What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
Film · 2000
If you loved The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, start with The Little Mermaid (John Musker, 1989) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea across media.
You loved the way The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea balances the weight of family legacy with the thrill of self-discovery.
Start with the source
The source
The Little Mermaid
John Musker · Film · 1989
Adaptation
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Peggy Holmes · Film · 2008
Books on the same thread
Thumbelina
Christian Andersen Hans · Book · 1961
Shares a thread with The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea: Coming of Age.
Much like the journey of Melody in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, this classic tale focuses on a young protagonist navigating her identity and personal growth.
The Sea of Monsters
Rick Riordan · Book · 2006
Explores: Greek mythology in modern settings, Coming-of-age, Found family.
If the hidden heritage and underwater stakes of The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea captured your imagination, you will appreciate this modern take on mythological coming-of-age stories.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1998
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Prejudice, Friendship.
The sense of danger lurking behind a seemingly normal life mirrors the tension in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, where childhood curiosity meets a hidden magical world.
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
Salman Rushdie · Book · 1991
Explores: Storytelling, Good vs Evil, Censorship.
This story captures the same sense of wonder and quest-driven adventure found in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, emphasizing how personal discovery shapes a young person's path.
Series on the same thread
Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure
Chris Sonnenburg · Series · 2017
Explores: Coming-of-Age, Self-Discovery, Royal Life.
The focus on a young woman learning about her royal roots and family history echoes the central themes of belonging and parental protection seen in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.
The 10th Kingdom
Series · 2000
Explores: Fish Out of Water, Portal Fantasy, Fairy Tale Adaptation.
This portal fantasy highlights the same parent-child dynamic and fish-out-of-water exploration that made the quest of Melody in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea so compelling to watch.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The collaborative spirit and high-stakes adventure of this campaign provide the same sense of camaraderie and discovery that Ariel and her daughter experience in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
Chris & Rosie Ramsey · Podcast · 2026
Explores: domestic life, modern marriage, parenthood struggles.
While this podcast focuses on modern parenthood, it offers the same relatable take on family dynamics and the daily struggles of raising children explored in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea a direct sequel to the 1989 film?
Yes, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is a sequel that takes place several years after the events of the original 1989 movie. It follows Ariel and Prince Eric as they raise their daughter, Melody, while keeping her mermaid heritage a secret from her.
What order should I watch The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea in the series?
You should watch the original 1989 film first, followed by The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. The prequel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, was released in 2008 and can be viewed either before or after this sequel to learn more about Ariel's background.
Does The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea feature the same villain as the original?
No, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea features a new antagonist named Morgana. She is a sea witch who attempts to use Ariel's daughter, Melody, as a pawn in her quest to seize control of the ocean from King Triton.
Is The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea based on the 2003 book?
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is a film released in 2000, while the book titled The Little Mermaid was published in 2003. The movie is an original story about Ariel and her daughter, Melody, rather than an adaptation of that specific book.