The Little Mermaid (1989)

Kernel Score: 89% · 8,325 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy

Released: 1989-11-17

Runtime: 83 minutes

Is The Little Mermaid worth watching?

Must-watch. The film that restarted Disney animation: a lively mermaid story with songs that still sound great. Ariel is spirited and the sea-witch is a great villain, though the romance is more hurried than the music.

Watch it if you

  • love classic Disney musicals
  • want a family film with great songs
  • enjoy fairy-tale romance

Skip it if you

  • dislike princess stories
  • want a modern take on the fairy tale

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Little Mermaid

  • Stream: Disney+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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 parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that The Little Mermaid (1989) is a G-rated Disney fairy tale musical featuring a sea witch villain.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Mild fantasy peril from the villainous sea witch Ursula; no graphic violence, rated G.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Little Mermaid

If you liked The Little Mermaid, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Beauty and the Beast (1991) — 90%: Classic Disney musical with a great villain-free romance.
  • Aladdin (1992) — 92%: Disney musical adventure with a charming lead.
  • Tangled (2010) — 87%: Princess story with humour and modern energy.
  • Moana (2016) — 85%: Ocean-based adventure with a spirited heroine.
  • Hercules (1997) — 85%: Disney musical comedy with plenty of heart.
  • The Princess and the Frog (2009) — 82%: Disney fairy-tale with jazzy songs.

Director

John Musker

Cast

  • Jodi Benson as Ariel / Vanessa (voice)
  • Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian (voice)
  • Pat Carroll as Ursula (voice)
  • Christopher Daniel Barnes as Prince Eric (voice)
  • Kenneth Mars as King Triton (voice)
  • Buddy Hackett as Scuttle (voice)
  • Jason Marin as Flounder (voice)
  • René Auberjonois as Louis (voice)
  • Paddi Edwards as Flotsam & Jetsam (voice)
  • Ben Wright as Grimsby (voice)

The Little Mermaid FAQ

Is The Little Mermaid worth watching?

Must-watch. The film that restarted Disney animation: a lively mermaid story with songs that still sound great. Ariel is spirited and the sea-witch is a great villain, though the romance is more hurried than the music.

Where can I watch The Little Mermaid?

In the US you can stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Little Mermaid OK for kids?

The Little Mermaid is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Little Mermaid (1989) is a G-rated Disney fairy tale musical featuring a sea witch villain.

What movies are like The Little Mermaid?

If you liked The Little Mermaid, try Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Tangled and Moana.