Disney’s The Little Mermaid celebrates 35th Anniversary.
Thirty-five years ago, Disney’s The Little Mermaid made a splash that forever changed the landscape of animated films. Released on November 17, 1989, the beloved musical fantasy brought the enchanting world of mermaids and sea witches to life while marking the beginning of Disney’s animation renaissance.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s Danish fairy tale, the film follows Ariel, a headstrong mermaid princess who dreams of life beyond the ocean. Defying her father, King Triton, Ariel strikes a dangerous bargain with the devious sea witch Ursula. She trades her voice for legs to meet Prince Eric, whom she saved from a shipwreck. As Ariel navigates the human world, she discovers the cost of her pact and the power of love and sacrifice.
Jodi Benson’s performance as Ariel gave the character an unforgettable voice, while Pat Carroll’s turn as Ursula remains one of Disney’s most celebrated villain portrayals. The cast includes Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, Ariel’s calypso-singing crab advisor, and Buddy Hackett as Scuttle, the comical seagull.
The film’s music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, became a hallmark of its success. Iconic songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl” are synonymous with Disney magic. “Under the Sea” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and Menken earned another for Best Original Score. Ariel’s longing performance in “Part of Your World” became a defining moment, striking an emotional chord for generations.
A box office triumph.
The Little Mermaid earned $211 million globally. Its success extended to home entertainment, where it became a staple in Disney’s VHS collection, reaching countless households worldwide. The animated film had captivating storytelling, dazzling animation, and timeless music, solidifying its legacy. For me, The Little Mermaid holds a special place in my heart as the first Disney Princess film I saw. Watching Ariel’s journey of courage and self-discovery as a child ignited my love for Disney’s animated classics, a passion that has only grown over the years.
As fans celebrate 35 years of The Little Mermaid, its enduring impact on animation, music, and storytelling remains as profound as ever. Ariel’s journey reminds us to dream big, take risks, and find our voices.
Read our Review of the live-action version here.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
