What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Little Mermaid
John Musker · Film · 1989
If you loved The Little Mermaid, start with The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Little Mermaid across media.
If you loved The Little Mermaid, you are drawn to stories where a bold protagonist undergoes a profound transformation to find their true identity.
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
Thumbelina
Christian Andersen Hans · Book · 1961
Explores: Coming of Age, Self-Discovery, Forced Marriage.
Like Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina navigates a vast, overwhelming world while seeking her own path, offering the same sense of wonder found in classic fairy tale adventures.
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · Book · 1943
Explores: Friendship, Loss of innocence, Spiritual journey.
The Little Prince captures the same spirit of curiosity and longing for belonging that drives Ariel in The Little Mermaid, grounding its philosophical journey in a deeply imaginative landscape.
The Rainbow Fish
Marcus Pfister · Book · 1999
Explores: Sharing, Friendship, Vanity.
Fans of The Little Mermaid will recognize the ocean setting and the internal growth of the protagonist, as this story explores the importance of selflessness and finding one's place.
The Ugly Duckling
Hans Christian Andersen · Book · 1996
Shares a thread with The Little Mermaid: Coming-of-Age Story.
Much like the journey undertaken by Ariel in The Little Mermaid, this classic tale focuses on the difficult but rewarding process of transformation and the search for genuine acceptance.
Series on the same thread
Sailor Moon
Series · 1992
Explores: Coming of Age, Friendship, Good vs Evil.
The transformation sequences and the theme of a young woman discovering her true power echo the magical evolution Ariel experiences in The Little Mermaid while pursuing her destiny.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Explores: Good vs Evil, Protecting Earth, Transformations.
If the high-stakes battles and dramatic character transformations in The Little Mermaid captivated you, the constant evolution and struggle against evil in this series will keep you hooked.
The Wonder Years
Neal Marlens · Series · 1988
Explores: Nostalgia, First Love, Suburban Life.
The emotional core of The Little Mermaid lies in the vulnerability of growing up, a feeling this series explores through the nostalgic and poignant lens of youth and relationships.
Batman: The Animated Series
Bruce Timm · Series · 1992
Explores: Vigilantism, Urban Decay, Moral Ambiguity.
While darker in tone than The Little Mermaid, this series shares a focus on a character carving out their own moral path within a complex and beautifully rendered world.
Podcasts on the same thread
MSA
Podcast
Explores: Life Lessons, Personal Growth, Inspiration.
Just as Ariel seeks to understand a world beyond her own in The Little Mermaid, these personal stories offer the same inspiration and growth for young, curious minds.
The Moth
Podcast
Explores: true stories, vulnerability, human experience.
The Little Mermaid is fundamentally a story about the personal experience of longing, a theme that resonates deeply throughout these true, vulnerable narratives shared by people from all walks.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the correct viewing order for The Little Mermaid movies?
The original The Little Mermaid was released in 1989. The prequel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, was released in 2008, while the sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, followed in 2000. You can watch these films in either release order or chronological story order.
Is The Little Mermaid based on a book?
Yes, there is a book version of The Little Mermaid published in 2003. This publication serves as an adaptation of the story featuring Ariel, the mermaid princess who falls in love with Prince Eric and interacts with the sea witch Ursula.
Does The Little Mermaid have any sequels?
Yes, the 1989 movie The Little Mermaid has two direct sequels in its film series. You can continue the story by watching The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, which was released in 2000, or explore the prequel titled The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, released in 2008.
Who is the villain in The Little Mermaid?
The primary antagonist in The Little Mermaid is a sea witch named Ursula. She plays a central role in the 1989 film as Ariel makes a dangerous deal to become human and pursue her love for Prince Eric.