Splash

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Splash

PG

Released Mar 9, 1984

1h 51m

Romance

Comedy

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

A young boy saved from drowning by a beautiful mermaid, falls in love with her 20 years later when she returns to seek him out. Before he can choose between life on dry land or a deep sea paradise with his dream woman, the lovers are rudely interrupted by the intervention of a scheming scientist.

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Critics Consensus

A perfectly light, warmly funny romantic comedy that's kept afloat by Ron Howard's unobtrusive direction and charming performances from Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah.

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Splash, an aquacade of myth and laughter, glimmers like moonlit tide. It's an enrapturing underwater romance pairing dry-lander Tom Hanks with mermaid Daryl Hannah (not an easy affair for a nonswimmer).

Jul 3, 2018

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

It's a rambunctious comedy, coming from director Ron Howard who, with his previous, wacky Night Shift, unarguably shows that beneath that Opie Taylor/Richie Cunningham persona, there's a wild and crazy spirit.

Mar 9, 2017

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

A romantic comedy that is as salty and bracing as a plunge in the surf.

May 10, 2009

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Alan Jones

Starburst

There's poetry here, believe it or not, and grace too, perfectly highlighted by the remarkably gifted cast.

Aug 1, 2022

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Manages plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and genuine fun.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 7, 2020

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Octavi Marti

El Pais (Spain)

Splash could have been a silly and simple comedy, but it escapes that destiny thanks to its creative script and talented actors. [Full Review in Spanish]

Feb 18, 2020

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Julian S

There’s depth to the story beneath the surface, but it’s the film’s overall charm and playfully witty humor that make it resonate so powerfully. It’s an absolute joy to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

Full Review

Melissa M

The story of The Little mermaid has been around as long as mermaids have. Or the legend of mermaids. The story has been told in so many ways from live action to animated. But this is one of the best adaptations of it. It has action, comedy, romance, and funny man John candy. Daryl Hannah did all her own stunts as Madison the mermaid. This movie made Madison a household name. It has an LOL cast Tom Hanks, John candy, Eugene Levy. It is definitely a classic. One of the best films of the 1980s. The special effects are pretty awesome for the time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

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Jon K

We all need to discover our inner Walter Kornbluth, and mine every scenario we can for buried treasure.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/25

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Garrett B

A clever rom-com from the 1980s

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

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Jeffrey K

Just a man trying to consensually f*ck a mermaid. Leave him alone!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/21/24

Full Review

Preston S

This movie is good! One of the best mermaid films I have ever seen!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

Full Review

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Ron Howard

Director

Tom Hanks

Allen Bauer

Daryl Hannah

Madison

John Candy

Freddie Bauer

Eugene Levy

Walter Kornbluth

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Synopsis

A young boy saved from drowning by a beautiful mermaid, falls in love with her 20 years later when she returns to seek him out. Before he can choose between life on dry land or a deep sea paradise with his dream woman, the lovers are rudely interrupted by the intervention of a scheming scientist.

Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Brian Grazer
Screenwriter: Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, Bruce Jay Friedman
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 9, 1984, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Surround

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