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The Little Mermaid

Play trailer 1:58 Poster for The Little Mermaid G Released Nov 17, 1989 1h 22m Kids & Family Fantasy Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 126 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
In Disney's beguiling animated romp, rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel (Jodi Benson) is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton, she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll) to become human for three days. But when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter.
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The Little Mermaid

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Critics Consensus

The Little Mermaid ushered in a new golden era for Disney animation with warm and charming hand-drawn characters and catchy musical sequences.

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Critics Reviews

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Eleanor Ringel Cater Atlanta Journal-Constitution This wondrous feature-length cartoon has all the color and wit, the joyous fluidity and buoyant self-confidence of the Disney Golden Age of Animation. At times, it's so rhapsodically charming you find yourself laughing out loud in sheer delight. Dec 13, 2024 Full Review Dolores Barclay Associated Press Every once in a while a movie so special, so lovely, so exciting, funny, charming, entertaining and heartwarming spins out from Hollywood's celluloid web. It's a moment to cherish, a moment to embrace. The Little Mermaid is worth embracing. Dec 13, 2024 Full Review Alexander Walker London Evening Standard There is more art in The Little Mermaid than hangs on many art gallery's walls. There is certainly more fun in it than in any other film in town. Dec 13, 2024 Full Review Mat Brunet AniMat's Review (YouTube) There is a lot to say about what makes this film great, but it speaks for itself how this is the movie that started the Disney Renaissance. Rated: 9/10 Apr 4, 2025 Full Review Hal Lipper Tampa Bay Times Close your eyes and listen a moment. Something extraordinary is taking place... The Little Mermaid is a small step for animation, a giant leap for movie scoring. Rated: 4/5 Dec 13, 2024 Full Review Dennis King Tulsa World The Little Mermaid is a pure delight -- a joyful cruise to a fantasy land that the whole family can enjoy together. Rated: 5/5 Dec 13, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nick E A charming coming-of-age story guised in Disney's animated expertise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/02/25 Full Review Stephen C Success in 1 hour and 22 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $109,900,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/04/25 Full Review Shaun R Late 80s and early 90s was arguably Disneys best period and this classic started it off. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/12/25 Full Review Raymond C A Disney classic that can't ever be ignored. Watch it. You won't be disappointed. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/16/25 Full Review Rami A Disney's "The Little Mermaid" forever remains a timeless classic, as it returns to the original style of its previous animated films. Something that is missing in this modern era of mindless and pointless remakes and reboots. 36 years later, the animation is still so full and colorful and the songs so beguiling, especially, "Under The Sea." Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/27/25 Full Review Garrett B One of the best animated films of my childhood. Good songs and scores Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/16/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Little Mermaid

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Movie Info

Synopsis In Disney's beguiling animated romp, rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel (Jodi Benson) is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton, she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll) to become human for three days. But when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter.
Director
Ron Clements, John Musker
Producer
Howard Ashman, John Musker
Screenwriter
Roger Allers, Ron Clements, John Musker
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 17, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 21, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$109.9M
Runtime
1h 22m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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