Where to start
The Little Mermaid
4 versions · originally a film, 1989
The Little Mermaid explores the profound, often painful, longing to transcend one's natural boundaries for the sake of love.
✦ Most fans start here
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The original movie
✦ Start hereThe Little Mermaid
John Musker · Film · 1989
The Little Mermaid (1989) is the definitive cinematic experience, featuring iconic musical numbers and vibrant animation that established Ariel as a cultural touchstone for audiences seeking a classic Disney adventure.
2000 film
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
Film · 2000
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) shifts the perspective to Ariel’s daughter, Melody, making it a fitting choice for viewers interested in the long-term consequences of Ariel’s original choice.
2003 book
The Little Mermaid
H. C. Andersen · Book · 2003
The Little Mermaid (2003) presents the original H.C. Andersen text, offering a more somber, literary exploration of the mermaid’s desire for an immortal soul that differs significantly from modern film adaptations.
2008 film
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Peggy Holmes · Film · 2008
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008) serves as a prequel that examines the character's formative years, specifically focusing on her relationship with Queen Athena and the tragic origins of her rebellion.
Common questions
What order should I watch the movies in?
To follow the chronological story of Ariel, start with the 2008 film The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, then watch the 1989 movie The Little Mermaid. Finally, you can view the sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, which was released in 2000.
Is The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning a sequel to the 1989 movie?
No, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning is not a sequel. It is a prequel released in 2008 that explores the history of Ariel before the events depicted in the original 1989 movie The Little Mermaid.
Does The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea follow the 1989 film?
Yes, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is the direct sequel to the 1989 movie The Little Mermaid. It continues the story of Ariel and her life after the events of the first film.
Is there a book version of The Little Mermaid?
Yes, there is a book version of The Little Mermaid published in 2003. It serves as an adaptation of the story featured in the 1989 movie The Little Mermaid, allowing fans to experience the narrative in a written format.