Release: 1989-11-17
Runtime: 1h 23m (83 minutes)
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.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Fantasy, Animation, Family
Cast: Frank Welker, René Auberjonois, Kenneth Mars, more
Frank Welker
as Max (voice)
René Auberjonois
as Louis (voice)
Kenneth Mars
as King Triton (voice)
Nancy Cartwright
as Additional Voices (voice)
Charlie Adler
as Additional Voices (voice)
Anne Lockhart
as Additional Voices (voice)
Mickie McGowan
as Additional Voices (voice)
Will Ryan
as Seahorse (voice)
Jodi Benson
as Ariel / Vanessa (voice)
Jack Angel
as Additional Voices (voice)
Christopher Daniel Barnes
as Prince Eric (voice)
Buddy Hackett
as Scuttle (voice)
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.
Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy.
The Little Mermaid is a beloved animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released on 17 November 1989. This captivating movie is based on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, the film features a talented cast that includes Jodi Benson as Ariel, a mermaid princess, and Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, the charming crab. The enchanting music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, has made the film memorable and loved by audiences of all ages.
The story follows Ariel, who dreams of living on land and falls in love with Prince Eric, a human. In a desperate move to be with him, Ariel makes a deal with the cunning sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for a chance to become human for three days. If Ariel can earn Eric’s love with a kiss during this time, she will remain human forever. However, if she fails, she will belong to Ursula. This magical tale explores themes of love, sacrifice, and identity.
Upon its release, The Little Mermaid received widespread acclaim for its animation, engaging story, and memorable songs. It grossed over $235 million worldwide and became the sixth highest-grossing film of 1989. The success of the film marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period of renewed creativity and popularity for Disney animated films.
The film won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for the iconic number "Under the Sea." Its success led to a media franchise, including a direct-to-video sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, released in 2000, and a prequel titled The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, released in 2008. Additionally, a stage adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2008 and has since become a popular musical worldwide.
In 2023, a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid was released, introducing a new generation to Ariel's story. This adaptation continues the legacy of the beloved character while also exploring themes of empowerment and identity in a modern context.
Overall, The Little Mermaid has left an indelible mark on pop culture, inspiring generations and establishing itself as a classic in animation history. Its impact on Disney's animated features and the musical genre in film is undeniable, making it a timeless treasure.
