The Little Mermaid

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1:58

The Little Mermaid

G

1989

1h 22m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Caroline Siede

Girl Culture (Substack)

Dec 1, 2025

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.

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Eleanor Ringel Cater

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dec 13, 2024

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.

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Dolores Barclay

Associated Press

Dec 13, 2024

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.

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Scott Hettrick

Kansas City Star

Sep 23, 2025

Filled with every charming element you could hope for in a family film.

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Mat Brunet

AniMat's Review (YouTube)

Apr 4, 2025

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.

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Hal Lipper

Tampa Bay Times

Dec 13, 2024

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.

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Lincoln L

@Linkolnbio2 Sep 25, 2026

It's enjoyable, it is fun, entertaining, and holds your attention throughout.

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Tyler L

@Tyler131 Sep 25, 2026

Great movie with great music and a great start to the Disney renaissance.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 3, 2026

What a wonderful Disney animated movie, but one thing was changed by Disney, the first printings had a *pen%s* hidden on the cover!

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Nate R

@greatnate88 Aug 11, 2026

first off i must say that while yes this movie version is extremely different from the original book and yes gives this version that typical hollywood sugar coating , and a happily ever after, now if that is not your style well i can understand that--- but for myself, i really love this movie, and can not say enough good things about it, this was one of the first movies i ever saw in theaters as a kid and for me 5 stars is not enough, 100 stars for me! this movie is such a treasure, the movie as a whole is such fun and not just for kids but adults can enjoy this movie just as much, from the head strong teenage mermaid, to the wonderful wicked villain, the story, the songs, the animation, the colors, if you have not seen this give it a shot you wont be disappointed it is a sheer joy! i only wish that today they would make more movies like this one, we need more movies like this!

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Zerek S

@Zerequs Aug 8, 2026

Hand drawn is the only way to go.

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Ryan T

@RyRy28 Jul 11, 2026

one of the best movies of all time

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Ron Clements

Director

John Musker

Director

Jodi Benson

Ariel

Pat Carroll

Ursula

Christopher Daniel Barnes

Eric

Rene Auberjonois

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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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