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Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Sam E. Wright, Kenneth Mars, Buddy Hackett ... see more see more... , Jason Marin , Christopher Daniel Barnes , Rene Auberjonois , Charlie Adler , Jack Angel , Susan Boyd , Steve Bulen , Hamilton Camp , Nancy Cartwright , Philip L. Clarke , Jennifer Darling , Paddi Edwards , Ed Gilbert , Gerrit Graham , Linda Harmon , Anne Lockhart , Sherry Lynn , Edie McClurg , Mickie T. McGowan , Patrick Pinney , Gloria Grace Prosper , Will Ryan , Sally Stevens , Robert Weil , Ben Wright , Charles Adler , Allan Davies , Gail Farrell , Donny Gerrard , Willie Greene Jr. , Walter S. Harrah , Phillip Ingram , Luana Jackman , William Kanady , Edie Lehmann , Melissa MacKay , Guy Maeda , Lynn Dolin Mann , Arne B. Markussen , Gene J. Merlino , Lewis Morford , Marilyn Powell , Michael Redman Jr. , Debbie Shapiro , Robert Tebow , Joe Turano , Jackie Ward , Bobbi White , Robert S. Zwirn , Kathleen O'Connor , Samuel E. Wright

Disney's The Little Mermaid was the first in a series of blockbusters that restored the venerable firm's reputation as the world's premiere animated-feature factory. The title character is a precociou... read more read more...s teenager named Ariel, the daughter of Triton, king of the Sea. Against her dad's wishes, Ariel journeys beyond her own world to the surface, where she falls in love with Prince Eric, a handsome human. Foolishly, the little mermaid enters into an agreement with evil sea witch Ursula in order to become human herself. The wistfully melancholy ending of the original Hans Christian Andersen story is dispensed with in favor of a joyously happy ending-but not before a spectacular climactic confrontation between Ursula and Triton. The obligatory Disney comic relief is handled by such freshly minted characters as Sebastian the Crab, who, courtesy of voiceover artist Samuel E. Wright, sings the film's Oscar-winning "Under the Sea." Other voices are provided by Broadway star Jodi Benson (as Ariel) and such Hollywood reliables as Buddy Hackett, Pat Carroll, Kenneth Mars, and Rene Auberjonois. The enormous box-office take of The Little Mermaid made possible such future Disney cartoon ventures as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

83% liked it

818,706 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

52 critics

G, 1 hr. 25 min.

Directed by: John Musker, Buddy Hackett, Ron Clements, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Jason Marin, Jodi Benson, Kenneth Mars, Nancy Cartwright, Pat Carroll, Rene Auberjonois, Samuel E. Wright

Release Date: November 15, 1989

Keywords: kids, animated, childhood

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DVD Release Date: December 7, 1999

Stats: 45,907 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (45,907)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    April 29, 2012
    TheDudeLebowski65
    The Little Mermaid is a good animated film, but compared to many previous Disney features, this film isn't as memorable. Of course this is a good film that is a must watch for the entire family, however I think that it's pretty far from the first few Disney classics that put Disn... read moreey on the map. Although very entertaining, The Little Mermaid does not belong among the greatest films in Disney's history. Despite this, the film is still worth watching and is lots of fun. I don't view it as an all time classic, but it does manage to bring back elements of some Disney classics. Compared to others in Disney's repertoire, The Little Mermaid is fairly average. Nonetheless if you're a fan of animated flicks, then watch this one. The film has a story everyone will enjoy no matter what age you are. A fun filled film with a good voice cast; this is a film that conveys old school ideas with a modern twist. If you love Disney's other films, and then give this one a view. The film may not be as great as the classics such as Snow White, but it still is entertaining and fun for the entire family. As a whole, The Little Mermaid is a good film, but like I said isn't the best film in Disney's catalogue. For me personally, I much prefer the older Disney classics. Despite this, I still recommend this film. Entertaining, and lots of fun for people of all ages. A very good animated film, just not in the same category as other Disney films. I still think that The Lion King is the best Disney flick that stands among the traditional Disney classics.
  • FiLmCrAzY
    March 23, 2012
    FiLmCrAzY
    Flouder was always my favourite disney character in the mermaid movies! A sweet movie that every little girl especially will enjoy! It takes traditional romance to the next level very sweet and lovely disney movie!
  • spielberg00
    August 12, 2011
    spielberg00
    OK
  • murphmann93
    June 24, 2011
    murphmann93
    A childhood favourite and a classic!
  • jennifxu
    May 31, 2011
    jennifxu
    Ariel is the sexiest Disney princess of them all. That's gotta be worth something. That scene where she writhes around on the sea floor longing for hot Prince Eric and a pair of legs is positively pornographic.
  • jamers2011
    May 9, 2011
    jamers2011
    Great story, excellent musical score, classic animated film!
  • ythelastman89
    April 25, 2011
    ythelastman89
    Again Disney makes a movie that should only appeal to little girls, appeal to almost everyone who likes good storytelling. I can't really explain what makes this such a great movie in particular; it's just a combination of everything. The animation is perfect, the characters and ... read morevoice talents are extremely well done and it's a story that you can watch over and over and still come back to it years later with a fresh take.
  • ajv2688
    April 5, 2011
    ajv2688
    The Disney classic, which began the renaissance for their cartoons. The story is, like usual, based loosely on a classic story, and adds memorable songs and characters. I loved this movie as a kid, and I think kids today will enjoy it too. It's a good movie.
  • DreamExtractor
    March 5, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    Tremendous animation and music
  • wildaly14
    February 1, 2011
    wildaly14
    Classic Disney movie.

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Critic Reviews

September 3, 2008
TIME Magazine

You could wish upon a star and not conjure up a more joyous animated movie than this graceful retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen tale. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
September 3, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Within the apparently necessary aesthetic and ideological limitations (such as making the hero and heroine Americans surrounded by foreign servants a la Pinocchio), the animation manages to be fairly ... Full Review

James Berardinelli
June 10, 2008
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

A fantastic success. Full Review

Variety Staff
May 20, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

May represent Disney's best animated feature since the underrated Sleeping Beauty in 1959. Full Review

Janet Maslin
June 8, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

A marvel of skillful animation, witty songwriting and smart planning. Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 22, 2002
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Even at its highest points, it cannot claim a place next to even the least of the great Disney classics. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

A movie that's so creative and so much fun it deserves comparison with the best Disney work of the past. Full Review

Nell Minow
December 28, 2010
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

A superbly entertaining animated musical. Full Review

Tim Brayton
November 25, 2009
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy

The long-awaited proof that Disney animation could, in fact, return almost the quality and beauty of its Golden Age. Full Review

Chris Hicks
October 18, 2008
Chris Hicks, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

This is unquestionably the best animated film in many years and is therefore highly recommended. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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    • Ariel: [last lines] I love you, Daddy.
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The Little Mermaid Trivia

  • What movie has the tagline "Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy."  Answer »
  • What was the last animated Disney movie to be drawn completly by hand, without help from computers?  Answer »
  • What is the name of the yellow and blue fish in The Little Mermaid?  Answer »
  • What movie has this song in it? "I want to be where the people are, I want to see them, want to see them dancing........"  Answer »
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