The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›The Little Mermaid
Entertainment • Film

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 Disney animated musical fantasy film based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 Disney animated musical fantasy film based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. It follows Ariel, a mermaid princess who makes a risky bargain to become human and pursue a prince. The film was later remade as a live-action musical in 2023.

Plot

The film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who is fascinated by the human world. She trades her voice to Ursula in exchange for legs, hoping to win the love of Prince Eric.

Production and release

The Little Mermaid was released by Disney in 1989 as an animated musical film. It is widely associated with the start of the Disney Renaissance era.

Characters

Ariel is voiced by Jodi Benson, while Ursula serves as the main villain. The film also features King Triton, Prince Eric, and other underwater and human characters.

Adaptations

Disney released a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid in 2023. In that version, Halle Bailey plays Ariel.

Key facts

  • Jodi Benson provided the speaking and singing voice of Ariel in the 1989 film.
  • The story centres on Ariel, who wants to live on land and falls in love with a human prince.
  • The film was released in 1989 and became one of Disney's best-known animated features.
  • The antagonist is Ursula, a sea witch who makes a deal with Ariel.
  • A live-action adaptation starring Halle Bailey as Ariel was released in 2023.
🍁
Canadian context

The Little Mermaid is widely known in Canada through Disney theatrical release, television broadcast, home video, and later streaming availability, and it remains a familiar part of popular family entertainment for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the voice of Ariel?
Ariel is voiced by Jodi Benson in the 1989 animated film.
What is the story of The Little Mermaid?
It follows Ariel, a mermaid princess who gives up her voice to become human and pursue Prince Eric.
When was The Little Mermaid released?
The animated film was released on November 15, 1989.
Who wrote The Little Mermaid?
The film is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale; the 1989 Disney adaptation was written by Ron Clements, John Musker, and others involved in the screenplay.
Is there a live-action Little Mermaid?
Yes. Disney released a live-action adaptation in 2023 starring Halle Bailey as Ariel.
What is the villain's name in The Little Mermaid?
The villain is Ursula, the sea witch.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodi_Benson
    Supports: Jodi Benson as the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989).
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_(The_Little_Mermaid)
    Supports: Ariel character details, voice by Jodi Benson, and live-action portrayal by Halle Bailey.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072533/
    Supports: Jodi Benson biography and recognition as Ariel's voice.
  4. People — https://people.com/movies/jodi-benson-voice-of-ariel-in-the-little-mermaid-calls-halle-baileys-performance-amazing/
    Supports: 2023 live-action adaptation and Halle Bailey as Ariel.
  5. Fox News — https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/little-mermaid-star-jodi-benson-explains-how-she-became-the-voice-of-ariel-so-thankful-to-god
    Supports: 1989 release date and plot overview; Jodi Benson as Ariel's voice.
  6. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jMSLHOT1Mk
    Supports: Jodi Benson identifying herself as the original speaking and singing voice of Ariel.