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The Little Mermaid
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The Little Mermaid
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- 1989
- John Musker
- 85 mins
- U
Summary
Animated musical adventure based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, featuring the voices of Jodi Benson and René Auberjonois. Plucky mermaid Ariel, daughter of King Triton, is unhappy with her life beneath the waves and makes a deal with devious sea witch Ursula to help her go on land and meet her prince.
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IMDB
Review
A star rating of 5 out of 5.
Kilmeny Fane-Saunders
What a splash this adventure made on its release, marking as it did the beginning of a new golden age of Disney features. The story of the plucky Ariel (who set the tone for a new generation of Disney heroines) features impressive animation and a catchy, show-stopping score by double Academy Award-winning Alan Menken - including the instant hit Under the Sea, sung with Caribbean verve by Sebastian the crab (composer to the court of King Triton and Ariel's reluctant minder). While some scenes could possibly frighten very young children, especially those featuring the loathsome Ursula, this remains an enduring delight.
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7.6/10
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Credits
Cast
rolenameArielJodi BensonSebastianSamuel E WrightFlounderJason MarinEricChristopher Daniel BarnesUrsulaPat CarrollCarlottaEdie McClurgScuttleBuddy HackettTritonKenneth MarsGrimsbyBen Wright (1)LouisRené AuberjonoisFlotsam and JetsamPaddi Edwards
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Crew
rolenameDirectorJohn MuskerDirectorRon Clements
Details
Released on
1990-10-12
Languages
English | French
Guidance
Available on
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Formats
Colour
News & features about The Little Mermaid
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Meet the cast of The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey plays Ariel in the new live-action remake – and she's joined by a host of big name stars.
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How different is The Little Mermaid remake to the original?
Everything you need to know about the changes made from the 1989 animation – with exclusive insights from director Rob Marshall.
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How did they film the underwater sequences in The Little Mermaid?
Director Rob Marshall breaks down the processes behind the reimagining of the classic Disney animation.
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How to watch The Little Mermaid – is it streaming on Disney Plus?
The new live-action take on the classic Hans Christian Andersen-inspired animation has just been released.
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The Little Mermaid soundtrack: All new and old songs in Disney remake
Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda have penned some new songs to go alongside classics such as Under the Sea and Part of Your World.
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Little Mermaid director says Under the Sea sequence was "daunting"
Rob Marshall explains to RadioTimes.com how "the challenge of that number was beyond".
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The Little Mermaid review: Halle Bailey radiates charisma in Disney remake
This is one of the more faithful live-action adaptations – and thanks to some brilliant performances, one of the more successful.
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Doctor Who fans spot Little Mermaid star Jonah Hauer-King on set filming
Could this be Ruby Sunday's love interest?
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Who is Jonah Hauer-King? Meet World on Fire and Little Mermaid star
The British star leads the cast of World on Fire.
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The Little Mermaid trailer gives first look at Melissa McCarthy's Ursula
The live action remake is released in cinemas in May.
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Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock brings her own Little Mermaid to Audible
The pop star's lived experience is woven into the classic tale.
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The Little Mermaid merchandise: Top Ariel dolls, costumes, and Disney collectibles for all ages
Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? You too could make your collection complete, by grabbing some merch from Disney's The Little Mermaid. Here are our picks for the best gifts on sale now.
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Alan Menken on cut Javier Bardem The Little Mermaid song: "I love that one as much as the others"
A song for King Triton titled Impossible Child didn't make the final cut.
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Pat Carroll, voice of Ursula in The Little Mermaid, dies aged 95
The comedian and actor won Emmy, Drama Desk, and Grammy Awards in a career spanning more than seven decades.
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Disney fans pay tribute as Little Mermaid star Samuel E Wright dies, aged 74
The actor voiced Sebastian the crab and sang the Oscar-winning hit Under The Sea.
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How The Little Mermaid's Ursula went from Joan Collins lookalike to a drag queen
Lyricist Howard Ashman loved the drag Queen design - but Ursula's look had started life a little differently
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A Little Mermaid TV series in in the works - set 15 years after events of the film
Comedy series Washed Up will reportedly find Ariel trapped in a loveless marriage
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The Little Mermaid live action remake will include Part of Your World
The iconic track will feature alongside other classic and some new songs written by the animation's original composer Alan Menken
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The Little Mermaid has found its Prince Eric
The actor will play Prince Eric - a role which was reportedly turned down by Harry Styles earlier in the year
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Singer Halle Bailey cast as Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid live-action remake
Bailey, one half of US r&b duo Chloe x Halle, will lead the remake of the 1989 animation
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Lindsay Lohan wants to play Ariel in The Little Mermaid - but she has a list of demands
The Mean Girls wants to star as Ariel in a Disney live-action remake
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John Barrowman dressed as Ariel and sang The Little Mermaid
Captain Jack went Under the Sea during an appearance at Mega Con
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The Wanted star Jay McGuiness reveals why musicals are "a safer way of getting attention" than being in a boyband
The Strictly winner is making a return to the stage this March.
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James Bond film music to feature in BBC Proms 2026 - along with tribute to Disney icon
Classic music from films like Skyfall and Beauty and the Beast are set to light up this years festival.
See more about The Little Mermaid
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