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The Little Mermaid

Play trailer 1:58 Poster for The Little Mermaid G Released Nov 15, 1989 1h 22m Kids & Family Fantasy Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 76 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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Pauline Kael New Yorker This is a technologically sophisticated cartoon with just about all the simpering old Disney values in place. Sep 12, 2023 Full Review Kathleen Carroll New York Daily News Audiences of all ages are bound to fall in love with this bubbly, thoroughly enchanting fish story. Rated: 4/4 Nov 14, 2015 Full Review Michael Wilmington Los Angeles Times The Little Mermaid -- impudent, grandiose, a multilevel crowd-pleaser -- almost returns the Disney animated features to their glory traditions of the '30s and '40s. Nov 15, 2013 Full Review Rachel LaBonte Screen Rant 35 years later, Disney's The Little Mermaid continues to inspire the imagination thanks to its brilliant characters, music, and animation. Rated: 10/10 Nov 14, 2024 Full Review Joshua M. Patton CBR The Little Mermaid cemented music’s place in Disney’s animated features. Rated: 8/10 Aug 12, 2024 Full Review Cory Woodroof For the Win (USA Today) It’s still as spirited and delightful as you’d remember, the film that kicked off the Disney renaissance with aplomb and deliriously catchy musical numbers. May 27, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Darío C Such a classic for kids. Timeless, unforgettable songs. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/18/24 Full Review TROY S This film is a great fuel for those who fantasise about breaking free. This is all due to Ariel who longs to see the world and feels trapped by her strict father. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/17/24 Full Review Kaito K One of those movies I Liked As A Litte kid But When I’m A teenager Not That much But It’s For Kids So It’s Not Terrible But It’s just ok in My opion Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/09/24 Full Review Fabrícia F Um clássico atemporal da Disney em seus gloriosos tempos de ouro do cinema. Produção envolvente que evoca a nostalgia dos cinéfilos e que tem um lugar especial na memória das crianças, hoje adultas. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/21/24 Full Review Kayleigh S I thought this movie is beautiful the songs are wonderful, the story is amazing, and Ariel's voice is soo beautiful 😍 ❤ Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/16/24 Full Review Estefanía A The BEST mermaid EVER!!!! I grew up watching this movie and i'll forever love it!!! The live action doesn't compare with this classic! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/10/24 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 Distribution Co. Inc., BV International Pictures [no]
Production Co
Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 15, 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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