The Little Mermaid

Year: 2023

Language: English

Director: Rob Marshall

AdventureFantasyRomanceFamilyMusical

Ariel, a spirited mermaid princess, yearns to experience the human world. Defying her father's orders, she makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to trade her voice for legs and a chance to win the love of Prince Eric. As she navigates life on land, she must contend with Ursula’s schemes and fight to protect her family and the underwater kingdom from a looming threat.

Warning: spoilers below!

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The Little Mermaid (2023) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how The Little Mermaid (2023) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

In the end, Ariel manages to regain her voice and her human form after Ursula is defeated. Ursula’s plan to turn Ariel into her loyal pawn fails when Ariel uncovers her deception and reclaims her voice. With Ursula’s demise—who is ultimately vanquished when Ariel strikes her with a ship’s mast—King Triton is restored and regains his power. Recognizing his daughter’s true love and the importance of her happiness, Triton finally agrees to let Ariel become human. The film concludes with Ariel and Eric sailing away together on a ship, ready to explore the world and start their new life. As Ariel sheds a tear, it symbolizes her emotional fulfillment and the blending of her two worlds—mermaid and human—highlighting the film’s message that love and acceptance can break down even the deepest divisions. It’s a joyful, hopeful ending that celebrates love’s ability to unite different worlds and bring happiness to those who dare to dream.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44

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Movies about yearning for another world like The Little Mermaid

Heroines who dream of a different life and defy their worlds to find it.If you liked the theme of following your heart to a new world in The Little Mermaid, discover more movies like it. This collection features similar fantasy romance stories where a hopeful protagonist defies their circumstances to chase a dream, perfect for fans of magical journeys and self-discovery.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a central character who feels trapped or unfulfilled in their own world, harboring a powerful curiosity about an unknown realm. A catalyst event, often involving a bargain or risk, propels them into this new world, where they must navigate unfamiliar rules and dangers. The journey is fundamentally one of identity, as they learn about themselves and fight for the life they've chosen, culminating in a fulfilling resolution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core emotional engine of yearning and a thematic focus on crossing boundaries—be they magical, social, or personal. They consistently feature a hopeful, character-driven tone, a steady narrative pace that focuses on the protagonist's emotional journey, and a blend of whimsical charm with moments of meaningful conflict.

Movies about magical bargains and consequences like The Little Mermaid

Stories where a magical deal unlocks a dream but comes with a hidden price.Fans of the dangerous deal with Ursula in The Little Mermaid will enjoy this collection of movies about magical bargains. Discover similar stories where characters make risky pacts that grant their deepest desires but unleash new conflicts, perfect for viewers who love high-stakes fantasy with clear good versus evil battles.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is structured around a central, magical transaction. The protagonist, driven by a powerful need, accepts terms from a cunning antagonist, gaining a boon but sacrificing something vital. The middle act revolves around navigating the unintended consequences of this deal, while the antagonist moves their own plans forward. The story builds to a climactic confrontation where the hero must outwit the dealmaker to nullify the bargain and save the day.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific plot mechanism—the magical bargain—that drives the core conflict. They consistently feature a clear villain who personifies the consequences of the deal, a steady pacing that builds tension towards a final showdown, and a mix of light-hearted character moments with medium-intensity action sequences rooted in a straightforward good-versus-evil dynamic.

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The Little Mermaid Summary

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The Little Mermaid Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Little Mermaid

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The Little Mermaid Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About The Little Mermaid

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