The Little Mermaid

If you loved

The Little Mermaid

H. C. Andersen · Book · 2003

What hooked you in The Little Mermaid was the profound ache of a young soul yearning to transcend their boundaries for love.

Start with the source

The Little Mermaid

The source

The Little Mermaid

John Musker · Film · 1989

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

Adaptation

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

Film · 2000

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

Adaptation

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

Peggy Holmes · Film · 2008

Films on the same thread

The Princess and the Frog

The Princess and the Frog

Ron Clements · Film · 2009

Like The Little Mermaid, this film explores the price of transformation and the desire to belong, grounding its magical metamorphosis in a heartfelt quest for true love and agency.

Ponyo

Ponyo

Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 2008

If you were moved by the aquatic longing in The Little Mermaid, you will find a kindred spirit in Ponyo, whose innocent desire to become human mirrors the original tale.

Frozen

Frozen

Chris Buck · Film · 2013

This story echoes the themes of identity and self-discovery found in The Little Mermaid, centering on the courage required to navigate a world that demands you hide your true nature.

The Little Prince

The Little Prince

Mark Osborne · Film · 2015

Much like the melancholic wonder of The Little Mermaid, this film examines the tension between a restrictive reality and the imaginative, transformative power of finding where you truly belong.

Series on the same thread

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries

Series · 2023

If you appreciated the fish-out-of-water struggle in The Little Mermaid, you will connect with Maomao, who must navigate an unfamiliar, rigid palace environment by relying on her own ingenuity.

Anne with an E

Anne with an E

Moira Walley-Beckett · Series · 2017

Similar to the protagonist of The Little Mermaid, Anne fights to define her own existence as an outsider, proving that the search for belonging is a universal and empowering journey.

Candy Candy

Candy Candy

Kyoko Mizuki · Series · 1976

The resilient spirit of the titular character in The Little Mermaid is reflected in Candy, as she faces the challenges of abandonment with a steadfast heart and an optimistic soul.

Hazbin Hotel

Hazbin Hotel

Vivienne Medrano · Series · 2024

Just as The Little Mermaid sought a different life through transformation, the characters here pursue redemption and change, challenging their predetermined fates in a world that refuses to understand them.

Podcasts on the same thread

Myths and Legends

Myths and Legends

Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026

If the classic origins of The Little Mermaid intrigue you, this deep dive into folklore reveals how such archetypal stories of longing and sacrifice continue to shape our cultural landscape.

Dear Teenage Me

Dear Teenage Me

Podcast

The vulnerability shown in The Little Mermaid resonates here, as these intimate conversations mirror the painful but necessary self-discovery that comes with growing up and finding one's voice.

Keep exploring

Common questions

What order should I watch The Little Mermaid movies in?

The release order for the films is The Little Mermaid in 1989, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea in 2000, and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning in 2008. These movies follow the story of the mermaid princess who longs to be human.

Is The Little Mermaid book by H. C. Andersen different from the movies?

Yes, the 2003 book edition of The Little Mermaid by H. C. Andersen focuses on the sea princess trading her tail to win a prince's love and an immortal soul. The films are adaptations that expand upon these core themes and character motivations in different ways.

Does the 2003 book version of The Little Mermaid include extra content?

The 2003 edition of The Little Mermaid by H. C. Andersen includes the primary story of the sea princess seeking an immortal soul. Following the main text, the book features an unsigned, illustrated essay titled Edvard Eriksen's statue of The Little Mermaid for readers to explore.

How many movie sequels does The Little Mermaid have?

The Little Mermaid has two sequels listed in the provided collection. These are The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, released in 2000, and the prequel titled The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, which was released in 2008 to continue the story of the sea princess.

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