The Little Mermaid (1989)
Disney's landmark animated musical about a daring mermaid princess who dreams of life beyond the sea — and the adventure that follows.
The Little Mermaid - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Little Mermaid
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: John Musker, Ron Clements
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 17, 1989 (United States - G), December 15, 1989 (Canada - G), October 12, 1990 (United Kingdom - U), November 28, 1990 (Germany - 0), November 28, 1990 (France - TP), July 5, 1990 (Australia - G), November 30, 1990 (Brazil - L), November 9, 1990 (Italy - T), June 24, 1998 (Spain - APTA), December 21, 1991 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Eric: Az Első Nagy Kaland (HU), Kiçik Dənizqızı (AZ), Litla hafmeyjan (IS), A Pequena Sereia (BR), La Sirenetta 1 (IT), Eric: Pierwsza Wielka Przygoda (PL), Érico: A Primeira Grande Aventura (PT), La Petite Sirène (FR)
- Production Companies: Silver Screen Partners IV, Walt Disney Feature Animation
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Little Mermaid - Plot
This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula.
The Little Mermaid - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and dive into the magic of Ariel's underwater world:
Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy.
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The Little Mermaid - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Musker
- Ron Clements
Main Cast
- Jodi Benson
- Samuel E. Wright
- Pat Carroll
- Christopher Daniel Barnes
- Kenneth Mars
- Buddy Hackett
- Jason Marin
- René Auberjonois
- Paddi Edwards
- Ben Wright
Writers
- John Musker
- Ron Clements
Producers
- Howard Ashman
- John Musker
The Little Mermaid - FAQs
Where can you stream The Little Mermaid (1989)?
The Little Mermaid (1989) is available to stream on Disney Plus as part of its subscription library. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand.
What songs are in The Little Mermaid?
The Little Mermaid features an iconic Alan Menken and Howard Ashman score including 'Part of Your World,' 'Under the Sea,' 'Kiss the Girl,' and 'Poor Unfortunate Souls.' 'Under the Sea' won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and the score won Best Original Score.
Is The Little Mermaid based on a true story?
The Little Mermaid is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the 1837 fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Disney's version significantly reimagines the original story, giving it a happier ending and introducing new characters like Sebastian and Scuttle.
Who voices Ariel in The Little Mermaid?
Ariel is voiced by Jodi Benson in The Little Mermaid (1989). Benson also reprised the role in the direct-to-video sequels and various Disney productions. Her performance and singing voice became iconic, making Ariel one of Disney's most beloved animated princesses.
Did The Little Mermaid win any awards?
The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards at the 1990 ceremony: Best Original Score for Alan Menken and Best Original Song for 'Under the Sea.' It also won two Golden Globe Awards and is widely credited with launching the Disney Renaissance era of animated films.
What is the age rating for The Little Mermaid?
The Little Mermaid is rated G by the MPA, meaning it is suitable for all audiences. The film contains mild fantasy peril and a menacing villain but nothing inappropriate for young children. It remains one of Disney's most family-friendly animated classics.
How long is The Little Mermaid (1989)?
The Little Mermaid (1989) has a runtime of 83 minutes, making it one of Disney's shorter animated features. Its brisk pacing, memorable musical numbers, and vibrant underwater visuals keep the story engaging from start to finish for viewers of all ages.
Who directed The Little Mermaid animated film?
The Little Mermaid was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, the creative duo behind several Disney classics. They also wrote the screenplay. The pair later collaborated on Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), The Princess and the Frog (2009), and Moana (2016).
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