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The Little Mermaid

Play trailer 1:58 Poster for The Little Mermaid G 1989 1h 22m Kids & Family Fantasy Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 127 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

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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Caroline Siede Girl Culture (Substack) 2d
Over the past three and a half decades Disney has continued to iterate on what its princesses long for and how they go about getting it. But Ariel laid the groundwork they’re all still following today. Go to Full Review
Eleanor Ringel Cater Atlanta Journal-Constitution Dec 13
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. Go to Full Review
Dolores Barclay Associated Press Dec 13
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. Go to Full Review
Scott Hettrick Kansas City Star Sep 23
Filled with every charming element you could hope for in a family film. Go to Full Review
Mat Brunet AniMat's Review (YouTube) Apr 4
9/10
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. Go to Full Review
Hal Lipper Tampa Bay Times Dec 13
4/5
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Zema K Oct 13 Disney’s underwater classic revived the magic of animation with Ariel’s heartfelt longing, Ursula’s iconic villainy, and a soundtrack that still makes waves. “Part of Your World” became an anthem, and the film launched the Disney Renaissance with dazzling visuals and emotional depth. It’s a tale of love, sacrifice, and seafoam dreams. See more John K Sep 18 Everything about the movie was excellent! From the amazing animation to the brilliant musical numbers, its no question why this is an instant classic. See more Tauhid E Sep 13 the prince eric fighting off a literal a sea monster by steering a ruined ship was really badass. he wnet swimming down to save her, which was the sea witch's domain. See more Juju S Aug 22 Pas un mauvais Disney, pas un excellent Disney, un Disney classique. L'histoire est assez gnangnan et je ne suis pas fan de l'univers ou des personnages, mais +0,5 pour Polochon. See more Nick E @nicksmovies93 Jul 2 A charming coming-of-age story guised in Disney's animated expertise. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jun 14 Funny in 01 hour, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The worldwide gross is $211,343,479.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Filmed on November 17th, 1989, in color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Celebrating 40 years in 2029!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Copyright 1989-2025 by Walt Disney Animation Studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Featuring a soundtrack sung by cast and chorus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more 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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