The Little Mermaid
Performance & Direction: The Little Mermaid Review
Last updated: February 1, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Little Mermaid (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Little Mermaid features a noteworthy lineup led by Jodi Benson . Supported by the likes of Samuel E. Wright and Pat Carroll , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Little Mermaid
Quick Plot Summary: The Little Mermaid is a Animation, Family, Fantasy film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: The Little Mermaid
Ending Breakdown: The Little Mermaid resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Little Mermaid reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Little Mermaid?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Little Mermaid
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $211.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Little Mermaid Budget
The estimated production budget for The Little Mermaid is $40.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Little Mermaid
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Where to Watch The Little Mermaid Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstarThe Little Mermaid Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about The Little Mermaid age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Little Mermaid is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Little Mermaid is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Little Mermaid worth watching?
The Little Mermaid is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Little Mermaid parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Little Mermaid identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Little Mermaid?
The total duration of The Little Mermaid is 83 minutes, which is approximately 1h 23m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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