The Little Mermaid (1989) May 2026

Released on November 17, 1989, is widely credited with launching the Disney Renaissance , a decade-long era of critical and commercial dominance for the studio. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film revitalized the animated musical by adopting a sophisticated Broadway-style structure. Core Plot & Characters

The film's soundtrack, composed by with lyrics by Howard Ashman , is considered a masterpiece that defined the modern Disney formula. The Little Mermaid (1989)

The story, loosely based on the 1837 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, follows , a 16-year-old mermaid princess fascinated by the human world. Released on November 17, 1989, is widely credited

Despite warnings from her father, King Triton , Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric after saving him from a shipwreck. Released on November 17