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.
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this 1989 animation-family-fantasy is a beloved musical adventure about Ariel, a spirited mermaid princess who longs for the human world and falls for a prince, risking everything for the chance to be with him. Filled with memorable songs and vivid characters, including a scheming sea witch, it balances enchantment, humor, and heartfelt longing beneath the waves. Themes of dreams, courage, and self-determination give it lasting warmth. Carrying a MagicMovieScore of 7.4, it is ideal for families and animation lovers seeking colorful, music-driven fantasy and a timeless tale of reaching for a different life.
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Jodi Benson
Ariel / Vanessa (voice)

Samuel E. Wright
Sebastian (voice)

Pat Carroll
Ursula (voice)

Christopher Daniel Barnes
Prince Eric (voice)

Kenneth Mars
King Triton (voice)

Buddy Hackett
Scuttle (voice)

Jason Marin
Flounder (voice)

René Auberjonois
Louis (voice)
8,366 ratings, tightly clustered. This score is unlikely to move more than 0.04 with new ratings.
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Release Date
November 17, 1989
Runtime
1h 23m
Rating
G
Genres
Animation, Family, Fantasy
Director