The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

Year: 1989

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker

FamilyAnimationFantasy

Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination, an adventure follows impetuous mermaid princess Ariel, who falls in love with human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line to be with him. She confronts the villainous sea witch Ursula, while the film dazzles with colorful characters and memorable songs in this vibrant adventure for all ages.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Little Mermaid yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

The Little Mermaid (1989) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Little Mermaid (1989), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:31

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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.

Magical Romantic Transformations like in The Little Mermaid

Characters who cross impossible divides in magical worlds to find love.Discover movies like The Little Mermaid where a magical transformation or journey is the key to a destined romance. If you enjoyed Ariel's quest for love across two worlds, you'll find similar fairy-tale fantasies and enchanted love stories here.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a protagonist who yearns for a life or love they cannot have within their own world. They make a daring choice, often involving a magical bargain or a fantastical journey, to cross an impossible divide. The central conflict tests their commitment, but their unwavering hope and love ultimately lead them to their true self and a happy ending.

Why These Movies?

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Hopeful Coming-of-Age Fantasies like in The Little Mermaid

Young heroes on vibrant, song-filled quests to discover their true identity.Explore vibrant coming-of-age stories similar to The Little Mermaid. If you liked Ariel's adventurous spirit and her quest for identity beyond her family's expectations, you'll enjoy these other hopeful, character-driven fantasy adventures.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a youthful protagonist who feels constrained by their current life or family role. Their innate curiosity and desire for something more propel them into an adventure, often against the wishes of authority figures. The journey is as much about external discovery as it is about internal growth, leading to a newfound sense of identity and purpose.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects movies with a shared focus on a youthful, optimistic protagonist's journey of self-definition within a fantastical setting. They share a medium intensity, a steady pace driven by the hero's clear goal, and a blend of adventurous excitement with light emotional conflict.

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 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.

The Little Mermaid Timeline

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.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Little Mermaid

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.

More About The Little Mermaid