The animated world of Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian has captivated audiences for generations. The core story of Disney’s The Little Mermaid has spawned a franchise including three theatrical animated films, each with its own unique charm and contributions to the overall narrative. Let’s dive beneath the surface and explore the enchanting world of Ariel and her adventures.
The Core Animated Trilogy
The canonical Little Mermaid movie franchise consists of three animated theatrical releases. These films form the cornerstone of the Little Mermaid universe and are considered the primary entries in the storyline:
- The Little Mermaid (1989): This is where it all began. This film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human and makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to achieve her goal.
- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000): This sequel focuses on Ariel’s daughter, Melody, who longs to explore the ocean despite her mother’s attempts to protect her from the dangers Ursula posed.
- The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008): This prequel explores Ariel’s life before meeting Prince Eric, focusing on the events that led to music being banned from Atlantica.
Expanding the Undersea World: Beyond the Trilogy
While the three animated theatrical releases are the primary movies, the Little Mermaid universe extends beyond these core films. We see Ariel and her friends in other Disney animated series, shorts, and even live-action adaptations, broadening the scope of the story.
The Live-Action Remake
- The Little Mermaid (2023): This live-action remake of the original animated film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel and brings the classic story to a new generation. While a remake, it is a distinct entry, featuring interpretations of the songs and story elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Little Mermaid Movies
This section addresses some common questions about The Little Mermaid movie franchise, providing clarity and deeper insights for fans.
FAQ 1: Are the Little Mermaid sequels any good?
The quality of the sequels is subjective and often debated among fans. The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea receives mixed reviews, often criticized for not capturing the magic of the original. However, many appreciate its exploration of Ariel’s role as a mother and the challenges of balancing two worlds. The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, while a prequel, offers some insights into Ariel’s backstory and the musical roots of Atlantica. Ultimately, whether they are “good” depends on individual preferences and expectations.
FAQ 2: Is there a Little Mermaid 3 in development?
Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel following The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning. While Disney has explored the Little Mermaid universe through various adaptations and side stories, a direct continuation of the animated trilogy has not been announced. This doesn’t preclude future development, however.
FAQ 3: Where can I watch all The Little Mermaid movies?
Most Little Mermaid movies are available on Disney+. You can also often purchase or rent them digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV. Check your local listings for physical media availability (DVDs and Blu-rays).
FAQ 4: What order should I watch the Little Mermaid movies in?
The chronological order is:
- The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)
- The Little Mermaid (1989)
- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
- The Little Mermaid (2023) Live-Action Remake
However, many prefer to watch them in release order to experience the films as they were originally intended:
- The Little Mermaid (1989)
- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
- The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)
- The Little Mermaid (2023) Live-Action Remake
FAQ 5: Is Ursula in the Little Mermaid sequels?
While Ursula herself is not directly present in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, her sister, Morgana, serves as the antagonist. Morgana seeks to avenge Ursula’s death and continue her malicious schemes against Ariel and her family. Ursula is not in The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning.
FAQ 6: Does The Little Mermaid TV series count as a movie?
No, The Little Mermaid animated TV series (1992-1994) is not considered a movie. It is a separate series that explores Ariel’s adventures before the events of the original film, featuring many of the same characters and themes.
FAQ 7: Is the live-action Little Mermaid movie connected to the animated movies?
The 2023 live-action Little Mermaid movie is a remake of the original 1989 animated film. It retells the same core story with some adaptations and modernizations. It’s not a sequel or part of the original animated timeline.
FAQ 8: What are the main differences between the live-action Little Mermaid and the animated original?
While both tell the same core story, the live-action version features updated visuals, new songs, and altered plot points. Some characters have been reimagined, and the film explores themes of cultural diversity and female empowerment more explicitly. The overall tone and execution also differ, reflecting modern filmmaking techniques.
FAQ 9: What makes the original Little Mermaid movie so iconic?
The Little Mermaid (1989) is considered a landmark film for several reasons. It revitalized Disney animation, ushering in a new era of successful animated musicals. Its memorable songs, vibrant animation, and compelling story resonated with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless classic.
FAQ 10: Are there any deleted scenes from the Little Mermaid movies?
Yes, deleted scenes exist for all three animated Little Mermaid movies. These scenes often offer additional context or character development. They are typically available on DVD/Blu-ray releases or online. The live-action movie also has deleted scenes that are available for viewing on certain platforms.
FAQ 11: Who are the voice actors in the Little Mermaid movies?
Some of the most notable voice actors include:
- Jodi Benson: Ariel
- Samuel E. Wright: Sebastian
- Pat Carroll: Ursula
- Christopher Daniel Barnes: Prince Eric
- Buddy Hackett: Scuttle
The live-action movie stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Daveed Diggs as Sebastian.
FAQ 12: Are there any Little Mermaid theme park attractions?
Yes! Disney theme parks around the world feature various Little Mermaid attractions and experiences. These include rides like “Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid,” character meet-and-greets with Ariel, and themed dining locations. These attractions bring the underwater world to life for fans of all ages.
In conclusion, while the animated Little Mermaid core cinematic universe features three main movies, including the live-action remake expands that number. Each entry contributes to the rich tapestry of the undersea world, offering fans a variety of ways to experience the magic of Ariel’s story.