Written by Corrianne Augustin
Modified & Updated: 28 Apr 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
The Little Mermaid is a timeless animated classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Released in 1989 by Walt Disney Pictures, this beloved movie tells the enchanting story of Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to explore the human world and find true love. Packed with memorable characters, memorable songs, and a captivating storyline, The Little Mermaid has become a beloved part of the Disney canon and a cultural phenomenon. In this article, we will dive into the depths of this magical film and explore 48 fascinating facts that you may not know about The Little Mermaid. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting tidbits about the characters and production, this article will provide a comprehensive look into the making of this beloved animated masterpiece. So, grab your fins and get ready to go under the sea with The Little Mermaid!
Key Takeaways:
- Dive into the magical world of The Little Mermaid, a timeless Disney classic filled with captivating characters, unforgettable songs, and a heartwarming message of self-discovery and following your dreams.
- Experience the enchanting tale of Ariel, a rebellious mermaid princess, as she embarks on a captivating love story and teaches valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and the beauty of the ocean.
The Little Mermaid was released in 1989
The first fact about the movie is that it was released in 1989, making it over 30 years old.
It is a Disney animated film
The Little Mermaid is a classic Disney animated film, known for its captivating storyline and memorable characters.
The movie is based on a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen
The movie takes inspiration from the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, adding its own magical and enchanting twist.
Ariel is the main character and the youngest daughter of King Triton
Ariel, a rebellious and curious mermaid, is the film’s protagonist and the youngest daughter of King Triton, ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica.
The movie features catchy and memorable songs
One of the highlights of The Little Mermaid is its soundtrack, featuring iconic songs such as “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl.”
Sebastian the crab is one of the fan-favorite characters
Sebastian, the charming and musical crab, is a beloved character known for his catchy tunes and humorous personality.
Ursula is the formidable sea witch
Ursula, the villainous sea witch, is one of Disney’s most iconic villains, known for her sinister plot to take over Atlantica.
The Little Mermaid revived Disney’s animation department
The success of The Little Mermaid marked a turning point for Disney animation, reviving the studio’s reputation and leading to the Disney Renaissance era.
It won two Academy Awards
The Little Mermaid received recognition at the 62nd Academy Awards, winning awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Under the Sea.
The movie inspired a Broadway musical adaptation
Due to its popularity, The Little Mermaid was adapted into a successful Broadway musical, featuring additional songs and performances.
Ariel’s iconic red hair caused controversy
Ariel’s vibrant red hair became an iconic part of her character; however, it sparked controversy as some people claimed it promoted unrealistic beauty standards.
The Little Mermaid was the first Disney film to use computer animation
The movie made history by incorporating computer animation into traditional hand-drawn animation, paving the way for future advancements in the industry.
It is a heartwarming story of self-discovery and following your dreams
The Little Mermaid teaches valuable lessons about self-identity, following your dreams, and the importance of family.
The Little Mermaid merchandise became highly popular
Following the movie’s release, The Little Mermaid merchandise, including toys, clothing, and accessories, became sought-after collectibles.
The movie had a direct-to-video sequel
A sequel titled The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea was released in 2000, continuing Ariel’s story with a new adventure.
Jodi Benson provided the voice for Ariel
Voice actress Jodi Benson brought Ariel to life with her enchanting and youthful portrayal of the mermaid princess.
The Little Mermaid was a box office success
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $211 million worldwide during its initial run.
The Little Mermaid has a loyal fan base
Even after three decades, The Little Mermaid continues to have a passionate and dedicated fan base, with fans of all ages.
The movie showcases beautiful underwater animation
The animation in The Little Mermaid brings the undersea world to life, with vibrant colors and stunning visuals.
The movie promotes strong female characters
Ariel and other female characters in The Little Mermaid display strength, determination, and independence, inspiring young viewers.
The Little Mermaid soundtrack went multi-platinum
The movie’s soundtrack achieved great success, reaching multi-platinum status and selling millions of copies worldwide.
The Little Mermaid has been released on various home video formats
Since its release, The Little Mermaid has been made available on VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and digital formats, allowing fans to enjoy it at home.
It spawned an animated TV series
A television series titled The Little Mermaid: The Animated Series aired from 1992 to 1994, featuring new adventures with Ariel and her friends.
The Little Mermaid has been adapted into theme park attractions
Disney theme parks around the world have incorporated The Little Mermaid-themed attractions, including rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets.
The movie showcases a beautiful love story
The Little Mermaid tells a captivating love story between Ariel and Prince Eric, demonstrating the power of love and sacrifice.
The Little Mermaid has inspired numerous fan theories
Over the years, fans have developed various theories about hidden meanings and connections within The Little Mermaid’s storyline and characters.
Ariel’s character design was inspired by Alyssa Milano
The animators used actress Alyssa Milano’s features as inspiration for Ariel’s character design, giving her a youthful and relatable appearance.
The Little Mermaid had a 3D re-release in 2013
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, The Little Mermaid was re-released in 3D, allowing a new generation of viewers to experience the magic.
The movie was critically acclaimed
The Little Mermaid received positive reviews from critics, praising its animation, music, and captivating story.
The Little Mermaid has been dubbed in numerous languages
The movie has been translated and dubbed in multiple languages, allowing audiences from different countries to enjoy the enchanting tale.
The Little Mermaid merchandise generates significant revenue
The popularity of The Little Mermaid’s characters and story continues to generate substantial revenue through merchandise sales.
The Little Mermaid was the first Disney princess movie to be released on Blu-ray
In 2013, The Little Mermaid became the first Disney princess movie to be released on Blu-ray, offering a high-definition viewing experience.
It inspired a live-action remake
Due to the enduring popularity of The Little Mermaid, a live-action remake is currently in development, bringing the story to a new generation.
The Little Mermaid’s success led to the creation of more animated musical films
The success of The Little Mermaid helped Disney to realize the potential of animated musical films, leading to the creation of classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
The Little Mermaid has a powerful and emotional storyline
With themes of sacrifice, longing, and the pursuit of dreams, The Little Mermaid delivers a powerful and emotional storytelling experience.
The movie showcases a diverse cast of characters
From talking fish and crustaceans to mermaids and humans, The Little Mermaid features a diverse cast of unique and memorable characters.
The songs in The Little Mermaid were composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
The music in the movie was composed by the talented duo of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, creating timeless and catchy tunes.
The Little Mermaid’s animation style set a new standard
The movie’s animation style, characterized by fluid movements and vibrant colors, set a new standard for future Disney animated films.
It has a universal message of love and acceptance
The Little Mermaid’s message of love and acceptance resonates with audiences of all ages, encouraging compassion and understanding.
The Little Mermaid showcases the beauty of the ocean
Through its stunning animation, The Little Mermaid captures the mesmerizing beauty and mystery of the ocean.
The Little Mermaid’s success led to the creation of a Disney Princess franchise
The success of The Little Mermaid was instrumental in the establishment of the Disney Princess franchise, featuring merchandise, theme park experiences, and more.
It has been adapted into various stage productions
The Little Mermaid has been adapted into stage productions, including school plays, community theater performances, and professional theatrical renditions.
The Little Mermaid is enjoyed by audiences of all ages
Whether you are a child experiencing the magic for the first time or an adult reminiscing about your favorite childhood movie, The Little Mermaid is a film that captivates audiences of all ages.
Ariel’s fascination with the human world is relatable
Many viewers can relate to Ariel’s longing to explore a world different from her own, making her a relatable and beloved character.
The Little Mermaid is a timeless classic
Decades after its release, The Little Mermaid remains a beloved and cherished classic that continues to capture the hearts of new generations.
The movie emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding
Through the challenges faced by Ariel and Prince Eric, The Little Mermaid highlights the significance of open communication and understanding in relationships.
The Little Mermaid inspired a generation of young artists and storytellers
The enchanting world and inspiring characters of The Little Mermaid have encouraged many young individuals to pursue their own artistic and creative endeavors.
The Little Mermaid’s impact on popular culture is significant
From references in other movies and TV shows to the iconic image of Ariel, The Little Mermaid has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Overall, The Little Mermaid is a timeless and enchanting film that continues to captivate audiences with its magical world, memorable characters, and unforgettable music. Its impact on popular culture and its enduring legacy make it a true Disney classic that will be cherished for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Little Mermaid is undoubtedly a beloved classic that has captivated audiences for decades. With its memorable characters, enchanting music, and timeless story, it continues to be a favorite among both children and adults. The movie’s success can be attributed to its beautiful animation, innovative storytelling, and the talent of its creators. From its stunning underwater sequences to its heartwarming themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery, The Little Mermaid has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
FAQs
1. Who voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid?
The character of Ariel was voiced by Jodi Benson.
2. Is The Little Mermaid based on a fairy tale?
Yes, The Little Mermaid is based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
3. When was The Little Mermaid released?
The Little Mermaid was released on November 17, 1989.
4. Who directed The Little Mermaid?
The movie was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.
5. What awards did The Little Mermaid win?
The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Under the Sea”).
6. Are there any sequels or spin-offs of The Little Mermaid?
Yes, there have been several direct-to-video sequels and a television series based on The Little Mermaid.
7. Is The Little Mermaid a Broadway musical?
Yes, The Little Mermaid was adapted into a Broadway musical, which premiered in 2007.
8. What is the runtime of The Little Mermaid?
The Little Mermaid has a runtime of approximately 83 minutes.
9. What is the significance of the song “Part of Your World”?
The song “Part of Your World” is Ariel’s signature song and represents her desire to be part of the human world.
10. Has The Little Mermaid been re-released in theaters?
Yes, The Little Mermaid has been re-released in theaters multiple times, including a 3D re-release in 2013.
After exploring the enchanting world of The Little Mermaid, why not dive into more Disney magic? From charming princes to dashing heroes, our list of fan-favorite Disney men will make you swoon. Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or simply appreciate a good love story, these articles offer a delightful escape into the realms of romance and adventure.
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