If you loved
The Little Mermaid
John Musker · Film · 1989
What hooked you in The Little Mermaid was the way a bold desire for belonging compels characters to navigate dangerous, transformative boundaries.
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
How to Catch a Mermaid
Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton · Book · 2018
If you enjoyed the magical allure of Ariel’s underwater world in The Little Mermaid, this whimsical picture book captures that same sense of adventure and curiosity about elusive mermaids.
Ultimate Sticker Book: Frozen: More Than 60 Reusable Full-Color Stickers
DK · Book · 2014
Much like the vibrant, character-driven journey of The Little Mermaid, this sticker book lets you engage with the magical sisterhood and adventurous spirit found in the world of Frozen.
Kraken and Canals: A Historical Fantasy Second Chance Romance
Anne Renwick · Book · 2018
This historical fantasy mirrors the high-stakes longing of The Little Mermaid by placing a determined woman in a dangerous underwater quest where forbidden love and broken rules collide.
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine · Book · 2012
Ariel’s struggle for autonomy in The Little Mermaid finds a parallel here, as you follow a headstrong heroine fighting against a restrictive curse to define her own destiny.
Series on the same thread
When Life Gives You Tangerines
Lim Sang-choon · Series · 2025
This K-drama echoes the enduring, star-crossed romance of The Little Mermaid, focusing on how a deep connection can survive the challenges of time and changing environments across the island.
The Apothecary Diaries
Series · 2023
If you admired Ariel’s refusal to accept a compliant life in The Little Mermaid, you will appreciate this story of an intelligent woman navigating complex palace politics and intrigue.
Ranma ½
Series · 1989
The themes of accidental transformation and feeling like a fish out of water that defined The Little Mermaid are central to this comedy about a boy coping with curses.
TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You
Series · 2020
This romantic story shares the whimsical, fast-moving heart of The Little Mermaid, focusing on the immediate and life-changing bond that forms between two people from different worlds.
Podcasts on the same thread
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026
If the foundational folklore of The Little Mermaid intrigued you, this podcast provides a deeper look into the historical origins and archetypal storytelling that shaped such classic legends.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Umbrella · Podcast · 2026
This podcast explores the same human vulnerability and desire for belonging that drove Ariel’s journey in The Little Mermaid, offering an intimate look at the messiness of being human.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the correct viewing order for The Little Mermaid movies?
The original 1989 The Little Mermaid introduces Ariel and her story. You should watch this first, followed by the 2000 sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. Finally, you can watch the 2008 prequel titled The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning to see the character's origins.
Is The Little Mermaid based on a book?
Yes, there is a book version of The Little Mermaid published in 2003. It adapts the story of the impetuous mermaid princess Ariel, who falls in love with Prince Eric and makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human and join him on land.
Does The Little Mermaid have any direct sequels?
Yes, there are two movies that follow the 1989 The Little Mermaid. The first sequel is The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, released in 2000. Additionally, the 2008 film The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning serves as a prequel to the original story.
What happens in the 2008 movie The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning?
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning is a prequel movie released in 2008. It explores the history of the mermaid princess Ariel before the events of the original 1989 The Little Mermaid, providing fans with more background on her character and life under the sea.