The Little Mermaid

Year: 1976

Runtime: 77 mins

Language: Russian

MusicFantasyFamilyRomance

After rescuing a prince from a storm, a young mermaid falls in love and asks a sea witch to trade her shimmering blue hair for human legs. The spell lets her walk on land, but each step sears her with pain. She endures the agony to be near the prince, who, unaware of her sacrifice, becomes smitten with a vain princess.

The Little Mermaid (1976) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Little Mermaid (1976) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the glittering realm beneath the waves, the sea is ruled by ancient customs and whispered legends. the Little Mermaid grows up on the fringe of this kingdom, her heart tugged by stories of a world above the waterline. The surface is painted in the minds of the merfolk as a place of impossible light, music, and mystery, a stark contrast to the rhythmic tides and crystal‑bright halls of her underwater home. The tone of the story is a gentle blend of wonder and longing, with a hint of melancholy that follows every glance toward the horizon.

Guided by a grandmother who spins cautionary tales and a father who watches over his daughters with fierce devotion, the Little Mermaid is both curious and careful. When a sudden storm hurls a ship into the sea, she is the first to dive into the chaos, rescuing the Prince from the crushing surf and delivering him safely to shore. That fleeting moment of shared breath over the water ignites a fierce, unexpected love, setting her on a path that defies the rules of both worlds and pulls her thoughts away from the comforting currents of her birthright.

Determined to bridge the divide, she turns to the Sea Witch, offering her shimmering blue hair in exchange for human legs. The transformation grants her the ability to walk on land, but each step comes with a searing ache that reminds her of the sacrifice she has made. As she learns to navigate the unfamiliar sensations of the surface, the Prince becomes enchanted by a beautiful, self‑absorbed princess, leaving the Little Mermaid to balance her aching new form with the hope that love might still find a way across the gulf between sea and shore.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:07

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Painful Transformations for Forbidden Love Like in The Little Mermaid

Stories where characters endure physical or emotional agony to bridge an impossible divide.Explore movies like The Little Mermaid where characters endure immense pain for love. If you liked the mermaid's sacrifice, you'll find similar stories of impossible choices, unrequited longing, and transformative journeys in this thread of poignant fantasy and romance films.

painful loveyearningsacrificemelancholictransformationforbidden romancedreamliketragic beauty

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow a character who desires something or someone seemingly out of reach, often from a different world or station. They make a drastic, painful bargain to cross that divide, leading to a journey where their endurance and the true cost of their choice are tested, usually culminating in a bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on the agony of transformation as a metaphor for love's challenges. They create a specific melancholic and dreamlike mood, blending romance with significant emotional pain, and often feature a steady pace that allows the weight of the sacrifice to be fully felt.

Bittersweet Fairy Tale Endings Like in The Little Mermaid

Classic fairy tale stories where hope and sorrow are intertwined at the conclusion.Discover fairy tale movies with bittersweet endings like The Little Mermaid. If you appreciated the film's poignant blend of hope and sorrow, this thread features similar fantasy stories where love and sacrifice lead to emotionally complex and unforgettable conclusions.

bittersweetfairy talepoignantmelancholicsacrificehopeful sorrowyearningtragic beauty

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist striving for a dream within a magical or heightened reality. Their journey involves significant personal cost, and the resolution acknowledges this sacrifice. The ending delivers a form of hope or transcendence, but it is deeply intertwined with a sense of loss, creating a powerful emotional blend rather than simple victory.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific emotional signature defined by their bittersweet conclusions. They balance whimsical or romantic elements with a melancholic undertone and a medium emotional weight, creating a distinct feel that is both moving and contemplative, often rooted in themes of duty, desire, and selflessness.

Unlock the Full Story of The Little Mermaid

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Little Mermaid in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Little Mermaid is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Little Mermaid Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Little Mermaid, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Little Mermaid Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Little Mermaid with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Little Mermaid

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Little Mermaid. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

More About The Little Mermaid

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Little Mermaid: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Little Mermaid

Discover movies like The Little Mermaid that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.