If you loved
The Little Mermaid
John Musker · Film · 1989
If you loved The Little Mermaid, you are likely drawn to stories about outsiders navigating magical realms to find their true place.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
Film · 2000
Adaptation
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Peggy Holmes · Film · 2008
Books on the same thread
Frozen (Little Golden Book)
RH Disney · Book · 2014
Explores: Sisterhood, Self-acceptance, Overcoming Fear.
Much like Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Anna embarks on a transformative journey filled with magic and self-discovery, proving that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome through sheer determination.
The Rainbow Fish
Marcus Pfister · Book · 1999
Explores: Sharing, Friendship, Vanity.
Fans of The Little Mermaid will appreciate this undersea tale that focuses on the internal struggle for belonging and the realization that true value comes from sharing yourself with others.
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · Book · 1943
Explores: Friendship, Loss of innocence, Spiritual journey.
The Little Mermaid explores the ache of longing for a different world, a sentiment echoed here in this philosophical journey that celebrates the power of imagination and the beauty of discovery.
Der Regenbogenfisch (Rainbow Fish)
Marcus Pfister · Book · 1992
Explores: Sharing, Friendship, Self-Esteem.
This story mirrors the aquatic charm of The Little Mermaid while focusing on the emotional growth of its protagonist, highlighting how self-esteem and acceptance define one's place in the ocean.
Series on the same thread
Sailor Moon
Series · 1992
Explores: Coming of Age, Friendship, Good vs Evil.
Ariel's transformation in The Little Mermaid finds a parallel here as Usagi navigates a new destiny, balancing the trials of growing up with the responsibilities of a magical life.
Merlin
Jake Michie · Series · 2008
Shares a thread with The Little Mermaid: Forbidden Love.
Just as The Little Mermaid centers on an unlikely bond between two different worlds, this series explores the complex, evolving friendship between a powerful outsider and a royal heir.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
Lauren Faust · Series · 2010
Explores: Friendship, Magic, Teamwork.
The sense of wonder found in The Little Mermaid translates perfectly to this magical land, where the focus on friendship and teamwork mirrors Ariel's own path to finding her community.
The Owl House
Dana Terrace · Series · 2020
Explores: Coming-of-age, Found Family, Acceptance.
Luz's fish-out-of-water experience in a magical world perfectly captures the spirit of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, emphasizing the importance of finding a found family in unexpected places.
Podcasts on the same thread
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026
Explores: cultural origins, archetypal storytelling, human condition.
If you were captivated by the mythical underwater world of The Little Mermaid, this deep dive into the origins of folklore will satisfy your curiosity about how these timeless stories function.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The high stakes and adventure that made The Little Mermaid so memorable are present here, offering an improvised spin on the kind of epic fantasy quest that defines a hero.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the correct viewing order for The Little Mermaid movies?
The suggested order begins with the 1989 original movie, followed by the 2000 sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, and concludes with the 2008 prequel titled The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. This sequence follows the chronological release dates of the animated film franchise.
Is The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning a sequel or a prequel?
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning is a prequel released in 2008. It serves as an origin story that explores the history of the mermaid princess before the events of the 1989 original film, The Little Mermaid, where she first encounters Prince Eric and the sea witch Ursula.
Are there any books based on The Little Mermaid?
Yes, there is a book version of The Little Mermaid published in 2003. It adapts the story of the impetuous mermaid princess who falls in love with Prince Eric and makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to experience life in the human world.
Does The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea continue the original story?
Yes, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is the 2000 sequel to the 1989 film. It continues the narrative established in The Little Mermaid, which followed Ariel as she pursued her love for Prince Eric and faced the villainous sea witch Ursula.