The Little Mermaid
Buena Vista Distribution Company | Release Date: November 17, 1989
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 269 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
211
Mixed:
20
Negative:
38
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
SheriBMay 29, 2023
The magic of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's music shines in this vibrantly colored Disney Classic. Audiences should note that although this has a romance, it's truly a story of a daughter coming into her own and a father learning to accept that.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
MalwareLordJul 7, 2023
One of the best Disney classics One of the best Disney classics One of the best Disney classics
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
infraReconMay 22, 2023
I rewatched this classic recently before the big live-action movie to release. This is a timeless enjoyable and well-done animation. While not many people like Disney Princess movies especially Ariel which is the standard Princess who getsI rewatched this classic recently before the big live-action movie to release. This is a timeless enjoyable and well-done animation. While not many people like Disney Princess movies especially Ariel which is the standard Princess who gets the prince, it was made to be colourful, and fun, even though it mostly takes part in dark environments under the sea.

This film's exceptional colour grading and juxtaposition make life under the sea severe and colourful.
From the different Scenes that use lighting to emphasise characters and their emotion, to the simple castle near the coast.

The only bad of this animated film is, of course, the length every animation in my book should meet the 1h 30 mark, but this film is incredibly well-paced, It is one of those short and sweet films that deserves more than a single watch, especially after a long time, and the other bad is the final scenes with Ursula, other than that it is a well-made simple animation, that took a simple plot and did a great deal with what it had.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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9
HabibiehakimApr 27, 2023
The Little Mermaid was just another delightful classic Walt Disney animation that not only explore the beautiful wonder of the sea but the simplicity of its own story, a fun and entertaining enough Romeo & Juliet type of story that areThe Little Mermaid was just another delightful classic Walt Disney animation that not only explore the beautiful wonder of the sea but the simplicity of its own story, a fun and entertaining enough Romeo & Juliet type of story that are creatively change for it's own situation, fills with likeable characters and beautiful song like "Part Of Your World" was just so pretty, and the catchy "Under The Sea" song, The Little Mermaid is a cute, simple, and very pretty movie.… Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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7
oneofjwNov 25, 2022
ok but what is that **** shot on the metacritic home page of the little mermaid.
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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7
greedybadideaMay 25, 2020
Ariel is a 16-year-old mermaid princess in the kingdom of Atlantica, in the Atlantic Ocean. She is fascinated by the human world above. She ventures out with her best friend Flounder to collect human artifacts in her grotto and often goes toAriel is a 16-year-old mermaid princess in the kingdom of Atlantica, in the Atlantic Ocean. She is fascinated by the human world above. She ventures out with her best friend Flounder to collect human artifacts in her grotto and often goes to the surface of the ocean to visit Scuttle, a seagull who offers inaccurate knowledge of human culture. She swims back to Atlantica and is watched by two eels named Flotsam and Jetsam under orders from Ursula the sea witch. Ariel ignores the warnings of her father King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica, and Sebastian, a crab who serves as Triton's adviser and court composer, that contact with humans is forbidden.

One night, Ariel, Flounder, and an unwilling Sebastian travel to the surface to watch a celebration for Prince Eric's birthday on a ship. Ariel instantly falls in love with Eric. Shortly afterward, a violent storm arrives, which wrecks the ship and tosses Eric overboard. Ariel rescues him and brings him to shore. She sings to him but leaves just as he regains consciousness to avoid being discovered. Fascinated by the memory of her voice, Eric vows to find the girl who saved and sang to him; Ariel vows to find a way to join him in his world. Noticing a change in Ariel's behavior, Triton questions Sebastian and learns of her love for Eric. Triton confronts Ariel in her grotto and destroys the artifacts she collected with his trident. After Triton leaves, Ariel begins weeping. Flotsam and Jetsam convince her to visit Ursula.

Ursula makes a deal with Ariel to transform her into a human for three days in exchange for Ariel's voice, which Ursula puts in a nautilus shell. Within these three days, Ariel must receive the "kiss of true love" from Eric to remain a human permanently. Otherwise, she will transform back into a mermaid and belong to Ursula. Ariel accepts and is given human legs and taken to the surface by Flounder and Sebastian. Unbeknownst to Ariel, Ursula, who harbors a secret vendetta against King Triton, plans to use her as a bargaining chip and take over the kingdom. Eric finds Ariel on the beach and takes her to his castle, unaware that she is the one who had rescued him earlier. Ariel spends time with Eric, and at the end of the second day, they almost kiss but are thwarted by Flotsam and Jetsam. Angered at Ariel's near success, Ursula disguises herself as a beautiful young woman named Vanessa and appears onshore singing with Ariel's voice. Eric recognizes the song and, in her disguise, Ursula casts a hypnotic enchantment on Eric to make him forget about Ariel and marry Vanessa instead.

The next day, Ariel discovers that Eric will be married to Vanessa. Scuttle discovers Vanessa's true identity and informs Ariel, who immediately pursues the wedding barge. While Sebastian informs Triton, Scuttle disrupts the wedding with the help of various sea animals. Through all of the commotion the nautilus shell around Ursula's neck breaks, which restores Ariel's voice back to her and breaks Ursula's enchantment over Eric. Realizing that Ariel is the girl who saved his life, Eric rushes to kiss her, but the sun sets and Ariel transforms back into a mermaid. Ursula then reveals herself and kidnaps Ariel. Triton confronts Ursula and demands Ariel's release. However, the deal is inviolable; Triton makes a new deal to take Ariel's place as Ursula's servant by giving up his trident in order to save his daughter. Ariel is released as Triton transforms into a polyp and loses his authority over Atlantica. Ursula declares herself the new ruler, but before she can use the trident, Ariel confronts Ursula and attacks her, and Eric intervenes with a harpoon and hurts Ursula. Ursula attempts to kill Eric, but Ariel intervenes and causes Ursula to inadvertently kill Flotsam and Jetsam. As Ariel hurries to join Eric, the enraged Ursula uses the trident to grow to a monstrous size. Ariel and Eric reunite on the surface just before Ursula grows past and towers over them. She then gains full control of the entire ocean, creating a storm and bringing sunken ships to the surface. As Ursula is about to destroy Ariel with the trident, Eric steers a wrecked ship and kills Ursula by impaling her with its splintered bowsprit.

With Ursula dead, Triton and the other polyps in Ursula's garden revert to their original forms. Realizing that Ariel loves Eric, Triton changes her from a mermaid into a human permanently and approves her marriage to Eric. At the wedding, Ariel and Eric marry on a ship and depart.… Expand
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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10
Wickedjr89Nov 26, 2022
I love The Little Mermaid so much! I love mermaids, I relate to Ariel. I've heard how she seems to be autistic and I am to so that's interesting. Just a fanon (fan canon) nothing more.
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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10
Theo4Jul 15, 2019
One of the most memorable Disney Classics. .. The Animation, The Songs , The Soundtrack , The Flashing Lights Everything About This Movie Is Unique
2 of 9 users found this helpful27
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10
manningn15Jul 14, 2019
The Little Mermaid is one of my top 5 favorite princess movies, one of my top 10 favorite romance movies, one of my favorite Disney and animated movies, one of my favorite musical movies, and one of my favorite movies of all time. TheThe Little Mermaid is one of my top 5 favorite princess movies, one of my top 10 favorite romance movies, one of my favorite Disney and animated movies, one of my favorite musical movies, and one of my favorite movies of all time. The soundtrack is stupendous especially the songs Part of Your World, Under the Sea, and Poor Unfortunate Souls. The soundtrack is one of my top 10 favorite animated movie soundtracks, one of my top 10 favorite Disney movie soundtracks, and one of my favorite movie soundtracks of all time. The animation was terrifically beautiful. The voice over performances were fantastic especially from Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, and Pat Carroll. An A+ animated movie.… Expand
2 of 10 users found this helpful28
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9
MHL91May 27, 2023
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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10
MoKShoMay 27, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THIS literally saved my life! Waited my WHOLE LIFE for this! My Gurl Jodi Benson IS Ariel! She can NEVER be replaced! Samuel E. Wright IS Sebastian! pERIODt !… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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10
RapidStarMay 30, 2023
I can't lie... Absolute masterpiece! One of the greatest animation films in history
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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10
alfredomeMay 26, 2023
I like the colorful world! One of my favorite Disney movies. I like sebastian too!
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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10
JuniorillinoisMay 27, 2023
Excellent animation cartoon the legend about mermaid and her final destiny have a great performance music and voice character and charming storyline till the end compare to the new one 2023 live action is a trash this one is a wonderful filmExcellent animation cartoon the legend about mermaid and her final destiny have a great performance music and voice character and charming storyline till the end compare to the new one 2023 live action is a trash this one is a wonderful film and wonderful film… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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7
amheretojudgeJul 1, 2018
not so little, not so fictitious..

The Little Mermaid 3 And A Half Out Of 5 The Little Mermaid is a Disney Animated feature that focuses on gender equality and the conflicts that it may breed whilst grasping the policy. As always, thenot so little, not so fictitious..

The Little Mermaid

3 And A Half Out Of 5

The Little Mermaid is a Disney Animated feature that focuses on gender equality and the conflicts that it may breed whilst grasping the policy. As always, the animation features are finely detailed and covers up their trajectory of the character with an elaborative plan that is exhilarating and just pure fun to encounter. It is rich on technical aspects like songs, background score, editing and cinematography of the animation that is created with thought-provoking ideas implanted wisely that speaks about the characteristics of its three dimensional characters. The script is gripping and engaging, offering each and every individual character enough range and room to factor in effectively and leave an impression. The writing is strong and smart as it doesn't install humor just to draw in more viewers and instead lets the storyline flow independently which is the primary reason why it can go intense and still be bright, light and breezy. The underwater world depicted in here has gone through various tests and thoughts that is clearly visible on screen and helps lure its younger audience in easily and gets them hooked within first few minutes of the feature. The Little Mermaid is not so little, not so fictitious due to its pragmatic three dimensional character along with a nail-biting plot track that helps keep the audience on the edge of the seat.… Expand
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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7
RobwinzAug 7, 2020
The Little Mermaid has got a decent animation, some very talented voice actors and a great story to keep you entertained.
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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9
YouchlolOct 12, 2020
Such a great film. The story is beautifully crafted and much more smart than it seems, although it might get predictable in the love aspects. Top quality animation, and characters that some of them aren't perfect, like Ariel and the seagullSuch a great film. The story is beautifully crafted and much more smart than it seems, although it might get predictable in the love aspects. Top quality animation, and characters that some of them aren't perfect, like Ariel and the seagull might be out of place, but this us surely an enjoyable watch.… Expand
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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10
timoneApr 30, 2019
So Disney was continuing making one of his greatest gems like he did with the first Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Bambi, Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book. That's one of WaltSo Disney was continuing making one of his greatest gems like he did with the first Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Bambi, Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book. That's one of Walt Disney's greatest works. The audiences love his magical gems and magic come to life. Magical story's and animation the whole family to enjoy again and again.

This is one of Disney's continued works and the reason I said that is because Walt wanted to feature length films that can grow audiences big, I mean really big! He wanted to make the songs so memorable and so catchy and Alan Menken is the one who made the songs so beautiful, compelling and catchy and it really makes the animation so amazing. The songs Part of your World, Under the Sea and the one that got me excited and gripped is Poor Unfortunate Souls. Ohh, and also the french song which really makes me laugh just like other songs from Disney classics. The characters however are memorable, the disney princesses again continued, they'll be continued after I finish The Little Mermaid. The villain is so brilliant, Ursula has the power of Ariel and these people who she called them like I mentioned before Poor unfortunate souls. Jodi Benson is the main voice of the disney princess Ariel. She wanted to be in the human world but her father forbids her to go out there alone because it's dangerous but found a true love of her life called Eric. Flounder and Sebastian are the side characters with Ariel. The chef is hilarious and Sebastian is scared of him cause he cooks fish and crabs and Sebastian escapes from the chef before he cooks him. Now that's slapstick. The animation continued to be brilliant and fresh just like all animation is.

That's all I gotta say about it. I think my remembered Liam and Jacob quoting from it so that's why I doing the next Disney animated feature. Enjoy!… Expand
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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10
FilipeNetoOct 5, 2021
This is one of Disney's great animation classics, released at a time when the studio has made some productions of great popular impact and critical acclaim. The story is very much based on a tale by Hans Christian Andersen about theThis is one of Disney's great animation classics, released at a time when the studio has made some productions of great popular impact and critical acclaim. The story is very much based on a tale by Hans Christian Andersen about the impossible love between a mermaid and a human prince. I don't think the script is really worth mentioning, given that it is widely known, not only by admirers of fairy tales, but even by those who have never seen the film or read Andersen's tales.

The film has a good set of actors who provide us with an excellent voice work. Personally, I would like to highlight the contributions of Jodi Benson, Kenneth Mars, Pat Carroll, and Samuel Wright's deep Caribbean accent. Some characters in the film become so popular that they were used not only for merchandising, but also for the Disney theme parks. This is the case of the protagonist, Ariel, one of the most iconic Disney princesses ever. Ursula is often singled out as an excellent villain, and she actually deserves that, but I can't look at her without seeing her as a kind of adaptation of the Bad Witch from “Sleeping Beauty”, with a Mephistophelian touch.

The film was beautifully designed, and the animations are of high quality, one of the best the studio did before massively abandoning traditional animation and converting to digital. The colors are vibrant, the film is bright and beautifully edited, it never seems to drag or take longer than necessary. In addition to all this, the film has one of the best soundtracks that Disney has conceived, signed by the master hand of Alan Menken and worthy winner of the Oscar for Best Soundtrack in 1990. Although everyone talks about “Under the Sea”, a mellow, tropical melody that won the Oscar for Best Original Song this year, I honestly prefer “Part of Your World”, but that's my personal taste.… Expand
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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7
sebastianaliJan 24, 2021
La Sirenita a diferencia de otras películas clásicas de Disney no intenta aspirar a mucho. La historia es bastante simple pero funciona, lo mismo con la comedia y las canciones. Lo que si que noto es que la relación entre Ariel y el príncipeLa Sirenita a diferencia de otras películas clásicas de Disney no intenta aspirar a mucho. La historia es bastante simple pero funciona, lo mismo con la comedia y las canciones. Lo que si que noto es que la relación entre Ariel y el príncipe es muy forzada, pareciendo mas un enamoramiento a simple vista; no me termino de convencer. Y Ursula yo no la consideraría una de las mejores villanas de Disney como muchos dicen, ya que a diferencia de otros grandes villanos de Disney malvados por tener ansias de poder como Jafar por ejemplo, aparecen en toda la película teniendo la misma relevancia que el protagonista, ademas de tener mucho mas trasfondo en la historia, contrario a Ursula que aparece un poco después de la mitad y no aporta mucho mas a la trama. Quitando eso y muchas otras mejorables es una buena película, todos los elementos que introduce serán simples pero la gran mayoría funcionan. La recomiendo, pero al menos yo no la consideraría de las mejores de Disney.… Expand
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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9
Onlyclassicvg1Oct 4, 2022
The Little Mermaid is one of my top 5 favorite princess movies, one of my top 10 favorite romance movies, one of my favorite Disney and animated movies, one of my favorite musical movies, and one of my favorite movies of all time. TheThe Little Mermaid is one of my top 5 favorite princess movies, one of my top 10 favorite romance movies, one of my favorite Disney and animated movies, one of my favorite musical movies, and one of my favorite movies of all time. The soundtrack is stupendous especially the songs Pa… Expand
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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10
kyle20ellisMar 27, 2022
I also recommend the TV series, but not the sequel. I still think that Tarzan is the last great Disney movie, but pretty much everything else after lacks the magic that Disney once had, as far as I'm concerned.(with the exception of theI also recommend the TV series, but not the sequel. I still think that Tarzan is the last great Disney movie, but pretty much everything else after lacks the magic that Disney once had, as far as I'm concerned.(with the exception of the surprisingly good Fantasia 2000, Bambi 2 and Emperor's New Groove) 10 years ago, this was one of my all-time favourites. I remember, every time I went swimming, I felt really inspired to be a mermaid. That's the effect this movie and the TV series had on me. The animation is absolutely gorgeous, especially the underwater scenes, and the storm. The script is intelligent and witty, and everyone involved did a marvellous job putting it across. The songs are fantastic, as always with Alan Menken. In fact, the only score of Alan Menken's I don't like is "Home on the Range". My favourites are "Part of your World"(my sister is always singing it around the house) and the wonderfully energetic "Under the Sea". The characters are probably the most memorable in a Disney movie, especially Ariel, a beautiful and feisty mermaid, with a dream of being a human. She has a beautiful voice also, well we have the talented Jodi Benson to thank for that. Sebastian is so funny here, a he was in the series, but as well as Flounder(another great character)he was ruined in the sequel. Kenneth Mars's Triton is an inspiring father-figure, who reminds me of my grandfather. The best character is without question, Ursula, who scarred me for life after watching her. Likewise with The Evil Manta from the series. Whilst her song is probably the least memorable song of the movie, it still works. Flotsam and Jetsam are also really creepy. Miles better than Ursula's really bland sister Morgana at any rate.To round off, I can't forget Louis the chef. He is so funny here, unlike in the sequel, where the same joke was repeated but badly underplayed. I can't believe some people hate this movie. It is one of Disney's best along with "Beauty and the Beast", "Lion King", "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Sleeping Beauty". Highly recommended for all ages. 10/10. Bethany Cox… Expand
1 of 8 users found this helpful17
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10
JPKJul 1, 2019
The Movie That Saved Disney
The Little Mermaid isn’t only special because it was an absolutely amazing film, It’s also because it saved a struggling Disney.
1 of 8 users found this helpful17
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10
wesseldjAug 6, 2023
I didn't expected much going into this. But I was pleasantly surprised with the live action version. The actors are all well casted. And if you compare it to the animated version they actually have stayed very much true to the source materialI didn't expected much going into this. But I was pleasantly surprised with the live action version. The actors are all well casted. And if you compare it to the animated version they actually have stayed very much true to the source material adding a little sprinkle of a modern sauce to it, that made it a fresh watch. While most people probably pondering about why Disney had to make this an inclusive woke version, however people tend to forget that this was a fairy tale from danish author Hans Christian Anderson and he never mentioned of what nationality or ethnicity his characters were. And that's what this is. It's fiction in an imaginary world and therefore anyone can depict the characters. This Live action movie of the beloved animated Little Mermaid did the original source justice and the writing and entire cast kept the vibe and magic of the original material alive and actually gave it an extra little more. This shows that diversity matters and can work! My compliments to the production!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Cusi9sAug 13, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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