The Little Mermaid 3D

The Little Mermaid 3D (1989)

  • 90% of critics liked it
    (52 reviews)

  • 83% of users liked it
    (888,496 ratings)

Disney's The Little Mermaid was the first in a series of blockbusters that restored the venerable firm's reputation as the world's premiere animated-feature factory. The title character is a precocious teenager named Ariel, the daughter of Triton, king of the Sea. Against her dad's… More

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In Theaters
Jan 1, 1989 Wide
Walt Disney Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • , TIME Magazine

    You could wish upon a star and not conjure up a more joyous animated movie than this graceful retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen tale.

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    Within the apparently necessary aesthetic and ideological limitations (such as making the hero and heroine Americans surrounded by foreign servants a la Pinocchio), the animation manages to be fairly energetic.

  • James Berardinelli, ReelViews

    A fantastic success.

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    May represent Disney's best animated feature since the underrated Sleeping Beauty in 1959.

  • Geoff Andrew, Time Out

    This return to traditional Disney territory is geared to captivate children while allowing them to maintain their street cred, largely by combining extravagant animated technique with ranging musical styles.

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • KJ P


    Definitely not one of the better Disney-animated films out there, feeling a little dull at times, but the heart of the film is always in the right place, making it a very enjoyable film to watch. Ariel's character is very likeable as she is given a chance to have legs and fall in… More

  • Jeff "


    The Little Mermaid is a good animated film, but compared to many previous Disney features, this film isn't as memorable. Of course this is a good film that is a must watch for the entire family, however I think that it's pretty far from the first few Disney classics that put… More

  • Film C


    Flouder was always my favourite disney character in the mermaid movies! A sweet movie that every little girl especially will enjoy! It takes traditional romance to the next level very sweet and lovely disney movie!

  • Bethany M


    A childhood favourite and a classic!

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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