Where to start withThe Little Mermaid
5 versions · originally a book, 1837
Themes: Sacrifice, Longing, Transformation, Forbidden Love, Mortality.
Start with The Little Mermaid (John Musker, 1989) — the film. The Little Mermaid exists in 5 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1837; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Little Mermaid explores the profound, often perilous, desire to transcend one's own nature for the sake of human connection.
✦ Most fans start here
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The original novel
The Little Mermaid
H. C. Andersen · Book · 2003
The Little Mermaid (2003) presents the definitive original H. C. Andersen text, providing a somber, foundational look at the mermaid's longing for an immortal soul and her tragic, transformative sacrifice.
1989 film
✦ Start hereThe Little Mermaid
John Musker · Film · 1989
The Little Mermaid (1989) transforms the classic tale into a vibrant musical adventure, offering iconic songs and a spirited, optimistic take on Ariel's quest to join the human world above.
2000 film
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
Film · 2000
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) shifts the focus to the next generation, exploring the challenges of protecting a child from a hidden, dangerous past and mermaid heritage.
2008 film
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Peggy Holmes · Film · 2008
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008) acts as a poignant prequel, detailing Ariel's life before her transformation and the family tragedy that shaped her relationship with music and King Triton.
2026 series
Goodbye, Lara
Series · 2026
Goodbye, Lara (2026) reinvents the narrative as a television drama, emphasizing the high-stakes cost of the witch’s potion and the constant, ticking pressure of potentially vanishing into sea foam forever.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Little Mermaid movies in?
To follow the chronological story of Ariel, start with the 2008 prequel The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, followed by the 1989 original The Little Mermaid, and finally The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, which was released in 2000.
Is The Little Mermaid based on a specific book?
Yes, The Little Mermaid is based on the original fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. Later versions include the 2003 book adaptation, which provides a modern retelling of the classic source material while maintaining the core narrative themes.
How long is the original 1989 The Little Mermaid movie?
The 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid has a runtime of approximately 83 minutes. This version serves as the primary cinematic adaptation of the 1837 book and is followed by two direct-to-video sequels, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning.
Is Goodbye, Lara related to The Little Mermaid?
No, the 2026 television series Goodbye, Lara is an independent production and is not part of The Little Mermaid franchise. It does not share characters or plot lines with the 1837 book or the various films released between 1989 and 2008.