauty-beast-speaking-belle-herself-paige-o-hara |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312161954/https://patch.com/california/imperialbeach/beauty-beast-speaking-belle-herself-paige-o-hara |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=Patch.com}}{{Cite news |date=2022 |title=An Enchanted Evening with Disney Legend Paige O’Hara |url=https://www.waltdisney.org/education/special-events/sold-out-members-only-event-enchanted-evening-disney-legend-paige-ohara |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312160912/https://www.waltdisney.org/education/special-events/sold-out-members-only-event-enchanted-evening-disney-legend-paige-ohara |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=Walt Disney Family Museum}}

According to producer Don Hahn, the original fairy tale's Belle is an "incredibly passive" character, the personality of whom he likened to Aurora from Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Cinderella, as well as actress Doris Day, describing them as women who are "capable, but filling a role that women might fill in the 1950s and 1960s".{{cite web |last=Gilsdorf |first=Ethan |author-link=Ethan Gilsdorf |date=June 27, 2012 |title=‘Brave’ Fueled by Girl Power |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/geek-pride/201206/brave-fueled-girl-power |url-access= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=March 27, 2025 |work=Psychology Today}} In a concerted effort to update the "Beauty and the Beast" story and characters for the 1990s,{{Cite news |last=High |first=Rachel |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Rococo and the (Disney) Renaissance |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/rococo-disney-renaissance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216045230/https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/rococo-disney-renaissance |archive-date=February 16, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=Metropolitan Museum of Art}} Woolverton and the filmmakers reworked Belle into a more three-dimensional character by imbuing her with goals and aspirations beyond romance and marriage, resulting in an unusual, inquisitive heroine.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XD2xNKSN3E8C&q=irene+mecchi+the+lion+king+interview&pg=PA306|title=Hollywood Musicals Year by Year |last=Green |first=Stanley|author-link=Stanley Green (historian)|publisher=Hal Leonard Corp|year=2010|isbn=978-0881886108|location=United States |page=286}} Woolverton worked particularly closely with Ashman to create a proactive, thinking, and literate character who is not a victim and cares little about how she looks, wanting her to defy the template of Disney heroines "taking all of this abuse, smiling and talking to little animals through it all". Although Belle being well-read is mentioned in the source material, this trait is hardly integral to the plot.{{cite web |last=Atkinson |first=S. |date=May 28, 2016 |title=The One Thing 'Beauty And The Beast' Fans Probably Don't Know About The Creation Of Belle |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/163686-the-one-thing-beauty-and-the-beast-fans-probably-dont-know-about-the-creation-of-belle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701210858/http://www.bustle.com/articles/163686-the-one-thing-beauty-and-the-beast-fans-probably-dont-know-about-the-creation-of-belle |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |website=Bustle}} Therefore, Belle's passion for reading was greatly expanded upon for the film, borrowing elements from both Little Women's Jo March and Woolverton's own love of books to emphasize the character's intelligence and open-mindedness. Woolverton confirmed that much of Belle's personality was inspired by her own.

Both Woolverton and O'Hara encouraged the filmmakers to highlight Belle's intelligence and love for books, but the animators occasionally faced challenges realizing Woolverton's vision. Initially, Belle was storyboarded constantly crying during her imprisonment, but Woolverton argued that Belle would more likely be occupied with planning an escape or being intrigued by her new life in an enchanted castle. Contrarily, character animator Kathy Zielinski, despite not working on Beauty and the Beast herself, recalled a male story artist consulting her about whether she would cry in Belle's situation, to which she responded "Yes ... But no blubbering". However, Woolverton also noted that once the team realized Belle would not conform to typical Disney female tropes, they tended to push her characterization to the opposite extreme, making her "bitchy", a portrayal Woolverton felt was inconsistent with Belle's intelligence.{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Beck |date=December 31, 2014 |title=In Her Own Words: Linda Woolverton |url=http://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/in-her-own-words-linda-woolverton/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118000333/http://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/in-her-own-words-linda-woolverton/ |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |access-date=January 17, 2015 |website=Cartoon Research |publisher=}}

Due to her personality and aspirations, the film's cast and crew considers Belle to be a revolutionary Disney heroine and the first of her kind in many ways.{{Cite news |last=Chi |first=Paul |date=September 19, 2016 |title=7 Secrets from the Cast of Beauty and the Beast |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/09/beauty-and-the-beast-anniversary |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320152426/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/09/beauty-and-the-beast-anniversary |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=Vanity Fair}} Robby Benson considers her the film's true hero.{{Cite news |last=Piña |first=Christy |date=November 28, 2021 |title=‘Beauty and the Beast’ at 30: Stars Reflect on Disney Animated Film’s Legacy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/disney-beauty-and-the-beast-30th-anniversary-cast-interviews-1235052796/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129021250/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/disney-beauty-and-the-beast-30th-anniversary-cast-interviews-1235052796/ |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} Story artist Brenda Chapman, who also tried "to portray a different kind of female heroine from other Disney movies", echoed these sentiments, describing Belle as a strong, proactive female character and one of her favorite projects.{{Cite news |last=Frevele |first=Jamie |date=December 21, 2011 |title=Brenda Chapman Opens Up About Brave (A Little Bit) |url=https://www.themarysue.com/brenda-chapman-discusses-brave/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228194802/https://www.themarysue.com/brenda-chapman-discusses-brave/ |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=The Mary Sue}}{{Cite news |last=Laura |date=October 20, 2011 |title=Brenda Chapman |url=http://www.animationinsider.com/2011/10/brenda-chapman/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117112833/http://www.animationinsider.com/2011/10/brenda-chapman/ |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |work=Animation Insider}} Similarly to Woolverton, Chapman also drew inspiration from Hepburn's on-screen bickering with actor Spencer Tracy for some of Belle's arguments with the Beast.{{cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=May 10, 2016 |title=Cast and Filmmakers Recall Making of 'Beauty and the Beast' at 25th Anniversary Screening |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/cast-filmmakers-recall-making-beauty-892543 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716150950/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/cast-filmmakers-recall-making-beauty-892543 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{Cite news |last=Seifrit-Griffin |first=Stacie |date=2022 |title=Up close and personal with Disney Producer Don Hahn |url=https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-film-preservation-board/documents/Interview_Don-Hahn.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222105327/https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-film-preservation-board/documents/Interview_Don-Hahn.pdf |archive-date=February 22, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |work=Library of Congress}} Wise was aware that comparisons to Ariel would be inevitable due to similarities between the two films, and sought to make her personality distinct from the mermaid by writing her as older, wiser, more sophisticated, and extremely protective of her father, in contrast to Ariel's "All-American teen-ager" naivety and impulsiveness.{{Cite news |last=Solomon |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Solomon (animation historian) |date=November 10, 1991 |title=Movies: Building a Magical ‘Beast’ : Once Disney decided to make an animated musical of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ it was up to the artists to really make it sing |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-10-ca-2022-story.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908172415/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-10-ca-2022-story.html |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}} A few years older than Ariel, Belle's love of reading establishes the character as worldlier, more mature,{{cite web |last=Tracy |first=Joe |title=An Inside Look at the Original Beauty and the Beast |url=http://www.digitalmediafx.com/Beauty/Features/originalbeauty.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414134648/http://www.digitalmediafx.com/Beauty/Features/originalbeauty.html |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |access-date=October 13, 2012 |publisher=Digital Media FX}} and more cautious about falling in love than her predecessor.{{cite web |date=May 10, 2016 |title=10 Things You Probably Never Knew About 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://toofab.com/2016/05/10/beauty-and-the-beast-25th-anniversary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806003133/http://toofab.com/2016/05/10/beauty-and-the-beast-25th-anniversary/ |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |website=tooFab}} Henn believes Belle is "probably" the oldest of Disney's princesses.{{cite web |last=Radloff |first=Jessica |date=May 10, 2016 |title=Disney's Beauty and the Beast 25th Anniversary: The Story Behind Belle's Ball Gown and More Secrets You Never Knew |url=http://www.glamour.com/story/disney-beauty-and-the-beast-25th-anniversary-cast-reunion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618231608/http://www.glamour.com/story/disney-beauty-and-the-beast-25th-anniversary-cast-reunion |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |website=Glamour}} Both he and O'Hara estimated her to be in her early 20s,{{cite web |last=Mallenbaum |first=Carly |date=May 10, 2016 |title=8 things you never knew about 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/05/10/beauty-and-the-beast-anniversary/84172242/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720224849/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/05/10/beauty-and-the-beast-anniversary/84172242/ |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |website=USA Today}}{{Cite news |last=Caruso |first=Skyler |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Fun Facts You Didn't Know About 'Beauty and the Beast' in Honor of the 30th Anniversary |url=https://people.com/movies/disneys-1991-beauty-and-the-beast-fun-facts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219193016/https://people.com/movies/disneys-1991-beauty-and-the-beast-fun-facts/ |archive-date=February 19, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=People |language=}} while animation historian Jim Korkis estimates her to be 18 or 19 years-old.{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Talking Belle: The Story Behind the Animated Character |url=https://mouseplanet.com/talking-belle-the-story-behind-the-animated-character/6580/ |access-date=March 4, 2025 |work=MousePlanet}}

Early concept art of Belle was revised to help her appear less glamorous and more relatable.{{Cite news |last=Acuna |first=Kirsten |date=September 20, 2022 |title=Belle initially resembled Angelina Jolie in early 'Beauty and the Beast' sketches, but Disney changed her look because she was 'too perfect' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-belle-appearance-changed-too-perfect-beauty-and-the-beast-2022-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321154621/https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-belle-appearance-changed-too-perfect-beauty-and-the-beast-2022-9 |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=Business Insider}} Some of artist Alyson Hamilton's drawings depicted her wearing a pink dress, curlier hair, and softer, more feminine makeup.{{Cite news |last=Foley |first=Joe |date=September 22, 2022 |title=Disney was right to ditch its original Belle design for Beauty and the Beast |url=https://www.creativebloq.com/news/original-belle-beauty-and-the-beast-angelina-jolie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321155613/https://www.creativebloq.com/news/original-belle-beauty-and-the-beast-angelina-jolie |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=Creative Bloq}} Before being assigned to Gaston, Andreas Deja had wanted to animate Belle.{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=June 1, 2018 |title=Animation Anecdotes #365 |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-365/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241014134233/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-365/ |archive-date=October 14, 2024 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |work=Cartoon Research}} Belle's supervising animators were James Baxter and Mark Henn.{{cite web |last=Lytal |first=Cristy |date=February 22, 2009 |title=Animator James Baxter puts imagination in motion |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-22-ca-workinghollywood22-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004818/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/feb/22/entertainment/ca-workinghollywood22 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite news |last=Amidi |first=Amid |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Animation Legend Mark Henn Retires After 43-Year Run At Disney |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/animation-legend-mark-henn-retires-after-43-year-run-at-disney-235890.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207021636/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/animation-legend-mark-henn-retires-after-43-year-run-at-disney-235890.html |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=Cartoon Brew}} Baxter was selected because "his work has this graceful effortlessness to it", according to Wise, and he oversaw a team of eight animators who worked on Belle. The animator said drawing a beautiful character like Belle can pose unique challenges because "she can become very ugly very quickly--all it takes is a few misplaced lines". Baxter based Belle's appearance on preliminary sketches Chapman and story supervisor Roger Allers had already created for the character, retaining elements such as her round face and European features,{{Cite news |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=February 2, 2018 |title='Beauty and the Beast' Animator on First Bringing Belle to Life |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/beauty-beast-animator-first-bringing-belle-life-1079949/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116142614/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/beauty-beast-animator-first-bringing-belle-life-1079949/ |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} while exaggerating her eyes, lips, and eyebrows to appear more "exotic", at the directors' behest. They agreed the character should be brunette, a hair color Disney had never used for their princesses prior. Baxter studied the work of French impressionist Edgar Degas, whose ballerina portraits inspired the animator to incorporate "graceful, swan-like movements" into Belle's gait,{{cite web|url=http://animatedviews.com/2002/beauty-and-the-beast-platinum-edition/|title=Beauty And The Beast: Platinum Edition|date=October 5, 2002|access-date=January 22, 2015|website=Animated Views|last=Figueiredo|first=Rodney|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231427/http://animatedviews.com/2002/beauty-and-the-beast-platinum-edition/|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}} as well as footage of ballerinas. Despite these inspirations, Baxter avoided relying too heavily on the ballerina motif to prevent Belle from becoming too prissy at the cost of her believability because they wanted her movements to reflect self-reliance, capability, and practicality, despite her beauty and gracefulness. Trousdale explained that, compared to a fantasy character like Ariel, animating Belle granted the artists less room for imagination because "Everybody knows how a pretty [human] girl looks and walks". Baxter described maintaining her locomotion as "very tricky" due to the subtlety and realism required to animate it, compared to a more cartoonish character like Mickey Mouse. For complicated scenes with lots of movement, Baxter drew either every frame or every other frame, but limited himself to four to six frames for relaxed scenes, often completing as many as 25 drawings per day. Additionally, she is on screen for a combined total of half an hour, nearly twice as long as any of the film's other characters.

File:Vivien Leigh Scarlet.jpg was one of several classical Hollywood actresses who inspired Belle's physical appearance.]]

Wanting Belle to look more European than Ariel, the animators drew her with fuller lips, narrower eyes, and darker eyebrows inspired by British actress Vivien Leigh, while her statuesque frame was inspired by teen idols Jennie Garth and Alyssa Milano. Additional inspiration was drawn from Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965).{{cite book |last=Geraghty |first=Lincoln |title=Directory of World Cinema: American Hollywood, Volume 5 |publisher=Intellect Ltd |year=2011 |isbn=9781841504155 |location=United States |page=232 |chapter=Romance |access-date= |chapter-url=}}{{Cite book |last=Osmond |author-link=Andrew Osmond (journalist) |first=Andrew |title=100 Animated Feature Films |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2010 |isbn=9781844575633 |location=United Kingdom |pages=43–45}} Belle was Henn's second Disney heroine, after Ariel.{{cite web |url=http://www.animationschooldaily.com/?p=3608 |title=Meet the Disney Animator Who Helped Create Some of Your Favorite Princesses: Mark Henn |last=Chan |first=J |date=November 14, 2014 |work=Animation School Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119233537/http://www.animationschooldaily.com/?p=3608 |archive-date=January 19, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2015}} He animated select scenes from out of the studio's Florida division.{{cite web |last=Noyer |first=Jérémie |url=http://animatedviews.com/2010/the-princess-and-the-frog-supervising-animator-mark-henn-part-2-the-disney-decade/ |title=The Princess And The Frog's Supervising Animator Mark Henn – Part 2: The "Disney Decade" |date=January 8, 2010 |access-date=January 19, 2014 |website=Animated Views |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423215944/http://animatedviews.com/2010/the-princess-and-the-frog-supervising-animator-mark-henn-part-2-the-disney-decade/ |archive-date=April 23, 2015 |url-status=live}} For visual inspiration and reference, Henn decorated his workstation with photographs of several classic Hollywood actresses, including Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn.{{cite web |last=Greenberger |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Greenberger |date=October 3, 2010 |title=Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle, on being part of 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://www.comicmix.com/2010/10/03/paige-ohara-the-voice-of-belle-on-being-part-of-beauty-and-the-beast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107004203/http://www.comicmix.com/2010/10/03/paige-ohara-the-voice-of-belle-on-being-part-of-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=July 30, 2013 |publisher=ComicMix}}{{Cite news |last=Bergeson |first=Samantha |date=September 20, 2022 |title=Original Belle in Animated 'Beauty and the Beast' Looked Like Angelina Jolie, Says Voice Actress |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2022/09/beauty-and-the-beast-belle-angelina-jolie-1234764641/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202035330/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/beauty-and-the-beast-belle-angelina-jolie-1234764641/ |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2022 |work=IndieWire}} Lorna Cook, Belle's only female animator, filmed herself to create reference footage for some of the character's reaction shots,{{Cite news |last=Lange |first=Ariane |date=December 8, 2016 |title=How Women Modernized The Disney Princess |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/arianelange/how-women-modernized-the-disney-princess |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422142732/https://www.buzzfeed.com/arianelange/how-women-modernized-the-disney-princess |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Buzzfeed News}} while calling upon her own memories to avoid stereotypes and visually convey Belle's inner beauty. Henn said Belle's final appearance began to materialize once he heard O'Hara's voice for the first time, from which point on the animators merged their drawings with her performance. O'Hara found the photographs of "all these beautiful women" intimidating, but Cook reassured her that they would reference her own photographs as well. While working on Beauty and the Beast, Henn rarely met O'Hara in person aside from select occasions when he would travel to California for production meetings. Meanwhile, the animators dissuaded O'Hara from seeing unfinished drawings of her character.

Animators videotaped O'Hara's recording sessions to incorporate some of her mannerisms, expressions, and gestures into her character. Actress and writer Sherri Stoner also served as the character's live-action reference model.{{cite book |last=Bell |first=Elizabeth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pdCrF4JxKDIC |title=From Mouse to Mermaid: The Politics of Film, Gender, and Culture |author2=Lynda Haas |author3=Laura Sells |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-253-20978-8 |page=264 |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803201403/http://books.google.com/books?id=pdCrF4JxKDIC&printsec=frontcover |archive-date=August 3, 2012 |url-status=live}} Because she had performed the same service for Ariel, Stoner made a concerted effort to not recycle some of Ariel's habits such as lip biting, which was deemed "not in Belle’s character".{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=November 19, 2021 |title=How Sherri Stoner Became “The Little Mermaid” |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/how-sherri-stoner-became-the-little-mermaid/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241015052533/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/how-sherri-stoner-became-the-little-mermaid/ |archive-date=October 15, 2024 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |work=Cartoon Research}} Although Baxter reviewed Stoner's footage thoroughly, he avoided replicating many of her extraneous movements so his drawings would not look unnatural. Belle's tendency to brush strands of hair out of her face was inspired by both Stoner and O'Hara,{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=August 11, 2017 |title=Animation Anecdotes #365 |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-325/ |access-date=March 26, 2025 |work=Cartoon Research}} which Henn had noticed the latter doing constantly "no matter how much hairspray she uses". The animators also borrowed elements of O'Hara's eyes, cheekbones, and eyebrows. The actress said that while some fans agree that there is a resemblance, others argue that her character does not look like her whatsoever.{{Cite news |date=February 1993 |title=Paige O'Hara interview |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-349/ |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=USA Weekend |via=Cartoonresearch.com}} O'Hara felt early renditions of Belle looked flawless and expressed concerns that children would find her difficult to relate to until the animators redesigned her. She described the final design of Belle as much easier to identify with, despite remaining beautiful.{{Cite news |last=Doran |first=Sarah |date=September 27, 2016 |title="Belle paved the way for future Disney princesses," says Beauty and the Beast's Paige O'Hara |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/belle-paved-the-way-for-future-disney-princesses-says-beauty-and-the-beasts-paige-ohara/ |access-date=April 24, 2025 |work=Radio Times}} Animation historian Charles Solomon observed some quality inconsistencies in Belle's appearance throughout the film, writing, "The prettiest and liveliest Belle waltzes with Beast in his marble ballroom and weeps over his body before he's transformed into the Prince", while "The Belle who receives the library from Beast has wider-set eyes and a more prominent mouth than the noticeably slimmer Belle who sings 'Something There'."{{cite web |last=Solomon |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Solomon (animation historian) |date=December 31, 2001 |title=But It Was Big Enough Already |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-dec-31-et-solom31-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102180546/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/dec/31/entertainment/et-solom31 |archive-date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |work=Los Angeles Times}}

Belle undergoes four distinct costume changes in the film.{{Cite news |last=Calistro |first=Paddy |date=November 29, 1991 |title=A Modern Beauty |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-29-vw-74-story.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111195918/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-29-vw-74-story.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}} The colours she wears throughout the film mirror her emotions, with blue indicating sadness, loneliness, and goodness in direct contrast to Gaston's red,{{cite web |last=Nagi |first=Ariel |date=August 29, 2014 |title=15 Surprising Facts About Your Fave Disney Princesses |url=http://www.seventeen.com/entertainment/features/disney-princess-facts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208221616/http://www.seventeen.com/entertainment/features/disney-princess-facts |archive-date=February 8, 2015 |access-date=January 1, 2015 |website=Seventeen |publisher=}} and yellow showing her warming up towards the Beast.{{Cite news |last=Strobel |first=Katie |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Beauty and the Beast at 30: From Production to Classic |url=https://d23.com/beauty-and-the-beast-at-30-from-production-to-classic/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111231742/https://d23.com/beauty-and-the-beast-at-30-from-production-to-classic/ |archive-date=November 11, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |work=Disney}} McEntee suggested that Belle be the only character wearing blue in her village to emphasize her ostracization. The Beast also wears blue, signaling their emotional connection to audiences. Coincidentally, O'Hara wore blue on several occasions while involved with the film, including her audition and premieres.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Mike |date=March 17, 2017 |title=Paige O'Hara, the Original Voice of Beauty and the Beast's Belle: Where Is She Now? |url=https://people.com/movies/paige-ohara-the-original-voice-of-beauty-and-the-beasts-belle-where-is-she-now/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312135135/https://people.com/movies/paige-ohara-the-original-voice-of-beauty-and-the-beasts-belle-where-is-she-now/ |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=People}} Her ball gown was inspired by a costume Audrey Hepburn's character wears in the romantic comedy Roman Holiday (1953).{{cite web |last=Churchill |first=Alexandra |date=April 9, 2021 |title=50 Epic Things You Didn't Know About Disney Princesses |url=http://www.yourtango.com/movie-love-facts-you-didnt-know-about-disney-princess-ariel-little-mermaid-snow-white-sleeping-beauty-tangled-frozen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118070105/http://www.yourtango.com/movie-love-facts-you-didnt-know-about-disney-princess-ariel-little-mermaid-snow-white-sleeping-beauty-tangled-frozen |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |access-date=January 17, 2015 |website=YourTango}} Hahn designed it with a small team of male filmmakers. The film's marketing department had originally wanted the dress to be pink to appeal to female audiences, but art director Brian McEntee preferred gold to distinguish Belle from other Disney princesses.{{cite web |last=Shamsian |first=Jacob |date=July 26, 2016 |title=Belle's 'Beauty and the Beast' gown was supposed to look totally different |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-ballgown-gold-pink-2016-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028085000/http://www.businessinsider.com/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-ballgown-gold-pink-2016-7 |archive-date=October 28, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |website=Business Insider}}{{cite web |last=Panisello |first=Stephanie |date=July 25, 2016 |title='Beauty and the Beast' Creatives Reflect on Disney Tale 25 Years Later |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/beauty-and-the-beast-creatives-reflect-on-disney-tale-25-years-later-1201822783/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028152302/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/beauty-and-the-beast-creatives-reflect-on-disney-tale-25-years-later-1201822783/ |archive-date=October 28, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |website=Variety |quote=}} McEntee confirmed that, despite the film being set in the 18th century, much of Belle's aesthetic is lifted directly from 1990s trends, drawing inspiration from cover girls Isabella Rossellini and Cindy Crawford.

Woolverton created Belle as part of "her self-directed mandate to move women and girls forward." The Express-Times described the character as an intelligent young woman who "sings songs about reading and wanting to gain knowledge, rather than falling in love."{{cite web |url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhitelifestyle/index.ssf/2013/10/the_evolution_of_the_disney_pr.html|title=The evolution of the Disney Princess |date=October 21, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2015 |website=LehighValleyLive.com|publisher=PennLive|url-status=live|archive-date=February 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211221649/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhitelifestyle/index.ssf/2013/10/the_evolution_of_the_disney_pr.html}} Woolverton credits Belle's knowledge and love of books with providing the character with a "point of view of her life and that doesn't necessarily involve a man getting her there." One of the film's main themes, Belle is considered an outsider because her love of reading provides her with knowledge of the outside world as opposed to her "narrow-minded" village peers. Writing for Wired.com, Matt Blum dubbed Belle "the geekiest heroine of any Disney animated film", exemplified by an opening number that demonstrates just how much she does not fit in with her peers due to her intelligence and active imagination.{{cite magazine |last=Blum|first=Matt|date=January 13, 2012|magazine=Wired |url=http://archive.wired.com/geekdad/2012/01/beauty-and-the-beast-3d/|access-date=January 16, 2014 |title=Beauty and the Beast 3D: Still a Great Film, and a Tangled Short, Too!|archive-date=January 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116222342/http://archive.wired.com/geekdad/2012/01/beauty-and-the-beast-3d/}} Similarly, Boxoffice{{'}}s Amy Nicholson coined the character "Disney's Smartest Heroine", while Rob Burch of The Hollywood News observed that the character "comes across as arrogant at times" because she "spends much of the first act complaining." In her book Sex, Love and Abuse: Discourses on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, author Sharon Hayes described Belle as "the quintessential beautiful young ingénue."{{Cite book|title=Sex, Love and Abuse: Discourses on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault|last=Hayes|first=Sharon|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2014|isbn=9781137008817|location=United Kingdom |pages=15–17 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_RuvAwAAQBAJ&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA15}} Comparing Belle's personality to that of the princess in the Brothers Grimm's fairy tale "The Frog Prince", The Meanings of "Beauty and the Beast": A Handbook author Jerry Griswold described the character as a similarly "feisty and outspoken" heroine.{{Cite book|title=The Meanings of "Beauty and the Beast": A Handbook|last=Griswold |first=Jerry|publisher=Broadview Press|year=2004|isbn=9781551115634|location=Canada|page=251 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ecQuvwSSgzEC&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA251}} Writing for St. Francis Xavier University, Dawn Elizabeth England observed that Belle possesses equally as many traditionally feminine as she does masculine traits, citing her bravery, independence and assertiveness as masculine, and her sensitivity and fearfulness as feminine.{{cite web|url=http://people.stfx.ca/x2011/x2011bwz/Gender%20Portrayal.pdf|title=Gender Role Portrayal and the Disney Princesses|date=February 10, 2011 |access-date=February 24, 2015|website=St. Francis Xavier University|last1=England|first1=Dawn Elizabeth|last2=Descartes |first2=Melissa|last3=Collier-Meek|first3=Melissa A. |archive-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224214734/http://people.stfx.ca/x2011/x2011bwz/Gender%20Portrayal.pdf}} According to Hard Bodies: Hollywood Masculinity in the Reagan Era author Susan Jeffords, "Belle's credentials as heroine are established ... when she is the only one of the town's single women not to swoon over Gaston," while the character's love of reading is essentially manipulated "to mark her as better than the rest of the townspeople."{{Cite book|title=Hard Bodies: Hollywood Masculinity in the Reagan Era|last=Jeffords|first=Susan|publisher=Rutgers University Press|year=1994 |isbn=9780813520032|pages=[https://archive.org/details/hardbodieshollyw00jeff/page/150 150]–155 |location=United States|url=https://archive.org/details/hardbodieshollyw00jeff|url-access=registration |quote=belle beauty and the beast feminist.}} Writing for The Statesman, David O'Connor cited Belle's intelligence and bibliophilia as "in stark opposition to the insensitive and significantly dim-witted Gaston."{{cite web |last=O'Connor|first=David |date=April 29, 2013|url=http://sbstatesman.com/2013/04/29/evolution-of-disney-princesses-shows-societal-progress/|title=Evolution of Disney princesses shows societal progress |access-date=February 13, 2015 |website=The Statesman|publisher=Statesman Association Inc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213160632/http://sbstatesman.com/2013/04/29/evolution-of-disney-princesses-shows-societal-progress/|archive-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=live}} Critics continue to debate over whether Belle or the Beast is the film's protagonist. Susan Jeffords, author of Hard Bodies: Hollywood Masculinity in the Reagan Era, felt that although Belle appears to be the protagonist in Beaumont's original fairy tale, the character becomes "less the focus of the narrative" in Disney's adaptation and more of a "mechanism for solving the Beast's 'dilemma.'" In her article "The Tangled Evolution of the Disney Princess," Noelle Buffam felt that Belle arrived just in time when Disney's heroines were "in a dire need for some change," awarding her "the red stamp of approval" for her intelligence and spirit.{{cite web|url=http://thescriptlab.com/features/main/878-evolution-of-the-disney-princess#|title=The Tangled Evolution of the Disney Princess|date=November 29, 2010|access-date=February 24, 2015|website=The Script Lab|publisher=TSL Media Inc|last=Buffam|first=Noelle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224213228/http://thescriptlab.com/features/main/878-evolution-of-the-disney-princess|archive-date=February 24, 2015|url-status=live}}

Analyzing ways in which Disney's heroines have evolved over time due to "the approach to the characterization of the princesses chang[ing]" as the characters gradually transformed from passive young women into heroines who "had ambitions and desires aside from finding true love,"{{cite web|url=http://girlsincapes.com/2014/04/07/princess-evolution/|title=The Evolution of the Disney Princess|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2014|website=Girls in Capes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716204438/http://girlsincapes.com/2014/04/07/princess-evolution/|archive-date=July 16, 2014|url-status=live}} critics often divide the Disney Princesses into three separate categories and rank Belle among the middle of the timeline,{{cite web|url=http://www.livescience.com/13526-disney-princes-pink-princess-culture-stereotypes.html|title=Disney Princes and Princesses Still Slaves to Some Stereotypes|date=April 1, 2011|access-date=February 2, 2015|website=LiveScience|last=Welsh|first=Jennifer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211221551/http://www.livescience.com/13526-disney-princes-pink-princess-culture-stereotypes.html|archive-date=February 11, 2015}} with Kit Steinkellner of HelloGiggles.com observing that the character improved upon "the Disney princess archetype" by simultaneously serving as both a "dreamer" and a "doer" in her film, as opposed to exclusively the former.{{cite web |last=Steinkellner |first=Kit |author-link=Kit Steinkellner |date=November 11, 2014 |title=The evolution of the Disney princess–from dainty damsel to badass |url=https://hellogiggles.com/evolution-disney-princess/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241014075858/https://hellogiggles.com/evolution-disney-princess/ |archive-date=October 14, 2024 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=HelloGiggles}} Film historian Paula Sigman Lowery explained to the Daily Express that Belle's personality is a combination of Ariel's spirit and burgeoning independence, and Pocahontas' maturity, while Belle is "a little older [than Ariel] and a little further along in their journey towards independence."{{cite web |last=Fox|first=Emily|date=September 18, 2012 |website=Daily Express|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/346825/How-Disney-s-princesses-reflect-the-evolution-of-modern-day-women|title=How Disney's princesses reflect the evolution of modern-day women|access-date=February 13, 2015|publisher=Northern and Shell Media Publications|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213101829/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/346825/How-Disney-s-princesses-reflect-the-evolution-of-modern-day-women|archive-date=February 13, 2015}} About.com's David Nusair believes that Belle belongs to a category of Disney Princesses known as "The Lady Vanishes", in which the heroines, in spite of being brave, outspoken and independent, nonetheless "are forced to behave passively as others help them achieve their respective goals." Michelle Munro, writing for Durham College, felt that even though Belle shares several traits with her more passive predecessors, the character introduced "new possibilities for princesses."{{cite web|url=http://www.thewaterbuffalomagazine.ca/the-evolution-of-the-disney-princess.html|title=Evolution of The Disney Princess – Disney has made quite the transformation from innocent Snow white to Independent Anna|year=2014|access-date=February 10, 2015|website=The Water Buffalo |last=Munro|first=Michelle|archive-date=July 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711235945/http://www.thewaterbuffalomagazine.ca/the-evolution-of-the-disney-princess.html}} Girls in Capes wrote that Belle pioneered a generation of princesses who taught "about ambition, self-discovery and the pursuit of what we want." Additionally, Belle remains Disney's first and only princess to have hazel eyes.{{cite web|last=Mullins|first=Jenna |date=October 20, 2014 |url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/589460/53-fascinating-facts-you-probably-didn-t-know-about-disney-films|title=53 Fascinating Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Disney Films|publisher=E! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118072521/http://www.eonline.com/news/589460/53-fascinating-facts-you-probably-didn-t-know-about-disney-films|archive-date=January 18, 2015|access-date=January 17, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/7-things-you-didnt-now-about-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast-princess-belle-30942257.html|title=7 things you didn't now about Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' princess Belle|date=January 1, 2015|access-date=February 12, 2015|work=The Irish Independent|last=Kelly|first=Aoife|url-status=live|archive-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128155232/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/7-things-you-didnt-now-about-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast-princess-belle-30942257.html}}

Belle has received mostly positive reviews from film critics, who praised her bravery, intelligence, independence, and maturity.{{Cite news |last=Puri |first=Chhavi |date=August 17, 2022 |title=14 Best Disney characters that made our childhood awesome |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/disney-characters-1175309 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102182745/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/disney-characters-1175309 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |work=Pinkvilla |quote=Belle has received lots of love and praise from the critics, who appreciated her bravery, intelligence, and sense of independence.}}{{Cite news |last=Kim |first=Brendan |date=November 29, 2021 |title=Original Beauty & The Beast Star Says Belle Paved The Way For Mulan |url=https://screenrant.com/beauty-beast-paige-ohara-original-mulan-inspiration-response/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422013316/https://screenrant.com/beauty-beast-paige-ohara-original-mulan-inspiration-response/ |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=September 2, 2022 |work=Screen Rant |quote=Since its release, Disney's Beauty and the Beast has been praised for its depiction of Belle. Critics point out that she is the first of Disney's princesses to break free of many of the problematic tropes that saddle earlier princesses in Disney's fairy tale canon.}}{{Cite news |last=Searle |first=Tyler B. |date=January 26, 2025 |title=The 10 Most Important Movies in Disney History |url=https://collider.com/most-important-movies-disney-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127002401/https://collider.com/most-important-movies-disney-history/ |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |work=Collider |quote=Belle, who was praised for her fleshed-out personality and agency}} Journalist Janet Maslin said that by deviating from the source material, Disney created "a conspicuously better role model than the marriage-minded Disney heroines of the past".{{Cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |author-link=Janet Maslin |date=November 24, 1991 |title=Film; Target: Boomers and Their Babies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/24/movies/film-target-boomers-and-their-babies.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415083219/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/24/movies/film-target-boomers-and-their-babies.html |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Jennie Punter of The Globe and Mail described Belle as a "smart, courageous ... 'take-charge kind of gal'", and the film's "main attraction".{{cite news |last=Punter |first=Jennie |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Beauty and the Beast 3D: Disney classic gets added pop |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/beauty-and-the-beast-3d-disney-classic-gets-added-pop/article630447/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930155201/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/beauty-and-the-beast-3d-disney-classic-gets-added-pop/article630447/ |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=September 15, 2012 |work=The Globe and Mail}} Martin F. Kohn of the Detroit Free Press called her "an absolutely wonderful lead character".{{Cite news |last=Kohn |first=Martin F. |date=November 22, 1991 |title=Beauty is not just another pretty face |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/100396804/?clipping_id=134727745&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjEwMDM5NjgwNCwiaWF0IjoxNzQzMTY4OTEwLCJleHAiOjE3NDMyNTUzMTB9.Gy07JQoTy0tCsD-vAo1sQz5YAt-G5FbB2WZNgLsOrj8 |url-access=registration |access-date=March 26, 2025 |work=Detroit Free Press}} Both Emma Cochrane of Empire and Annlee Ellingson of Paste complimented the character's feminism, with the former calling Belle "more rounded than previous Disney characters".{{cite web |last=Cochrane |first=Emma |date=January 1, 2020 |title=Beauty And The Beast |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/beauty-beast-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213045704/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/beauty-beast-review/ |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |work=Empire}}{{cite web |last=Ellingson |first=Annlee |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Beauty and the Beast 3D |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/01/beauty-and-the-beast-3d.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023155735/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/01/beauty-and-the-beast-3d.html |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=November 18, 2013 |website=Paste}} According to film critic Stephen Hunter, Belle is "no passive fairy tale princess, but a real live girl, with a spunky personality and her own private agenda".{{cite web |last=Hunter |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Hunter |date=November 22, 1991 |title='BEAUTY and the BEAST' Stunning animation fills characters with life |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1991/11/22/beauty-and-the-beast-stunning-animation-fills-characters-with-life/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203010609/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-11-22/entertainment/1991326071_1_disney-animators-beast-virtuosity |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |work=The Baltimore Sun}} A reviewer for TV Guide felt that the film's plot was improved by Belle's bravery, confidence, and independence,{{cite web |title=Beauty and the Beast |url=http://movies.tvguide.com/beauty-and-the-beast/review/128275 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223828/http://www.tvguide.com/movies/beauty-and-the-beast/review/128275/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |website=TV Guide Magazine}} which About.com's David Nusair called "nothing short of admirable".{{cite web |last=Nusair |first=David |title=Character Bios for Disney Princesses |url=http://movies.about.com/od/animatedmovies/tp/disney-princess-biographies.htm |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322193316/http://movies.about.com/od/animatedmovies/tp/disney-princess-biographies.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |website=About.com}} Journalist Marc Bernardin deemed Belle "the hero" of Beauty and the Beast, which he also described as the best of Disney's princess films.{{cite magazine |last=Bernardin |first=Marc |author-link=Marc Bernardin |date=August 1, 2012 |title=Best Animated Movies Ever – 6. Beauty and the Beast (1991) |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20609141_20302680,00.html#20665337 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022103120/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20609141_20302680%2C00.html#20665337 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=November 21, 2012 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}

Many critics praised Belle as a departure from previous Disney princess characters, noting that she avoided some of the negative tropes associated with her predecessors. Entertainment Weekly's Christian Blauvelt said, "Unlike previous Disney heroines who needed to be rescued by a prince themselves, Belle not only saves the Beast's life, she saves his soul".{{cite magazine |last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |date=August 8, 2013 |title=Disney Animated Films: Best/Worst |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20609141_20616457_21189534,00.html#21189535 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811033820/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20609141_20616457_21189534,00.html#21189535 |archive-date=August 11, 2013 |access-date=August 13, 2013 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} AllMovie's Don Kaye and Perry Seibert echoed each other's reviews, with the latter calling Belle a "strong female character" who "sidesteps most of the clichés surrounding Disney heroines".{{cite web |last=Kaye |first=Don |title=Beauty and the Beast (1991) |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/beauty-and-the-beast-v4522/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820141839/http://www.allmovie.com/movie/beauty-and-the-beast-v4522 |archive-date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=August 30, 2013 |website=AllMovie}}{{cite web |last=Seibert |first=Perry |title=Beauty and the Beast (1991) |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/beauty-and-the-beast-v4522/review |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308025706/http://www.allmovie.com/movie/beauty-and-the-beast-v4522/review |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2013 |website=AllMovie}} Common Sense Media hailed Belle as a positive role model and "one of Disney's smartest, most independent heroines".{{cite web |date=September 19, 2005 |title=Beauty and the Beast |url=http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/beauty-and-the-beast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826043359/http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=August 26, 2013 |access-date=May 9, 2013 |work=Common Sense Media}} Journalist Jennifer Roback Morse said Belle's appeal had had never been derived from her "embodiment of some new feminist protagonist", but rather her kindness, faithfulness, and selflessness, "the same reasons we have always loved our heroines".{{Cite news |last=Morse |first=Jennifer Roback |author-link=Jennifer Roback Morse |date=April 17, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast’s Obeisance to the Big Gay Machine |url=https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/beauty-beasts-obeisance-big-gay-machine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222005924/https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/beauty-beasts-obeisance-big-gay-machine |archive-date=February 22, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Crisis Magazine}} In 2022, Matthew Stewart and Paul Sheehan of Gold Derby ranked Belle the second-best Disney Princess, calling her "one of the smartest, bravest, and most tender-hearted characters the Disney company has ever created" who "serves as a source of inspiration for all women".{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Matthew |last2=Sheehan |first2=Paul |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Disney Princesses: Ranked From Worst to Best |url=https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127082131/https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2023 |website=Gold Derby}}

Several critics preferred Belle over Ariel, her immediate predecessor.{{cite web |last=Salt |first=Limara |date=August 14, 2012 |title=The evolution of Disney princesses |url=http://www.virginmedia.com/movies/features/evolution-of-disney-princesses.php |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213160030/http://www.virginmedia.com/movies/features/evolution-of-disney-princesses.php |archive-date=February 13, 2015 |access-date=February 13, 2015 |website=Virgin Media |quote=[Ariel] became an instant favourite but also received mixed reviews from critics who noted that, although she's an explorer keen to escape the kingdom run by her strict father, she also gives up her family and home for a man. No such criticisms were thrown at Belle.}} Film critic Hal Hinson described Belle as a "compelling" character who he found "more mature, more womanly and less blandly asexual" than the mermaid.{{cite news |last=Hinson |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Hinson |date=November 22, 1991 |title=Beauty and the Beast 3D |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/beauty-and-the-beast-3d,1216208/critic-review.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201094501/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/beauty-and-the-beast-3d%2C1216208/critic-review.html |archive-date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=September 4, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} John Hartl of The Seattle Times said Beauty and the Beast avoids déjà vu because Belle is a "more poignant" heroine. Boxoffice wrote, "in response to criticism that the cute little 'Mermaid' Ariel was nothing more than a precocious sexpot", Belle's creators "chose to make her an icon of self-reliance and a voracious reader with a curiosity and love for everything around her".{{cite web |date=November 22, 1991 |title=Beauty And The Beast |url=http://pro.boxoffice.com/reviews/2008-08-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124000333/http://pro.boxoffice.com/reviews/2008-08-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=November 24, 2014 |access-date=November 13, 2014 |website=Boxoffice}} Critics also praised O'Hara's performance,{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1994 |title=Paige's Pacific paradise |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/77107/paiges-pacific-paradise |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620161520/https://www.scmp.com/article/77107/paiges-pacific-paradise |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=South China Morning Post}}{{Cite news |last=Leydon |first=Joe |author-link=Joe Leydon |date=December 30, 2001 |title=Beauty and the Beast: Special Edition |url=https://variety.com/2001/film/reviews/beauty-and-the-beast-special-edition-1200552099/ |access-date=April 4, 2025 |work=Variety}} which Variety called magnificent.{{cite web |date=December 31, 1990 |title=Review: 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=https://variety.com/1990/film/reviews/beauty-and-the-beast-3-1200428997/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110012552/http://variety.com/1990/film/reviews/beauty-and-the-beast-3-1200428997/ |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=October 3, 2013 |website=Variety}} The Star-Ledger's Stephen Whitty enjoyed O'Hara's "pretty soprano".{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/movies/index.ssf/2012/01/back_to_the_beast_disney_tinkers_with_an_old_favorite.html |title=Back to 'The Beast': Disney tinkers with an old favorite|website=The Star-Ledger|date=January 13, 2012 |access-date=October 3, 2013|last=Whitty|first=Stephen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105101027/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/movies/index.ssf/2012/01/back_to_the_beast_disney_tinkers_with_an_old_favorite.html|archive-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=live}} John Hartl of The Seattle Times wrote, "O'Hara does a spirited job of investing the character with warmth, intuition and maturity",{{cite web |last=Hartl |first=John |date=November 22, 1991 |title=A Classic Feel Already – Voices, Visuals Fit Superbly In Disney's 'Beast' |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19911122/1318824/a-classic-feel-already |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223213/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19911122&slug=1318824 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |website=The Seattle Times}} while the Sun-Sentinel's Candice Russel felt that O'Hara "does a good job of creating Belle as intellectual, wisely feminine and disarmed by the stirrings of her heart".{{cite web |last=Russel |first=Candice |date=November 22, 1991 |title=Timeless Tale Taps Deep Emotions |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1991-11-22/features/9102180125_1_beast-mrs-potts-french-film |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233508/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1991-11-22/features/9102180125_1_beast-mrs-potts-french-film |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |work=Sun-Sentinel}}

One of the character's few negative reviews was written by Ethan Alter of Television Without Pity, who felt the agency Belle had been given was compromised by giving her a "maternalistic streak" demonstrated in her relationships with both the Beast and Maurice.{{Cite news |last=Alter |first=Ethan |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Beauty and the Beast 3D: Tale as Bland as Time |url=http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/mwop/moviefile/2012/01/beauty-and-the-beast-3d-tale-a/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204182954/http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/mwop/moviefile/2012/01/beauty-and-the-beast-3d-tale-a/ |archive-date=February 4, 2015 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Television Without Pity}}

Disney has marketed Belle as a feminist since 1991,{{Cite book |last1=Altmann |first1=Anna E. |title=Tales, Then and Now: More Folktales as Literary Fictions for Young Adults |last2=De Vos |first2=Gail De |publisher=Libraries Unlimited |year=2001 |isbn=9781563088315 |location=United States |pages=41–42}} which authors Timothy B. Cargal and Claudia Mitchell believe represents the studio's initiative to update their heroines to reflect rising social concepts, such as third-wave feminism and girl power.{{Cite book|title=Hearing a Film, Seeing a Sermon: Preaching and Popular Movies|last=Cargal|first=Timothy B.|publisher=Westminster John Knox Press|year=2007|isbn=9780664236335|location=United States|page=44 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5tbxAqNXtdoC&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA44}}{{Cite book |last1=Mitchell |first1=Claudia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9PRoPX3DIwgC&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA484 |title=Girl Culture: An Encyclopedia |last2=Reid-Walsh |first2=Jacqueline |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=2007 |isbn=9780313084447 |location=United States |page=484}} Most critics and advocates initially applauded Disney's efforts to position Belle as more feminist than her predecessors by promoting her intelligence and courage, qualities that resonated with girls during the 1990s.{{Cite news |last=Kilkenny |first=Katie |date=March 31, 2017 |title=Is Emma Watson’s Belle the Feminist Heroine 2017 Deserves? |url=https://psmag.com/social-justice/is-emma-watsons-belle-the-feminist-heroine-2017-deserves/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210074529/https://psmag.com/social-justice/is-emma-watsons-belle-the-feminist-heroine-2017-deserves/ |archive-date=December 10, 2024 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=Pacific Standard |quote=Belle, by contrast, managed to stay awake and speak throughout the entire movie ... It was enough to garner the studio major applause from critics and advocates alike.}}{{Cite news |last=Driscoll |first=Molly |date=March 17, 2017 |title='Beauty and the Beast': When a feminist plays a Disney princess |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Movies/2017/0317/Beauty-and-the-Beast-When-a-feminist-plays-a-Disney-princess |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318031204/https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Movies/2017/0317/Beauty-and-the-Beast-When-a-feminist-plays-a-Disney-princess |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=March 17, 2025 |work=The Christian Science Monitor}} In 1991, Disney Press released Belle's Book of Books, a journal in which fans were encouraged to write about their favourite books. Hayden Manders of Nylon dubbed her "the internet's favorite feminist princess".{{Cite news |last=Manders |first=Hayden |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Is Belle A Good Princess, Or What? |url=https://www.nylon.com/articles/belle-disney-princess-feminism |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125195504/https://www.nylon.com/articles/belle-disney-princess-feminism |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=March 18, 2025 |work=Nylon}} According to Constance Grady of Vox, Belle's agency, which dates back to the original fairy tale, is a key reason critics argue that she is an empowered feminist. Although some journalists consider her a feminist icon,{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Rebecca |date=March 3, 2017 |title=Beauty And The Beast: Why Emma Watson’s Belle is the feminist we need right now |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/03/03/beauty-and-the-beast-why-emma-watsons-belle-is-the-feminist-we-need-right-now-6485484/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318104924/https://metro.co.uk/2017/03/03/beauty-and-the-beast-why-emma-watsons-belle-is-the-feminist-we-need-right-now-6485484/ |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=March 17, 2025 |work=Metro |quote=But because every single decision is a choice she makes, I believe Belle is a feminist icon for 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Alexander |first=Cristina |date=November 11, 2023 |title=The 10 Best Disney Princesses, Ranked |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-disney-princesses |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211095114/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-disney-princesses |archive-date=February 11, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=IGN}}{{cite web |date=2017 |title=The most feminist characters in Disney |url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/the-most-feminist-characters-in-disney/19202 |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004181515/https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/the-most-feminist-characters-in-disney/19202 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2014 |website=Stylist}}{{Cite news |last=Konwar |first=Nibir |date=April 15, 2025 |title=5 best Emma Watson films to watch other than Harry Potter to celebrate the actress's birthday |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/entertainment/5-best-emma-watson-films-watch-harry-potter-celebrate-actress-s-birthday |access-date=April 23, 2025 |work=Soap Central}} feminist scholars have long debated the character's feminist qualifications,{{Cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Michelle |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Wait, How Feminist Is Beauty and the Beast, Really? |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-not-a-feminist-princess |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401173004/https://www.vogue.com/article/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-not-a-feminist-princess |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |work=Vogue |quote=does Belle quite deserve all the feminist praise that’s been heaped upon her, then and now?}}{{Cite web |last=Acito |first=Marc |date=2017 |title=A Feminist Perspective |url=https://www.osfashland.org/~/media/Support%20OSF/Membership/eluminations-2017/eluminations-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401173004/https://www.vogue.com/article/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-not-a-feminist-princess |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |website=Oregon Shakespeare Festival |quote=Twenty-five years after Disney introduced Belle to the world, debates still flare online and in numerous scholarly papers as to whether she's a positive role model for girls.}}{{Cite news |last=Grady |first=Constance |date=March 23, 2017 |title=Is Beauty and the Beast "a tale as old as Stockholm syndrome"? Depends how you read it. |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/3/23/15000768/beauty-and-the-beast-feminist-stockholm-syndrome |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307195511/https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/3/23/15000768/beauty-and-the-beast-feminist-stockholm-syndrome |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |work=Vox}}{{Cite book |last=Osmond |author-link=Andrew Osmond (journalist) |first=Andrew |url=https://bfidatadigipres.github.io/making%20magic%3Cbr%3E100%20years%20of%20disney/2023/07/22/beauty-and-the-beast/ |title=100 Animated Feature Films |publisher=British Film Institute |year=2011 |isbn=978-1844573400 |location=United Kingdom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111010002/https://bfidatadigipres.github.io/making%20magic%3Cbr%3E100%20years%20of%20disney/2023/07/22/beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=November 11, 2024}} offering reevaluations discussing whether she is "feminist enough". According to Kathi Maio of New Internationalist, the character's love of reading remains her only genuinely feminist strength, despite Disney's marketing tactics.{{Cite news |last=Maio |first=Kathi |date=December 5, 1998 |title=Disney's Dolls |url=https://newint.org/features/1998/12/05/dolls |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225024631/https://newint.org/features/1998/12/05/dolls |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=New Internationalist}} Daniel Wayland of The Brown Daily Herald reported that Belle has been a contentious subject among feminist scholars since 1991, some of whom argued that her love of books and imaginative nature are not true signs of empowerment, but rather superficial markers that merely appear to suggest agency.{{Cite news |last=Wayland |first=Daniel |date=March 22, 2017 |title=Live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ retells timeless classic |url=https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2017/03/live-action-beauty-and-the-beast-retells-timeless-classic |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Brown Daily Herald}} Some critics have contested that Belle is hardly shown reading during the film and found her literary interests limited to fiction, fairy tales, and fantasy.{{Cite news |last=Glosswitch |date=March 23, 2017 |title=How feminist was Disney’s original Beauty and the Beast? |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2017/03/how-feminist-was-disneys-original-beauty-and-beast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223152452/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2017/03/how-feminist-was-disneys-original-beauty-and-beast |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=New Statesman}}{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Claire |date=November 23, 2016 |title=Coming To Terms With 'Beauty And The Beast' And The Imperfect Feminism Of Disney |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/beauty-and-the-beast-feminism_n_58338060e4b099512f846aae |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318132827/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/beauty-and-the-beast-feminism_n_58338060e4b099512f846aae |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=HuffPost}}{{Cite journal |last=Cummins |first=June |author-link=June Cummins |year=1995 |title=Romancing the Plot: The Real Beast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/249468 |journal=Children's Literature Association Quarterly |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=22-28 |issn=1553-1201 |via=Project MUSE}} Slate critic Rebecca Onion felt the film's efforts to make Belle feminist are undermined by establishing beauty as one of her defining characteristics.{{Cite news |last=Onion |first=Rebecca |date=April 8, 2021 |title=My Daughter Is Obsessed With Gaston From Beauty and the Beast |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/04/daughter-obsessed-with-gaston-beauty-and-the-beast-disney-villain.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325045233/https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/04/daughter-obsessed-with-gaston-beauty-and-the-beast-disney-villain.html |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2025 |work=Slate}} Alfonso Pizano of The Jesuit Post said that despite the studio's original intentions, Belle falls short of her potential because she is only seen reading romances, has vague aspirations, and still embodies some typical Disney princess tropes.{{Cite news |last=Pizano |first=Alfonso |date=March 24, 2017 |title=Remaking a Better Belle |url=https://thejesuitpost.org/2017/03/remaking-a-better-belle/ |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=The Jesuit Post}} Jezebel acknowledged that Belle is often regarded "as the standard of the 'feminist' Disney princess", but questioned why her actions are afforded more grace than Ariel's.{{cite web |last=Saraiya |first=Sonia |date=July 12, 2012 |title=A Feminist Guide to Disney Princesses |url=http://jezebel.com/5925424/a-feminist-guide-to-disney-princesses/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119043558/http://jezebel.com/5925424/a-feminist-guide-to-disney-princesses/ |archive-date=January 19, 2015 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |website=Jezebel}}

Interpretations of Belle’s role have been widely debated, with opinions remaining divided. While the animated film was initially praised for featuring a progressive feminist lead,{{cite web |last=Dickens |first=Faith |title="The Guy with the Problem": Reform Narrative in Disney's Beauty and the Beast |url=https://urj.ucf.edu/vol5issue2/dickens/essay.php |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119045859/https://urj.ucf.edu/vol5issue2/dickens/essay.php |archive-date=January 19, 2015 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |publisher=University of Central Florida |quote=Upon its initial release, the film was lauded as forward thinking and feminist}} some critics argue that, despite Belle’s resistance to Gaston, the story is ultimately about her seeking an "ideal man".{{cite web |url=http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2014/02/the-evolving-princess-progressive_6.html|title=The Evolving Princess: The Progressive Feminism in Disney Films: Part Two – Beauty and the Beast|date=February 6, 2014|website=Flickering Myth|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150119082304/http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2014/02/the-evolving-princess-progressive_6.html|archive-date=January 19, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2015}} Michelle Ruiz of Vogue and Manders noted that despite her intelligence and independence, Belle still settles down with a prince in a castle, like other Disney princesses. Nancy Reagin of Twilight and History and Kathleen Maher of The Austin Chronicle criticized Belle for reinforcing traditional ideas of marriage fulfillment, with Maher considering her an example of pseudo-feminism for exchanging a common man for a prince.{{Cite book |last=Reagin |first=Nancy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3CrlW4YhsAkC&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA64 |title=Twilight and History |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |year=2010 |isbn=9780470619780 |location=United States |pages=63–64 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426113606/https://books.google.com/books?id=3CrlW4YhsAkC&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA64 |archive-date=April 26, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Maher |first=Kathleen |date=November 29, 1991 |title=Beauty and the Beast |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/1991-11-29/beauty-and-the-beast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120023205/http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/1991-11-29/beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=November 13, 2014 |website=The Austin Chronicle}} Judith Welikala of The Independent commended Belle for seeing past the Beast’s appearance but argued that she reverts to domesticity once he becomes a prince.{{cite news |last=Welikala |first=Judith |author2=Emily Dugan |date=December 16, 2012 |title=How Walt Disney's women have grown up |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/how-walt-disneys-women-have-grown-up-8420282.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819050217/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/how-walt-disneys-women-have-grown-up-8420282.html |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |work=The Independent}} Andrew Teverson, author of Fairy Tale, and Phyllis Frus, author of Beyond Adaptation, viewed Belle as a response to feminist critiques of earlier Disney heroines, but criticized her curiosity as limited to romance and her character's eventual inclusion in the Disney Princess franchise.{{cite book |last=Teverson |first=Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPF43ET3DLAC&q=belle+feminist+linda+woolverton&pg=PA140 |title=Fairy Tale |publisher=Routledge |year=2013 |isbn=9781134105700 |location=United Kingdom |page=140 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603020738/https://books.google.com/books?id=TPF43ET3DLAC&q=belle+feminist+linda+woolverton&pg=PA140 |archive-date=June 3, 2023}}{{cite book |last1=Frus |first1=Phyllis |last2=Williams |first2=Christy |title=Beyond Adaptation: Essays on Radical Transformations of Original Works |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ii6IPUuHThYC&q=belle+feminist+linda+woolverton&pg=PA172 |publisher=McFarland |location=United States|year=2010|pages=168–180|isbn=9780786455782}} In Refinery29's "Definitive Ranking of Disney Princesses as Feminist Role Models", Vanessa Golembewski ranked Belle eighth, calling her ambitions "confusing".{{cite web |last=Golembewski |first=Vanessa |date=September 11, 2014 |title=A Definitive Ranking Of Disney Princesses As Feminist Role Models |url=http://www.refinery29.com/feminist-disney-princesses#slide-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216050106/http://www.refinery29.com/feminist-disney-princesses#slide-5 |archive-date=February 16, 2016 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |website=Refinery29}} Claire Fallon of HuffPost noted that, in hindsight, Belle no longer seems as independent compared to newer heroines, but she laid the groundwork for stronger female leads. Ariane Lange of BuzzFeed saw Belle as a step toward a more independent archetype, crediting the women involved in her creation. Muireann O’Shea of the College Tribune pointed to Elsa, Tiana, Moana, Pocahontas, and Mulan as stronger feminist role models.{{Cite news |last=O’Shea |first=Muireann |date=March 28, 2017 |title=The Princess and the Pitchforks: Emma Watson and Feminist Politics |url=https://www.collegetribune.ie/princess-pitchforks-emma-watson-feminist-politics/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814071511/https://www.collegetribune.ie/princess-pitchforks-emma-watson-feminist-politics/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=College Tribune}} Writer Mayukh Sen criticized the film’s polished aesthetic for limiting the portrayal of Belle as a more compelling feminist figure and suggested that Woolverton's original vision for the character, which he believed was compromised by creative conflicts, might have better portrayed Belle as a more complex feminist.{{Cite news |last=Sen |first=Mayukh |author-link=Mayukh Sen |date=September 17, 2016 |title=The Disney Renaissance’s Little Woman: Katharine Hepburn’s Imprint on Belle |url=https://mubi.com/fr/notebook/posts/the-disney-renaissance-s-little-woman-katharine-hepburn-s-imprint-on-belle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924124233/https://mubi.com/fr/notebook/posts/the-disney-renaissance-s-little-woman-katharine-hepburn-s-imprint-on-belle |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Mubi}}

Feminist discourse surrounding Belle was revived by the 2017 live-action remake, with actress Emma Watson heavily promoting the character’s feminist qualities and her efforts to update Belle into a more independent woman.{{Cite news |last=Farley |first=Rebecca |date=March 17, 2017 |title=I Hate That I Love Belle, But I Totally Do |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/03/145689/belle-disney-princess-personality-best-character |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421083022/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/03/145689/belle-disney-princess-personality-best-character |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=Refinery29 |quote=What with today's release of the live action film Beauty & The Beast, there's been much chatter about the figure of Belle.}}{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Zoe |author-link=Zoe Williams |date=March 19, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast: feminist or fraud? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/mar/19/beauty-and-the-beast-feminist-or-fraud |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004192906/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/mar/19/beauty-and-the-beast-feminist-or-fraud |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Prakash |first=Neha |date=February 28, 2017 |title=Emma Watson’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Feminism Gets Gloria Steinem’s Approval |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/emma-watson-beauty-and-the-beast-feminism-gloria-steinem |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120191602/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/emma-watson-beauty-and-the-beast-feminism-gloria-steinem |archive-date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=Teen Vogue}} O’Shea argued that if feminism is defined by agency, Belle already met that standard, and Watson’s revisions neither significantly strengthened nor weakened the original film’s message. In retrospect, some critics have reassessed Belle’s relationship with the Beast, arguing that it romanticizes domestic abuse by suggesting that women's kindness can reform their abusive partners.{{Cite news |last=Au-Nhien Nguyen |first=Giselle |date=March 30, 2017 |title=A beast in feminist clothing |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/a-beast-in-feminist-clothing-20170330-gva2kg.html |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116200938/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/a-beast-in-feminist-clothing-20170330-gva2kg.html |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |access-date=March 17, 2017 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}{{Cite news |last=Dray |first=Kayleigh |date=2020 |title=The definitive feminist ranking of every single Disney princess |url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/best-disney-princess-feminist-badass-ranking-credentials-girl-power/164676 |access-date=March 17, 2025 |work=Stylist |quote=some people think this story promotes domestic abuse. Which obviously is not good for the feminist agenda – at all.}}{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Emma |date=March 20, 2017 |title=How Disney Subtly Made ‘Beauty And The Beast’ More Feminist |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-disney-subtly-made-beauty-and-the-beast-more-feminist_n_58cfd97ce4b0ec9d29dd676f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318053241/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-disney-subtly-made-beauty-and-the-beast-more-feminist_n_58cfd97ce4b0ec9d29dd676f |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=March 17, 2025 |work=HuffPost |quote=Feminists have long grappled with the contradictory forces that are at play in the 1991 Disney film.}}{{cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Cathy |date=January 21, 2010 |title=Disney princesses are not the role models they appear to be |url=http://www.dailycampus.com/commentary/disney-princesses-are-not-the-role-models-they-appear-to-be-1.1080977#.UhYZfz_4LSp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331091922/http://www.dailycampus.com/commentary/disney-princesses-are-not-the-role-models-they-appear-to-be-1.1080977 |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |access-date=August 22, 2013 |work=The Daily Campus}} Melanie Hamlett of Paste observed that the film’s major male characters either seek to control, imprison, or be saved by Belle.{{Cite news |last=Hamlett |first=Melanie |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast, Toxic Masculinity and Fake Feminism |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/politics/beauty-and-the-beast/beauty-and-the-beast-toxic-masculinity-and-fake-fe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209170305/https://www.pastemagazine.com/politics/beauty-and-the-beast/beauty-and-the-beast-toxic-masculinity-and-fake-fe |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=Paste}} Writing for the University of Central Florida, Faith Dickens argued that Belle’s character development is overshadowed by the Beast’s struggles, with her passion for adventure giving way to romance. Similarly, scholar Henry A. Giroux believes Belle is relegated to "a prop for resolving the Beast’s problems".{{cite news |last=Giroux |first=Henry A. |author-link=Henry Giroux |year=1995 |title=Are Disney Movies Bad for Your Kids |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yf0DAAAAMBAJ&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA64 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425090556/https://books.google.com/books?id=yf0DAAAAMBAJ&q=belle+beauty+and+the+beast+feminist&pg=PA64 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |access-date=January 24, 2015 |work=Orange Coast}} Anna E. Altmann, author of Tales, Then and Now: More Folktales as Literary Fictions for Young Adults, found Belle’s relationships with both the Beast and Maurice to be overly motherly. Sonia Saraiya of Nerve ranked Belle the sixth-most feminist Disney princess, writing that, unlike Ariel, her defiance stems from intellect rather than teenage rebellion. She commended Belle for resisting societal expectations but argued that, despite her bravery, she ultimately falls for a domineering man.{{cite web |last=Saraiya |first=Sonia |date=July 10, 2012 |title=Ranked: Disney Princesses From Least To Most Feminist |url=http://www.nerve.com/entertainment/ranked/ranked-disney-princesses-from-least-to-most-feminist |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111114945/http://www.nerve.com/entertainment/ranked/ranked-disney-princesses-from-least-to-most-feminist |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |work=Nerve |publisher=}} Similarly, writer Kit Steinkellner expressed concern about "abusive undercurrents" in Belle and the Beast’s relationship, despite her proactive nature. Bustle’s Mary Grace Garis also praised Belle’s aspirations and love of reading while critiquing her relationship with the Beast.{{cite web |last=Garis |first=Mary Grace |date=October 24, 2014 |title=From Snow White to Moana: The Evolution of the Adventurous Disney Princess |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/45099-from-snow-white-to-moana-the-evolution-of-the-adventurous-disney-princess |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208140058/http://www.bustle.com/articles/45099-from-snow-white-to-moana-the-evolution-of-the-adventurous-disney-princess |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |website=Bustle |publisher=}}

Over time, some critics have argued that Belle exhibits Stockholm syndrome,{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Gwynne |date=March 2, 2017 |title='Beauty and the Beast' Featurette Makes a Case for Feminist Belle |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/beauty-and-the-beast-featurette-makes-a-case-for-feminist-belle-180620182.html |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=Yahoo! News |quote=plenty of critics over the years have cried “Stockholm syndrome”}} suggesting that she develops feelings for the Beast while being held captive. Writers for Mother Jones called Belle "a near-perfect heroine", if not for the Stockholm syndrome, abuse, and kidnapping allegations, as well as double standards perpetuating "that girls are often taught to fall in love with men for who they are and not how they look, while men in Disney movies (and beyond) so often fall in love with women because of their beauty".{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Sinduja |last2=Pauly |first2=Madison |date=December 30, 2019 |title=Disney Princesses, Ranked by Social Justice Warriors |url=https://www.motherjones.com/media/2019/12/disney-princesses-ranked-by-social-justice-warriors/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207201545/https://www.motherjones.com/media/2019/12/disney-princesses-ranked-by-social-justice-warriors/ |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=Mother Jones}} Woolverton refuted this interpretation, stating that Belle's love and kindness lead to the Beast's transformation without compromising her own identity.{{Cite news |last=Nicholson |first=Max |date=May 29, 2016 |title=Belle Doesn't Have Stockholm Syndrome, Says Animated Beauty and the Beast Writer |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/29/belle-doesnt-have-stockholm-syndrome-says-animated-beauty-and-the-beast-writer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211230319/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/29/belle-doesnt-have-stockholm-syndrome-says-animated-beauty-and-the-beast-writer |archive-date=February 11, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=IGN}} Chapman also defended the character, saying that their only intention had been to create a heroine who saves her father and just happens to reform a beastly character, as opposed to what some interpret as "an abused woman hanging out with her abusive captor". Rebecca Lewis of Metro initially supported the Stockholm syndrome argument but later reassessed her stance, concluding in 2017 that Belle's autonomy in her decisions makes her "a feminist ... character that women around the world need right now". In 2017, psychiatrist Frank Ochberg, who had originally helped put the term into use, stated that "the case for Beauty and the Beast not being Stockholm syndrome is stronger than the case of it being Stockholm syndrome", explaining that Belle's dynamic with the Beast lacks much of the trauma bonding required to qualify for the condition.{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Gwynne |date=March 20, 2017 |title=Does Belle From 'Beauty and the Beast' Suffer From Stockholm Syndrome? We Asked an Expert. |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/does-belle-from-beauty-and-the-beast-suffer-from-stockholm-syndrome-we-asked-an-expert-175449990.html |access-date=March 17, 2025 |work=Yahoo Entertainment}} Ultimately, Ochberg described Belle as brave, courageous, and "a nice heroic story from a feminist point of view". Discussing Belle's mixed reception, Rebecca Farley of Refinery29 described her as "the Disney princess we all love to hate", noting that some of her actions have been viewed as questionable. However, she also regarded Belle as a compelling heroine due to her unconventional nature. Additionally, Belle has been criticized for being portrayed in isolation from other strong female characters, which some argue suggests that she is "the only worthwhile woman around".

In 2012, Todd Gilchrist of Boxoffice Pro deemed Belle an "iconoclast" whose personality remains just as invigorating as when the film was released over 20 years prior.{{cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Beauty And The Beast 3D |url=http://pro.boxoffice.com/reviews/2012-01-beauty-and-the-beast-3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103223633/http://pro.boxoffice.com/reviews/2012-01-beauty-and-the-beast-3d |archive-date=November 3, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |website=Boxoffice Pro}} Belle is regarded as a cultural icon.{{cite web |last=Wilken |first=Selina |date=November 8, 2011 |title='Once Upon a Time' recruits 'Lost' alum for iconic role of Belle! |url=http://www.hypable.com/2011/11/08/once-upon-a-time-lost-alum-belle-emilie-de-ravin/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131106023226/http://www.hypable.com/2011/11/08/once-upon-a-time-lost-alum-belle-emilie-de-ravin/ |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |website=Hypable}}{{cite web |date=October 12, 2012 |title=Beauty and the Beast's Leading Lady Hilary Maiberger on Why Belle is 'Not Your Average Disney Princess' |url=http://ottawa.broadway.com/buzz/164742/beauty-and-the-beasts-leading-lady-hilary-maiberger-on-why-belle-is-not-your-average-disney-princess/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106004801/http://ottawa.broadway.com/buzz/164742/beauty-and-the-beasts-leading-lady-hilary-maiberger-on-why-belle-is-not-your-average-disney-princess/ |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |website=Broadway.com}} According to journalists for Time and Harper's Bazaar, the character holds the distinction of being Disney's first feminist princess.{{cite magazine |last=Gonzales |first=Erica |date=May 24, 2016 |title=How Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast' became Disney's first feminist princess |url=http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a15772/beauty-and-the-beast-belle-feminist-disney-princess/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628223349/http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a15772/beauty-and-the-beast-belle-feminist-disney-princess/ |archive-date=June 28, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |publisher=}} Some reporters believe the character's characterization as one of Disney's first proactive princesses helped revolutionize how princess characters would be depicted in animation.{{cite web |last=Terrill |first=Ashley |date=November 8, 2010 |title=Ladies, Leading – Linda Woolverton, Writer |url=http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/reviews/ladies-leading-514518-4#slide-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203151757/http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/reviews/ladies-leading-514518-4 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=June 17, 2013 |work=Elle}}{{cite web |last=Lowe |first=Lindsay |date=March 7, 2013 |title=Enough Feisty Princesses: Disney Needs an Introverted Heroine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/03/enough-feisty-princesses-disney-needs-an-introverted-heroine/273821/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901224621/http://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/03/enough-feisty-princesses-disney-needs-an-introverted-heroine/273821/ |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |work=The Atlantic}}{{cite web |last=Bolokhova |first=Elina |date=2013 |title=Best Animated Movies for Kids |url=http://www.parenting.com/gallery/animated-movies?pnid=630111&viewFull=true |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101150952/http://www.parenting.com/gallery/animated-movies?pnid=630111&viewFull=true |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |work=Parenting}} Filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda believes Disney's treatment of Belle initiated a "major shift" towards the presence of independent, intelligent fairy tale heroines, and cited the character as an inspiration on Belle (2021), his own retelling of the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale.{{Cite news |last=Solomon |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Solomon (animation historian) |date=June 24, 2022 |title=For the Most Complex Heroines in Animation, Look to Japan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/movies/anime-belle-your-name.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205072408/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/movies/anime-belle-your-name.html |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |access-date=April 23, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Emma Gray, senior women's reporter for HuffPost, said "For women who grew up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, few characters loom larger than Belle", crediting her interest in reading over marriage with offering "a portrait of a more empowered Disney princess". According to Kevin Fallon of The Daily Beast, Belle challenged the conventional image of a Disney princess, one he described as “singing songs about how much you love combing your hair with a fork and giving away your voice if it meant you got to marry the guy with that dreamy chiseled jaw”.{{cite web |last=Fallon |first=Kevin |date=June 1, 2014 |title=The 'Maleficent' Screenwriter Also Wrote 'The Lion King' and 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/01/the-maleficent-screenwriter-also-wrote-the-lion-king-and-beauty-and-the-beast.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520063041/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/01/the-maleficent-screenwriter-also-wrote-the-lion-king-and-beauty-and-the-beast.html |archive-date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |website=The Daily Beast}} Animation historian Charles Solomon considers Belle one of four Disney princesses responsible for breaking conventional bonds,{{cite web |last=Solomon |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Solomon (animation historian) |date=June 26, 1998 |title=Animated Heroines Finally Get in Step With the Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-26-ca-63623-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106022714/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jun/26/entertainment/ca-63623 |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times}} and film critic Chris Nashawaty said she helped establish Disney's second wave of princesses as independent as instead of damsels in distress.{{Cite news |last=Nashawaty |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Nashawaty |date=March 3, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast: EW review |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/03/beauty-and-the-beast-ew-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209111245/https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/03/beauty-and-the-beast-ew-review/ |archive-date=February 9, 2025 |access-date=April 4, 2025 |work=Entertainment Weekly}} About.com's David Nusair agreed that she "updated the princess formula for an entirely new generation".{{cite web |last=Nusair |first=David |title=The Evolution of the Disney Princess |url=http://movies.about.com/od/animatedmovies/a/disney-princesses.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406043520/http://movies.about.com/od/animatedmovies/a/disney-princesses.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2013 |work=About.com}} Writing for Virgin Media, Limara Salt believes the character "proved that audiences could fall in love with a brown-haired intellectual". A survey conducted by Disney after the film's release determined that Belle's affinity for books inspired young women to read. In 2015, writers for Time said Belle is arguably one of the most famous bookworms in pop culture.{{Cite news |last=Dockterman |first=Eliana |last2=Ross |first2=Ashley |date=January 26, 2015 |title=10 Things Beauty and the Beast’s Belle and Harry Potter’s Hermione Have in Common |url=https://time.com/3682630/emma-watson-belle-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714204707/https://time.com/3682630/emma-watson-belle-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |work=Time}} According to Emily Rome of Uproxx, "Belle became an immediate favorite for any girl who, like Belle, would rather have her nose stuck in a book than doing just about anything else". The character is also revered as a positive role model for young women.{{Cite news |last=Mcfaul |first=Erin |date=March 15, 2017 |title=Q&A: Alumna discusses her experience as original Broadway’s Belle |url=https://new.dailybruin.com/post/qa-alumna-discusses-her-experience-as-original-broadways-belle |access-date=March 11, 2025 |work=Daily Bruin}}{{Cite news |last=Beauvais |first=Clementine |date=March 13, 2017 |title=A traditional tale with titillating twists: Beauty and the Beast gets reinvented (again) |url=https://theconversation.com/a-traditional-tale-with-titillating-twists-beauty-and-the-beast-gets-reinvented-again-72674 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608221932/https://theconversation.com/a-traditional-tale-with-titillating-twists-beauty-and-the-beast-gets-reinvented-again-72674 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=The Conversation}}{{Cite news |last=Asmuth |first=Abby |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Nostalgia Rankings: Disney Princess Movies |url=https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/03/02/nostalgia-rankings-disney-princess-movies/ |access-date=April 23, 2025 |work=Yale Daily News}} According to a poll reported by Parents, Belle was voted the best Disney Princess role model based on over 2,400 parents surveyed.{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Melissa |date=May 27, 2020 |title=These Disney Princesses Are the Best Role Models, According to New Survey |url=https://www.parents.com/news/disney-princess-role-models/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322050711/https://www.parents.com/news/disney-princess-role-models/ |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=Parents}} The film's cast has spoken about countless fans of the character crediting Belle with giving them confidence to read and make unconventional decisions.

Belle is the fifth member of the Disney Princess franchise,{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Ankita |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast: From Snow White to Rapunzel, take a look at Disney princesses through the ages |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/beauty-beast-snow-white-rapunzel-take-look-disney-princesses-through-ages-719724 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426050603/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/beauty-beast-snow-white-rapunzel-take-look-disney-princesses-through-ages-719724 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |work=International Business Times}} and is frequently recognized as one of its most popular and enduring characters.{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Justine |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Our Official Ranking of the 10 Best Disney Princesses of All Time |url=http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/best-disney-princesses |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107014255/http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/best-disney-princesses |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |website=Teen Vogue |quote=It’s no surprise that she’s become one of the most popular classic Disney princesses of all time}} Tyler B. Searle of Collider, who ranked her the second-best protagonist from the Disney Renaissance, remarked that she is often considered "one of if not the best Disney princesses".{{Cite web |last=Searle |first=Tyler B. |date=November 27, 2022 |title=Ranking the Protagonists of the Disney Renaissance, From Ariel to Tarzan |url=https://collider.com/ranking-the-protagonists-of-the-disney-renaissance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226004100/https://collider.com/ranking-the-protagonists-of-the-disney-renaissance/ |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=January 10, 2023 |website=Collider}} Critics have praised Belle for her intelligence, independence, and depth of character. Patricia Garcia of Vogue described her as "a welcome exception to the Disney princess stereotype" due to her bravery, adventurous nature, and love of reading.{{Cite news |last=Garcia |first=Patricia |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Emma Watson Is Remaking Belle Into a Feminist Disney Heroine |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/belle-feminist-beauty-and-the-beast |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603104110/https://www.vogue.com/article/belle-feminist-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=Vogue}} Similarly, Kayleigh Dray of Stylist referred to her as "one of the least two-dimensional characters in the original Disney Princess line-up". Kim Renfro of Business Insider credited Belle with contributing to a new era of modern Disney heroines,{{Cite news |last=Renfro |first=Kim |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Here's how Belle kicked off a revolutionary wave of modern Disney princesses |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/belle-best-revolutionary-feminist-disney-princess-2017-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526194214/https://www.businessinsider.com/belle-best-revolutionary-feminist-disney-princess-2017-3 |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Business Insider}} and Vicki Arkoff of TLC noted that the character helped "break Disney's passive-princess mold".{{cite web |last=Arkoff |first=Vicki |date=October 10, 2006 |title=Ultimate Guide to Disney Princess |url=http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/how-disney-princess-works4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/family/activities/how-disney-princess-works.htm |archive-date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2013 |website=HowStuffWorks}} Belle has consistently ranked highly in polls and media lists evaluating Disney Princesses.{{Cite news |last=Monk |first=Angelica |date=August 18, 2022 |title=Disney Princesses Ranked |url=https://blackgirlnerds.com/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729144812/https://blackgirlnerds.com/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=Black Girl Nerds}} A 2020 international survey reported by Marie Claire found her to be the most popular princess in nine countries and the fourth overall.{{Cite news |last=Troy-Pryde |first=Jadie |date=October 3, 2020 |title=This is the world's most popular Disney princess |url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/entertainment/tv-and-film/most-popular-disney-princess-689127 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225152405/https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/entertainment/tv-and-film/most-popular-disney-princess-689127 |archive-date=December 25, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |work=Marie Claire}} She was ranked first in separate polls by E!, ComingSoon.net, and HuffPost,{{cite web |last=Boone |first=John |date=May 12, 2014 |title=All of the Disney Princesses, Ranked |url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/541066/all-of-the-disney-princesses-ranked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106084459/http://www.eonline.com/news/541066/all-of-the-disney-princesses-ranked |archive-date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |publisher=E!}}{{cite web |last=Hermanns |first=Grant |date=November 26, 2019 |title=POLL RESULTS: Who is the Best Disney Princess? |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1112050-poll-results-who-is-the-best-disney-princess |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321182009/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1112050-poll-results-who-is-the-best-disney-princess |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2020 |website=Comingsoon.net}}{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2015 |title='Belle' of the Ball: The Best Disney Princesses |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/belle-of-the-ball-the-bes_b_6811512 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323031140/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/belle-of-the-ball-the-bes_b_6811512 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=HuffPost}} second by the Harvard Law Record, Refinery29 and /Film,{{Cite news |last=An |first=Jim |date=June 30, 2016 |title=Disney Princesses, Ranked |url=https://hlrecord.org/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801214743/https://hlrecord.org/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=Harvard Law Record}}{{Cite news |last=Baila |first=Morgan |date=November 21, 2016 |title=Would You Actually Want A Disney Princess’s Fairy-Tale Ending? |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/11/129997/relatable-disney-princesses-movies#slide-6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201200423/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/11/129997/relatable-disney-princesses-movies#slide-6 |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Refinery29}}{{Cite news |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=November 26, 2024 |title=All 13 Disney Princesses, Ranked |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1713863/every-disney-princess-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303204159/https://www.slashfilm.com/1713863/every-disney-princess-ranked/ |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=/Film}} third by the Yale Daily News, fourth by Cosmopolitan,{{cite web |last=Breslaw |first=Anna |date=December 27, 2013 |title=The Definitive Ranking of Disney Princesses |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a5261/disney-princesses-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112001056/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a5261/disney-princesses-ranked/ |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |website=Cosmopolitan}} and fifth by USA Today, Seventeen, BuzzFeed, and IGN.{{Cite news |date=March 19, 2020 |title=Every Disney princess, ranked from worst to best |url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/movies/2020/03/19/every-disney-princess-ranked-worst-best-elsa-belle-cinderella-mulan/2872636001/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110173439/https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/movies/2020/03/19/every-disney-princess-ranked-worst-best-elsa-belle-cinderella-mulan/2872636001/ |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=USA Today}}{{cite web |last=Rosa |first=Jelani Addams |date=May 7, 2014 |title=The Definitive Ranking Of Disney Princesses, From Distressed Damsels To Most Kickass |url=http://www.seventeen.com/entertainment/reviews/disney-princess-rankings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121034013/http://www.seventeen.com/entertainment/reviews/disney-princess-rankings |archive-date=January 21, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2015 |website=Seventeen}}{{cite web |last=Madison III |first=Ira |author-link=Ira Madison III |date=October 27, 2014 |title=A Definitive Ranking Of Disney Princesses |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/iramadison/a-definitive-ranking-of-disney-princesses#.onMQGKEvn |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044656/http://www.buzzfeed.com/iramadison/a-definitive-ranking-of-disney-princesses#.onMQGKEvn |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |website=BuzzFeed |publisher=}} Cristina Alexander of IGN described her as "one of the first modern Disney Princesses to break the stereotype of how princesses behave". In terms of commercial success, Belle was the fifth most successful Disney Princess based on box office performance as of 2014, with Beauty and the Beast grossing over $350 million worldwide.{{cite web |year=2014 |title=The Top 10 Disney Princesses at the Box Office |url=http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Media/Slideshow/2014/04/16/Top-10-Disney-Princesses-Box-Office?page=4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120082340/http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Media/Slideshow/2014/04/16/Top-10-Disney-Princesses-Box-Office?page=4 |archive-date=January 20, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |work=The Fiscal Times}} Despite this, she was the lowest-selling Disney Princess on eBay in 2013, generating under $7,000 in merchandise sales, although she is frequently cited as a customer favorite.{{cite news |last=Dockterman |first=Eliana |date=April 29, 2014 |title=And the Most Popular Disney Princess Is… |url=https://time.com/81078/the-most-popular-disney-princess-frozen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301011001/http://time.com/81078/the-most-popular-disney-princess-frozen/ |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |magazine=Time}}{{cite web |last=Morrissey |first=Tracie Egan |date=April 28, 2014 |title=Who Is the Most Popular Disney Princess on eBay? |url=http://jezebel.com/who-is-the-most-popular-disney-princess-on-ebay-1568896937 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120074527/http://jezebel.com/who-is-the-most-popular-disney-princess-on-ebay-1568896937 |archive-date=January 20, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2015 |website=Jezebel}}

{{quote box|quote=As Disney heroines go, Belle was an iconoclast. Her strong-willed, independent personality feels invigorating in a medium where most damsels are in distress. That was definitely true 20 years ago when Beauty was released, and it's still half-true today.|source=—Boxoffice Pro{{'}}s Todd Gilchrist explaining the way in which Belle altered Disney heroines for the 20th and 21st centuries.{{cite web |last=Gilchrist|first=Todd|date=January 12, 2012|title=Beauty and the Beast 3D|url=http://www.boxoffice.com/reviews/2012-01-beauty-and-the-beast-3d|work=Boxoffice|access-date=26 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012440/http://www.boxoffice.com/reviews/2012-01-beauty-and-the-beast-3d|archive-date=December 3, 2013}}|width=30%|}}

Belle is widely regarded as one of Disney's most beloved heroines,{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=Marta |date=October 1, 2017 |title=15 Best Disney Characters of All Time |url=https://www.thecinemaholic.com/disney-characters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225030854/https://www.thecinemaholic.com/disney-characters/ |archive-date=December 25, 2018 |access-date=December 24, 2018 |website=The Cinemaholic |quote=One of the most beloved Disney princesses}}{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Bri |date=August 1, 2020 |title=Belle: Her 5 Best & 5 Worst Traits |url=https://screenrant.com/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-best-worst-traits-disney-princesses/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426050836/https://screenrant.com/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-best-worst-traits-disney-princesses/ |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |work=Screen Rant |quote=Belle ... is one of the most beloved and celebrated princesses from the magical world of Disney}}{{Cite news |last=Libbey |first=Dirk |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Why Emma Watson Wanted To Play Belle More Than The Other Disney Princess She Was Offered |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1613310/why-emma-watson-wanted-to-play-belle-more-than-the-other-disney-princess-she-was-offered |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130235507/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1613310/why-emma-watson-wanted-to-play-belle-more-than-the-other-disney-princess-she-was-offered |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |work=CinemaBlend |quote=one of Disney's most popular princesses}}{{Cite news |last=Senzatimore |first=Renee |date=September 25, 2024 |title=Disney's Beauty and the Beast Gets Shojo Makeover in New Official Illustrations |url=https://www.cbr.com/disney-princess-beauty-and-the-beast-belle-new-shoujo-art-designs/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927035553/https://www.cbr.com/disney-princess-beauty-and-the-beast-belle-new-shoujo-art-designs/ |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=Comic Book Resources |quote=One of Disney's most beloved animated characters of all time is Belle}}{{Cite news |last=Huver |first=Scott |date=September 21, 2016 |title=How Belle From 'Beauty and the Beast' Became One of Disney's Most Iconic Princesses |url=https://www.moviefone.com/2016/09/21/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-disney-princess/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426113603/https://www.moviefone.com/news/belle-beauty-and-the-beast-disney-princess/ |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |work=Moviefone |quote=one of the most beloved storybook heroines within Disney's considerable and historic pantheon:}}{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Bath & Body Works and Disney Collaborate to Launch Disney Princess Fragrance Collection |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bath--body-works-and-disney-collaborate-to-launch-disney-princess-fragrance-collection-302371689.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307171927/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bath--body-works-and-disney-collaborate-to-launch-disney-princess-fragrance-collection-302371689.html |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |work=PR Newswire}} who Justin Humphreys of The Hook described as "staggeringly popular".{{cite web |last=Humphreys |first=Justin |date=November 4, 2010 |title=Film- Fairest of Them All: Disney's Beauty, Paige O'Hara. |url=http://www.readthehook.com/86541/film-fairest-them-all-disneys-beauty-paige-ohara |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102013352/http://www.readthehook.com/86541/film-fairest-them-all-disneys-beauty-paige-ohara |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |work=The Hook}} Kelsie Gibson of People declared her among "the most recognizable animated characters of all time",{{Cite news |last=Gibson |first=Kelsie |date=November 23, 2023 |title=Look Back at All the Actresses Who Voiced Disney Princesses |url=https://people.com/actresses-who-voiced-disney-princesses-8405239 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=People}} and a writer for the Yale Daily News called her "One of Disney’s best heroines". In 2016, Scott Huver of People said the character's "popularity remains a force to be reckoned with" over 25 years after the film's release. In 2023, The A.V. Club ranked Belle the 10th greatest animated Disney character of all-time, deeming her essential to Beauty and the Beast's reputation as one of Disney’s greatest films.{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Matthew |date=January 25, 2023 |title=The 50 best Disney animated characters of all time |url=https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101064141/https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180 |archive-date=January 1, 2025 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |work=The A.V. Club}} Business Insider readers voted Belle the 15th most iconic female movie character.{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Travis |date=August 30, 2018 |title=The 17 most iconic female movie characters of all time, according to audiences |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/most-iconic-female-movie-characters-of-all-time-2018-8#15-belle-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523032002/https://www.businessinsider.com/most-iconic-female-movie-characters-of-all-time-2018-8#15-belle-3 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2022 |work=Business Insider}} Belle was the only animated heroine nominated for the American Film Institute's 50 greatest heroes ranking.{{cite web |title=The 50 greatest heroes and the 50 greatest villains of all time 400 Nominated Characters |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100years/handv400.pdf |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104022712/http://www.afi.com/Docs/100years/handv400.pdf |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |publisher=American Film Institute}}{{Cite web |title=America's 100 Greatest Heroes & Villains – Virtuous Heroes and Wicked Villains |url=https://www.filmsite.org/afi400heroesvill.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123130620/https://www.filmsite.org/afi400heroesvill.html |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Filmsite}}{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Tim |date=March 5, 2018 |title=10 Things You May Not Know About Belle |url=https://celebrationspress.com/2018/03/05/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-belle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303174110/https://celebrationspress.com/2018/03/05/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-belle/ |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |work=Celebration Press}}{{Cite web |last=McConnell |first=Liv |date=September 22, 2016 |title=13 things you never knew about Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://www.revelist.com/movies/belle-beauty-and-the-beast/4905/and-she-also-intended-for-beauty-and-the-beast-to-provide-a-positive-example-to-girls-and-boys/13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029111914/http://www.revelist.com/movies/belle-beauty-and-the-beast/4905/and-she-also-intended-for-beauty-and-the-beast-to-provide-a-positive-example-to-girls-and-boys/13 |archive-date=October 29, 2016 |access-date=October 28, 2016 |website=Revelist}} She was ranked Disney's second most iconic character by the Daily Mirror, behind only Mickey and Minnie Mouse.{{cite web |last=Best |first=Jessica |date=October 17, 2013 |title=Disney at 90: The 20 most iconic Disney characters |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/disney-90-20-most-iconic-2461689 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205005815/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/disney-90-20-most-iconic-2461689 |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |website=Daily Mirror}} Meanwhile, PopMatters ranked her Disney's second-best hero.{{cite web |last=Gibron |first=Bill |date=August 19, 2014 |title=Disney's Best Heroes… and Villains |url=https://www.popmatters.com/184605-disneys-best-heroes-and-villains-2495630081.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025062631/https://www.popmatters.com/184605-disneys-best-heroes-and-villains-2495630081.html |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |website=PopMatters}} People described her as one of "The World's Most Beautiful Cartoon Characters" in 2016.{{Cite news |last=Pearl |first=Diana |date=April 13, 2016 |title=The World's Most Beautiful Cartoon Characters |url=https://people.com/celebrity/worlds-most-beautiful-cartoon-characters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124155115/https://people.com/celebrity/worlds-most-beautiful-cartoon-characters/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=November 15, 2024 |work=People}} The character was ranked 64th on UGO's list of the most attractive female cartoon characters,{{cite web |date=December 2, 2008 |title=Top Animated Hotties |url=http://www.ugo.com/movies/animated-hotties-belle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203065936/http://www.ugo.com/movies/animated-hotties-belle |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2013 |website=UGO}} and 14th on Complex's "25 Hottest Cartoon Women of All Time".{{cite web |last=Sanfiorenzo |first=Dimas |date=January 27, 2011 |title=The 25 Hottest Cartoon Women of All Time |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/dimas-sanfiorenzo/the-25-hottest-cartoon-women-of-all-time |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215195220/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/dimas-sanfiorenzo/the-25-hottest-cartoon-women-of-all-time |archive-date=December 15, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |work=Complex}} Considered to be a style icon,{{cite web |last=McGrath |first=Kara |date=May 10, 2014 |title=The Most Stylish Disney Princesses: A Definitive Ranking |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/23966-the-most-stylish-disney-princesses-a-definitive-ranking |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150119221541/http://www.bustle.com/articles/23966-the-most-stylish-disney-princesses-a-definitive-ranking |archive-date=January 19, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2015 |website=Bustle |publisher=}} E! ranked Belle the second best-dressed Disney Princess.{{cite web |last=Popp |first=Emily |date=July 18, 2014 |title=All of the Disney Princesses' Wardrobes, Ranked |url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/561182/all-of-the-disney-princesses-wardrobes-ranked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106084459/http://www.eonline.com/news/541066/all-of-the-disney-princesses-ranked |archive-date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2015 |website=E! |publisher=}} Her ball gown is widely considered to be one of the most famous dresses in film history.{{cite web |author=Gonzales |first=Erica |date=November 4, 2016 |title=How Belle's Iconic Yellow Dress Was Made for Emma Watson |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a18602/emma-watson-belle-dress/ |url-access= |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003024848/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a18602/emma-watson-belle-dress/ |archive-date=October 3, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |website=Harper's Bazaar}}{{cite web|last=Karmali|first=Sarah |url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/2012/10/iconic-dresses---worlds-most-famous-dresses---best-dresses-in-history/gallery/874655|title=Most Famous Dresses|date=March 23, 2013|website=Vogue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216120556/http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/2012/10/iconic-dresses---worlds-most-famous-dresses---best-dresses-in-history/gallery/874655|archive-date=February 16, 2015|access-date=May 13, 2015}} Belle appeared on Stylist's list of the "Best beauty looks in Disney" twice, for both of the character's hairstyles.{{cite web |date=2013 |title=Best beauty looks in Disney |url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/best-beauty-looks-in-disney/134369 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 18, 2015 |website=Stylist}} {{as of|2022}}, Entertainment Weekly ranked Belle's hair seventh in the magazine's "Disney Princesses: Ranking Their Hairdos – and Don'ts!"{{cite magazine |last=Barrett |first=Annie |date=June 17, 2016 |title=Disney Princesses: Ranking Their Hairdos — and Don'ts! |url=https://ew.com/gallery/disney-princesses-ranking-their-hairdos-and-donts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805143033/http://ew.com/gallery/disney-princesses-ranking-their-hairdos-and-donts/ |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}

According to journalist Emily Zemler, characters like Belle helped prove that strong female protagonists are capable of drawing audiences into movie theatres. Becoming a prolific screenwriter after Beauty and the Beast, Woolverton has achieved notoriety for her dedication to writing strong female characters. Since Belle, most of Woolverton's heroines have been headstrong and independent, namely Nala from The Lion King (1994), Mulan from Mulan (1998), Alice from Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Maleficent from Maleficent (2014). Susan Wloszczyna of IndieWire said Woolverton's Belle "set a new standard for fully fleshed-out fairy-tale heroines", in turn paving the way for Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, and Anna and Elsa from Frozen (2013). Woolverton remains protective of Belle. In Beauty and the Beast, Belle performs the film's opening number, "Belle", which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 64th Academy Awards in 1992.{{cite book|title=Aging and Identity: A Humanities Perspective |year=1999|publisher=Praeger Publishers|page=211|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SdjljlluozcC&q=belle+academy+award+best+song+beauty+and+the+beast&pg=PA211|editor=Sara Munson Deats |editor2=Lagretta Tallent Lenker|access-date=June 17, 2013|isbn=9780275964795}} To commemorate her work on Beauty and the Beast and various contributions to Disney, O'Hara was honored with a Disney Legends award on August 19, 2011.{{cite web |url=http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/08/joining-the-prestigious-circle/|access-date=March 4, 2013|title=Joining the Prestigious Circle|last=Draskovic|first=Marina |date=August 19, 2011|work=D23|publisher=Disney|archive-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131101608/http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2011/08/joining-the-prestigious-circle/}}

File:Anneliesevanderpol as belle in beautyandthebeast.jpg as Belle in the stage musical|276x276px]]File:Emma Watson 2013.jpg portrays Belle in the 2017 live-action film.]]In 1994, Susan Egan originated the role of Belle on Broadway in the stage adaptation of the film.{{cite web |last=Parfitt |first=Dave |author-link=David Parfitt |date=November 15, 2011 |title=Susan Egan, the Belle of Broadway, Talks About Her New CD |url=http://www.disunplugged.com/2011/11/15/susan-egan-the-belle-of-broadway-talks-about-her-new-cd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626082455/http://www.disunplugged.com/2011/11/15/susan-egan-the-belle-of-broadway-talks-about-her-new-cd/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=February 7, 2013 |work=DIS Unplugged |publisher=}} Egan's manager insisted that she audition despite the actress initially having reservations that staging a cartoon on Broadway "was a terrible idea".{{cite web |last=Callaway |first=Tim |date=July 29, 2012 |title=Susan Egan: Belle, Meg, Glamour and Goop – Part 1 |url=http://www.themousecastle.com/2012/07/susan-egan-belle-meg-glamour-and-goop.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905205107/http://www.themousecastle.com/2012/07/susan-egan-belle-meg-glamour-and-goop.html |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2013 |publisher=The Mouse Castle}} She ultimately turned down callbacks for productions of My Fair Lady, Carousel, and Grease because she had always wanted to originate a Broadway role.{{cite web |date=October 25, 2011 |title=Susan Egan on her dirt-catching days as a Disney Princess and humble motherhood |url=http://www.stage-rush.com/2011/10/susan-egan-disney-beauty-and-the-beast-secret-of-happiness-interview/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409060635/http://www.stage-rush.com/2011/10/susan-egan-disney-beauty-and-the-beast-secret-of-happiness-interview/ |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |access-date=February 7, 2013 |publisher=Stage Rush}} Egan had never watched Beauty and the Beast prior to auditioning, and instead relied on her "creative instincts" to avoid imitating O'Hara's work. Her performance received critical praise and a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical at the 48th Tony Awards.{{cite web |last=Handelman |first=Jay |date=January 23, 2014 |title=Broadway's Belle celebrates musical theater in concert |url=http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2014-01-23/featured/broadways-belle-celebrates-musical-theater-in-concert/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112114514/http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2014-01-23/featured/broadways-belle-celebrates-musical-theater-in-concert/ |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |access-date=January 11, 2014 |website=Sarasota Herald-Tribune}}{{Cite news |last=Berson |first=Misha |author-link=Misha Berson |date=May 17, 1994 |title='The Kentucky Cycle' A Surprising Entry In The Tony Race -- A Bit Of Redemption After Broadway Bust |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940517&slug=1910910 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007161119/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940517&slug=1910910 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times}} At least 20 actresses played Belle on Broadway, until the show closed in 2007 with Anneliese van der Pol in the role.{{cite web |last=Gambino |first=Joe |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Where Are All the Broadway Belles Now? |url=https://playbill.com/article/where-are-all-the-broadway-belles-now |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716003455/https://playbill.com/article/where-are-all-the-broadway-belles-now |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=Playbill |quote=over 20 actors performed the role of Belle}}{{cite web |title=Anneliese van der Pol Will Be Beauty and the Beast's Final Belle |url=http://www.broadway.com/buzz/96261/anneliese-van-der-pol-will-be-beauty-and-the-beasts-final-belle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203220630/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/96261/anneliese-van-der-pol-will-be-beauty-and-the-beasts-final-belle/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2013 |website=Broadway.com |publisher=}} Sarah Litzsinger remains Broadway's longest-running Belle,{{Cite news |last=Simonson |first=Robert |date=May 30, 2006 |title=Sarah Litzsinger to Return to Broadway's Beauty May 30 |url=https://playbill.com/article/sarah-litzsinger-to-return-to-broadways-beauty-may-30-com-132804 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216095854/https://playbill.com/article/sarah-litzsinger-to-return-to-broadways-beauty-may-30-com-132804 |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Playbill}}{{Cite news |last=Hartz |first=Michael |date=December 14, 2023 |title='It's my life,' Carmel native living out childhood dream on stage |url=https://www.wrtv.com/lifestyle/history/its-my-life-carmel-native-living-out-childhood-dream-on-stage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215113626/https://www.wrtv.com/lifestyle/history/its-my-life-carmel-native-living-out-childhood-dream-on-stage |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=WRTV}} while Christy Carlson Romano was the character's youngest performer, at age 19.{{Cite news |last=Carlson |first=Christy |author-link=Christy Carlson Romano |date=Nov 4, 2008 |title=Christy Carlson Romano: A Happy Broadway Homecoming |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/6305/christy-carlson-romano-a-happy-broadway-homecoming/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708194215/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/6305/christy-carlson-romano-a-happy-broadway-homecoming/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Broadway.com}}{{Cite news |last=Cohn |first=Angel |date=February 17, 2004 |title=Disney Starlet Broadway Bound |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/disney-romano-broadway-40259/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305031349/https://www.tvguide.com/news/disney-romano-broadway-40259/ |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=TV Guide}} Singer Toni Braxton was the only Black woman to play Belle on Broadway.{{cite web |date=October 26, 1998 |title=Toni Braxton Makes Broadway Debut As Belle In Disney's 'Beauty And The Beast' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDsDAAAAMBAJ&q=toni+braxton+beauty+and+the+beast+review&pg=PA34 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |work=Jet |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |issn=0021-5996}} The ballad "A Change in Me" was written specifically for Braxton when she joined the cast in 1998,{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Jim |date=April 8, 2010 |title=Tune Thursday: How "A Change in Me" wound up being added to Broadway's "Beauty & the Beast" |url=https://jimhillmedia.com/tune-thursday-how-a-change-in-me-wound-up-being-added-to-broadways-beauty-the-beast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201215906/https://jimhillmedia.com/tune-thursday-how-a-change-in-me-wound-up-being-added-to-broadways-beauty-the-beast/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Jim Hill Media}}{{cite web |last=Ehren |first=Christine |date=October 7, 1998 |title=Toni Braxton Premieres Beauty 's New Song, Oct. 7 On 'Rosie' |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/41311-Toni-Braxton-Premieres-Beauty-s-New-Song-Oct-7-On-Rosie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222152325/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/toni-braxton-premieres-beauty-s-new-song-oct.-7-on-rosie-77738 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |work=Playbill |publisher=}} and has been retained in the musical ever since.{{Cite news |last=Daniel Baker |first=C. |date=January 29, 2013 |title=Toni Braxton Decoded: "Family Values" Help Put Struggling Singer Back in Spotlight |url=https://www.blackenterprise.com/toni-braxton-decoded-family-values-help-put-struggling-singer-back-in-spotlight/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203233355/https://www.blackenterprise.com/toni-braxton-decoded-family-values-help-put-struggling-singer-back-in-spotlight/ |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Black Enterprise}}

Lynsey McLeod played Belle on the television series Sing Me a Story with Belle (1995–97), in which the character owns a bookshop where she tells and sings stories to guests.{{Cite book |last=Terrace |first=Vincent |url=https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Encyclopedia_of_Television_Subjects_Them/6LYuEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Lynsey+McLeod+%22belle%22&pg=PA233&printsec=frontcover |title=Encyclopedia of Television Subjects, Themes and Settings |publisher=McFarland & Company |year=2024 |isbn=9781476604459 |location=United States |pages=233 |via=Google Books}}{{cite web |title=Sing Me a Story with Belle |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/sing-me-a-story-with-belle/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107000556/http://www.tv.com/shows/sing-me-a-story-with-belle/ |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |access-date=December 22, 2012 |work=TV.com |publisher=}}{{Cite web |date=September 9, 1995 |title=Disney's Sing Me A Story: With Belle Debuts in Syndication |url=https://d23.com/this-day/sing-me-a-story-with-belle-debuts-in-syndication/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604032901/https://d23.com/this-day/sing-me-a-story-with-belle-debuts-in-syndication/ |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |access-date=June 3, 2019 |website=D23}} Emma Watson played Belle in the 2017 live-action remake of the film.{{cite magazine |last=Zuckerman |first=Esther |date=January 26, 2015 |title=Emma Watson will be Disney's new Belle in live-action musical 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2015/01/26/emma-watson-will-be-disneys-new-belle-in-live-action-beauty-and-the-beast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310032109/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/01/26/emma-watson-will-be-disneys-new-belle-in-live-action-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=January 26, 2015 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Watson suggested several changes to modernize the character's personality and costumes,{{Cite news |last=Tietjen |first=Alexa |date=March 13, 2017 |title=Emma Watson Wanted Her 'Beauty and the Beast' Costumes to Reflect a Modern Belle |url=https://wwd.com/feature/emma-watson-beauty-and-the-beast-costumes-10840427/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827131457/https://wwd.com/feature/emma-watson-beauty-and-the-beast-costumes-10840427/ |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=Women's Wear Daily}}{{Cite news |last=Blasberg |first=Derek |author-link=Derek Blasberg |date=February 28, 2017 |title=Cover Story: Emma Watson, Rebel Belle |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/02/emma-watson-cover-story |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831101154/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/02/emma-watson-cover-story |archive-date=August 31, 2024 |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Vanity Fair}} including refusing to wear a corset and opting for riding boots to preserve her mobility.{{Cite magazine |last=Gonzales |first=Erica |date=March 13, 2017 |title=Why Emma Watson Doesn't Wear a Corset as Belle in Beauty and the Beast |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a21370/emma-watson-modern-belle-costume/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510213952/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a21370/emma-watson-modern-belle-costume/ |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |magazine=Harper's Bazaar}}{{Cite news |last=Soo Hoo |first=Fawnia |date=March 13, 2017 |title=How the 'Beauty and the Beast' Costume Designer Worked With Emma Watson to Bring a 'Modern, Emancipated' Belle to Life |url=https://fashionista.com/2017/03/beauty-and-the-beast-2017-dress-costumes |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Fashionista}} In this version of the film, Belle is also an inventor like her father, and uses her inventions to grant herself more time to read.{{Cite news |last=Vivinetto |first=Gina |date=November 4, 2016 |title=How new 'Beauty and the Beast' features a much more modern Belle |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/how-new-beauty-beast-features-much-more-modern-belle-t104724 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009024934/https://www.today.com/popculture/how-new-beauty-beast-features-much-more-modern-belle-t104724 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Today}} Her mother is revealed to have died when Belle was a baby, resulting in Maurice being overprotective of her.{{cite web |last=Dray |first=Kayleigh |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Emma Watson convinced Disney to give Beauty and the Beast a feminist makeover |url=http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/emma-watson-asked-disney-to-give-beauty-the-beast-a-feminist-makeover-and-they-said-yes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225004212/https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/emma-watson-asked-disney-to-give-beauty-the-beast-a-feminist-makeover-and-they-said-yes/66991 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=January 5, 2017 |website=Stylist |publisher=}} Critics noted Watson's performance as a standout in the remake, although reactions to her singing were mixed.{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=March 3, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast reviews: What critics are saying |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/03/beauty-and-the-beast-reviews-what-critics-are-saying/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024124854/https://ew.com/movies/2017/03/03/beauty-and-the-beast-reviews-what-critics-are-saying/ |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |access-date=November 11, 2024 |work=Entertainment Weekly}}{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2017 |title=New Beauty and the Beast trailer shows Emma Watson singing |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2017/01/09/new-beauty-beast-trailer-shows-emma-watson-singing/ |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809215218/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2017/01/09/new-beauty-beast-trailer-shows-emma-watson-singing/ |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph |quote=many fans are intrigued to hear the actress's vocal abilities ... So far, the social media reaction has been mixed}} In 2022, H.E.R. portrayed Belle in a musical television special commemorating the 30th anniversary of the animated film,{{Cite web |last=Behzadi |first=Sofia |date=July 20, 2022 |title=H.E.R. To Star As Belle In ABC's "Beauty And the Beast' Hybrid Live-Action & Animation Special |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/h-e-r-cast-belle-beauty-and-the-beast-hybrid-live-action-animation-special-1235073135/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106024536/https://deadline.com/2022/07/h-e-r-cast-belle-beauty-and-the-beast-hybrid-live-action-animation-special-1235073135/ |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} becoming the first Afro-Filipino to play the character onscreen.{{Cite news |date=July 21, 2022 |title=H.E.R. to star as Belle in ABC's 'Beauty and the Beast' 30th anniversary special |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/her-star-belle-abcs-beauty-beast-30th-anniversary-special-rcna39346 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117044436/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/her-star-belle-abcs-beauty-beast-30th-anniversary-special-rcna39346 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=NBCNews.com}}

Belle has appeared in several other Disney film and television projects outside of the Beauty and the Beast franchise. She has a cameo in the animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) during the "Out There" musical sequence.{{Cite news |last=Goulis |first=Leah |date=February 4, 2021 |title=TikTok reveals hidden character cameos in our favourite Disney films |url=https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/entertainment/books-tv-and-movies/tiktok-reveals-hidden-character-cameos-in-our-favourite-disney-films/news-story/b73aca7cf14fea1db13c70021e38df8f |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Kidspot}} The character is briefly shown from above walking while reading a book, in a similar setting to her Beauty and the Beast hometown.{{Cite news |last=Mikkelson |first=David |date=December 31, 1997 |title=Hunchback of Notre Dame Belle's Cameo |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/belles-cameo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007225144/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/belles-cameo/ |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Snopes}} Belle appeared in the animated television series House of Mouse (2001–2003) and its two direct-to-video films.{{cite web |title=Belle |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Beauty-and-the-Beast/Belle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209021248/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Beauty-and-the-Beast/Belle/ |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} The animated series Sofia the First features a guest appearance from Belle in the episode "The Amulet and the Anthem" (2013).{{cite magazine |last=Busis |first=Hillary |date=September 9, 2013 |title=Disney's 'Sofia the First' meets Princess Belle – Exclusive Clip |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2013/09/09/sofia-the-first-beauty-and-the-beast |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308000927/https://ew.com/article/2013/09/09/sofia-the-first-beauty-and-the-beast/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=June 6, 2016 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} She shares several scenes with other Disney Princesses in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018),{{Cite news |last=Loughrey |first=Clarisse |date=November 7, 2018 |title=Ralph Breaks the Internet: Disney princesses unite at premiere of animated sequel |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/ralph-breaks-the-internet-movie-premiere-disney-mandy-moore-sarah-silverman-hollywood-a8621456.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226093631/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/ralph-breaks-the-internet-movie-premiere-disney-mandy-moore-sarah-silverman-hollywood-a8621456.html |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2025 |work=The Independent}}{{Cite news |last=Han |first=Angie |date=October 25, 2018 |title=How 'Ralph Breaks the Internet' created that princess scene (you know the one) |url=https://mashable.com/article/ralph-breaks-internet-princess-scene |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009150400/https://mashable.com/article/ralph-breaks-internet-princess-scene |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Mashable}}{{Cite news |last=Weiner |first=Zoë |date=November 7, 2018 |title=See the "Ralph Breaks the Internet" Disney Princesses Next to the Actors Who Voice Them |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/wreck-it-ralph-2-disney-princesses-actors-who-voice-them |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628234943/https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/wreck-it-ralph-2-disney-princesses-actors-who-voice-them |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2024 |work=Teen Vogue}} and appears in the Walt Disney Animation Studios short film Once Upon a Studio (2023).{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=October 16, 2023 |title=A 100-year Wish fulfilled: How Disney honors its legacy — and looks to the future — on the studio's centennial |url=https://ew.com/movies/disney-100-year-anniversary-wish-once-upon-a-studio/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009043622/https://ew.com/movies/disney-100-year-anniversary-wish-once-upon-a-studio/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Emilie de Ravin plays a version of Belle on the television series Once Upon a Time as the love interest of Rumplestiltskin, the show's iteration of the Beast.{{cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=November 8, 2011 |title=Lost's Emilie de Ravin is Once Upon a Time's Belle |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2011/11/08/losts-emilie-de-ravin-is-once-upon-a-times-belle |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125231608/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/08/losts-emilie-de-ravin-is-once-upon-a-times-belle |archive-date=January 25, 2013 |access-date=March 14, 2013 |work=IGN}} Keegan Connor Tracy plays the character in the Descendants film series (2017–2019),{{Cite news |last=Manfredi |first=Nikky |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Once Upon a Time star Keegan Connor Tracy is a big bookworm — here are 7 books that expanded her worldview |url=https://www.cbc.ca/books/once-upon-a-time-star-keegan-connor-tracy-is-a-big-bookworm-here-are-7-books-that-expanded-her-worldview-1.6780480 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008084249/https://www.cbc.ca/books/once-upon-a-time-star-keegan-connor-tracy-is-a-big-bookworm-here-are-7-books-that-expanded-her-worldview-1.6780480 |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=CBC.ca}}{{Cite news |last=Behling |first=Bronte |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Laurier's notable alumnae: Keegan Connor Tracy |url=https://thecord.ca/lauriers-notable-alumnae-keegan-connor-tracy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417061030/https://thecord.ca/lauriers-notable-alumnae-keegan-connor-tracy/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=The Cord}} in which she is the Queen of the United States of Auradon and shares a son, Ben, with the Beast.{{Cite news |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Recapping the 'Descendants' Series Ahead of 'Descendants: The Rise of Red' |url=https://www.directv.com/insider/the-descendants/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009165136/https://www.directv.com/insider/the-descendants/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=DirecTV}}File:Disneyland 2012-06-30 Belle.jpg.|left]]Belle was the main character in various comic book adaptations of the film, including a graphic novel by Bobbi J. G. Weiss,{{Cite web |title=Beauty and the Beast |url=https://books.google.ca/books/about/Beauty_and_the_Beast.html?id=tsWG_S8STbYC&redir_esc=y |access-date=March 12, 2025 |website=Google Books}}{{Cite web |title=Beauty and the Beast : the story of the movie in comics |url=https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM4073579&R=4073579 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |website=Toronto Public Library}} and 1995 Marvel Comics series set during Belle's stay at the castle, specifically some time after the Beasts gifts her the library.{{Cite web |title=Beauty and the Beast |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54189024-beauty-and-the-beast |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=Goodreads}}{{Cite web |title=Belle aka Unknown {{!}} Disney |url=https://comicbookrealm.com/report/character/26778/belle-unknown-disney&t=appearances |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=ComicBookRealm.com}} A prequel series set several years before the film was published distributed by Disney Comics.The New Adventures of Beauty and the Beast, Issue 1; story 2: Bothered, Page 14. Disney Comics, 1993.
"Maurice: You should be playing outside with the other children! // Belle: I'm having a much better time in King Arthur's Court! Sometimes I can see myself living in a castle surrounded by servants. I might even entertain the thought of a handsome prince... ...As long as he was gentle and kind... Not like those childish roughnecks in the square! Not one of them could even spell gallant! // Maurice: A day will come when those boys will look like knights in shining armor to you. // Belle: Never! I won't have anything to do with them. Men are such... such... // Maurice: Hear that, Pierre? According to my daughter there isn't an ounce of difference between us! // Pierre: Oink! // Belle: Well, I suppose there are some exceptions." Belle and the other characters from the first film appear in the stage show, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World. Belle also appears in a meet-and-greet attraction at Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland called Enchanted Tales with Belle, along with meet-and-greets in all of the other parks worldwide.

Belle has appeared in various video games. She recurs throughout the Kingdom Hearts series as one of the Princesses of Heart, seven female characters whose hearts lack darkness or corruption potential,{{Cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Liam |date=October 2, 2021 |title=Kingdom Hearts: Explaining All of the Princesses of Heart |url=https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-princesses-of-heart-kairi-cinderella-alice-belle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528183302/https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-princesses-of-heart-kairi-cinderella-alice-belle/ |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=GameRant}} and thus pose as threats to the games' antagonists.{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Nicholas |date=June 23, 2021 |title=Kingdom Hearts: Who are The Princesses of Heart And Why Do They Matter? |url=https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-princesses-of-hearts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623053448/https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-princesses-of-hearts/ |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Comic Book Resources}} Belle appears as a playable character to unlock for a limited time in the video game Disney Magic Kingdoms.{{cite web |author=Disney Magic Kingdoms |date=March 3, 2017 |title=Update 9: Beauty and the Beast {{!}} Livestream |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0lYJgim7zc&ab_channel=DisneyMagicKingdoms |publisher=YouTube}} An alternate version of Belle appears as a playable character in the video game Disney Mirrorverse.{{cite web |date=November 18, 2020 |title=Belle - Disney Mirrorverse |url=https://disneymirrorverse.com/guardians/belle/ |publisher=Kabam}} She is also featured as a character the player meets during their adventures in Disney Dreamlight Valley alongside Beast and Gaston. In the kart racing game Disney Speedstorm (2023), Belle is a playable racer who can use her enchanted mirror to a variety of effects, including summoning obstacles in front of opponents.{{Cite news |last=Reilly |first=Luke |date=June 10, 2022 |title=Disney Speedstorm: The First Preview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/disney-speedstorm-the-first-preview |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=IGN}}{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Bryony-Hope |date=May 28, 2023 |title=Disney Speedstorm: Every Characters Unique Skillset |url=https://www.thegamer.com/disney-speedstorm-all-characters-unique-skillsets/#belle---enchanted-mirror |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=TheGamer}} Game Rant ranked her one of the best characters in the game.{{Cite news |last=Lord |first=Tim |date=October 16, 2023 |title=Disney Speedstorm: Best Characters In The Racing Game, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/disney-speedstorm-best-characters-racing-game-ranked/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Game Rant}}

In 1992, Belle presented the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 64th Academy Awards, alongside the Beast and Chip.{{Cite web |title=Daniel Greaves Academy Awards Acceptance Speech |url=https://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/064-17/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302163046/https://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/064-17/ |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Academy Awards Acceptance Speeches}}{{Cite news |last=Lang |first=Jamie |date=October 3, 2023 |title=Five Times Disney Animated Characters Have Handed Out Oscars |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/disney-animated-character-oscar-presentations-226829.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325070832/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/disney-animated-character-oscar-presentations-226829.html |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Cartoon Brew}} Spanish actress Penélope Cruz posed as Belle in photographer Annie Leibovitz's Disney Dream Portrait Series.{{cite web |last=Finn |first=Natalie |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Penélope Cruz Swept Away by a New Prince Charming |url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/229229/penelope-cruz-swept-away-by-a-new-prince-charming |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620122000/http://www.eonline.com/news/229229/penelope-cruz-swept-away-by-a-new-prince-charming |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |access-date=June 25, 2013 |publisher=E!}}{{cite web |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Annie Leibovitz's Latest Disney Ad Campaign (PHOTOS) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/annie-leibovitz-disney_n_831080.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613005216/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/annie-leibovitz-disney_n_831080.html |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |access-date=June 25, 2013 |work=HuffPost}}

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