Watch The Littlemermaid 1989 May 2026

The film is based on the 1837 Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen . However, Disney swapped Andersen’s tragic, bittersweet ending for a classic "happily ever after". 3. Why It’s a Classic

Digital versions are available for purchase or rental through platforms like Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video. Watch The LittleMermaid 1989

Most critics, including Common Sense Media , suggest the film for ages 5 and up . The film is based on the 1837 Danish

Animators had to create a new shade of blue-green specifically for Ariel's fin; the color was named "Ariel" in her honor. Why It’s a Classic Digital versions are available

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.

Jodi Benson (Ariel) recorded her iconic song "Part of Your World" in the dark to help her feel like she was actually underwater. The Little Mermaid (1989) - IMDb

The 1989 animated film is widely accessible across digital and physical platforms: