The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid (1989) is Disney’s musical, family-friendly retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale about Ariel, a curious and rebellious mermaid princess who longs to live on land. After falling for the human Prince Eric, Ariel strikes a dangerous bargain with the sea witch Ursula: she will become human for a short time but at great cost. What follows is a race against the clock full of enchantment, humor, and high emotional stakes. Watching the film you’ll be swept up by its colorful underwater world and classic hand-drawn animation, buoyed by an irresistible score and show-stopping songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.” The movie balances playful comic relief (Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish) with genuine tenderness — Ariel’s yearning for independence and her conflict with her father, King Triton, are emotional through-lines — and a delightfully theatrical villain in Ursula, whose schemes bring real peril. Expect a well-paced mix of spectacle, heart, and humor: memorable musical numbers, vivid visuals, charming characters, and an uplifting resolution that emphasizes love, sacrifice, and finding your place in the world. It’s a timeless family adventure that appeals both to children for its magic and to adults for its emotional depth and memorable melodies.

Actors: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois

Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker

Runtime: 83 min

Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy

6.7 /10 88 /100 7.6 /10 7.7 /10