1989 | Watch The Littlemermaid

The Broadway-style score was created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Songs like "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" redefined how music was used to tell stories in animation.

The story follows Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid princess who is fascinated by the world above. After falling in love with a human prince named Eric, she strikes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula—trading her voice for human legs to pursue life on land.

Animators had to create a new shade of blue-green specifically for Ariel's fin; the color was named "Ariel" in her honor. Watch The LittleMermaid 1989

For collectors, the movie is available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD, often featuring bonus content like deleted scenes and "making-of" documentaries. 2. The Story and Origins

The film is often praised for teaching kids to follow their hearts and believe in the power of their dreams, though some modern critiques point out the risks of "giving up your voice" for someone else. 5. Essential Trivia The Broadway-style score was created by Alan Menken

Most critics, including Common Sense Media , suggest the film for ages 5 and up .

While generally family-friendly, parents should keep a few things in mind: After falling in love with a human prince

Beyond the fairy tale, many viewers and scholars view Ariel’s journey as a stunning queer allegory , influenced by lyricist Howard Ashman's own experiences as a gay man. 4. Parental Guide