If you’re crazy about mermaids and looking to dive into their magical underwater world, you’re caught the right wave! This crowd-ranked list was made for fans by fans - so you know it’s legit. Thousands of film enthusiasts have voted to create the ultimate guide to the top mermaid movies ever created. From timeless classics to hidden gems, this captures the enchanting allure that only mermaid stories can deliver.
Let's swim through some standout titles! Aquamarine brings a wave of teenage friendship, starring Sara Paxton as a mermaid navigating high school drama with hilarious antics. The Little Mermaid, a Disney masterpiece, offers colorful animation and unforgettable songs like "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World." For a classic rom-com twist, Splash features Daryl Hannah as Madison, a mermaid exploring New York and falling in love with Tom Hanks's character Allen Bauer. If mermaids with a spooky twist are more your jam, She Creature spins a haunting tale with stunning special effects. Other good flicks include The Thirteenth Year, The Lure, and Fishtales.
Have a favorite mer-movie in mind? Make your voice heard! Dive into the list below to vote up your favorites, and maybe discover some new aquatic adventures along the way. Whether you're into romantic comedies, animated musicals, or even dark tales, there's something for everyone.
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- Aquamarine
- 20th Century Fox
With its whimsical charm, Aquamarine brings a splash of magic to the teen rom-com genre as mermaid Aquamarine - played by Sara Paxton - navigates the human world with the help of gal pals Haley and Claire, resulting in antics that are both hilarious and heartwarming. Packed with beachy vibes and star-shaped earrings that talk, this film dives into the theme of true friendship over fleeting crushes. Despite mixed reviews, it’s had a resurgence, especially among Gen Z, turning it into a low-key cult gem.
- Actors: Sara Paxton, Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, Emma Roberts, Jake McDorman, Arielle Kebbel
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
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- The Little Mermaid
- Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name, The Little Mermaid follows the adventures of Ariel, the headstrong mermaid princess who dreams of exploring the human world. Jodi Benson's voice as the protagonist - especially when singing - has become legendary. The film's stunning animation, especially Ariel's flowing red hair and the colorful ocean scenes, stood out at the time. The score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World") redefined Disney musicals. This flick doesn't just sit in fairy tale lore - it sparked a Disney renaissance. And watching Ariel collect human "gadgets and gizmos galore" in her grotto is simply timeless.
- Actors: Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Rene Auberjonois, Hamilton Camp
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
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- Splash
- Buena Vista Distribution
Whisking viewers into an oceanic rom-com fantasy, Splash stars Daryl Hannah as Madison, a mermaid-turned-New Yorker who navigates the city with a mix of curiosity and whimsy. The chemistry between her and Tom Hanks's character Allen Bauer is strong, making their unlikely romance totally believable. This film isn't just any mermaid story; it's the one that put the name Madison on the map for baby girls during the mid-1980s. From the clever use of a functional mermaid tail to unforgettable scenes at the Statue of Liberty, Splash sets itself apart with humor, charm, and heartfelt moments that made it a cult classic.
- Actors: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Dody Goodman
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Ron Howard
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- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
By blending swashbuckling adventure with supernatural lore, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides levels up with mermaids who are equal parts enchanting and terrifying. Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey shines as Syrena, a mermaid who becomes central to the quest for the Fountain of Youth. These aren't your grandma's Disney merfolk; they can switch from sirens to savages in seconds. With zombies, voodoo, and historical Easter eggs, the film keeps the pirate legacy thrilling.
- Actors: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Rob Marshall
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- The Thirteenth Year
- Disney Channel
Blending teenage drama with marine magic, The Thirteenth Year follows Cody Griffin, who discovers on his 13th birthday that he's morphing into a merman. Chez Starbuck as Cody brings a mix of awkwardness and charm that hits different when he starts sprouting scales and communicating with fish. This Disney Channel original movie is a throwback treat with high school swim meets, quirky humor, and early 2000s vibes. Notably, its ocean scenes were filmed at Newport Beach, adding an authentic splash of Southern California scenery.
- Actors: Chez Starbuck, Justin Jon Ross, Courtnee Draper, Brent Briscoe, Tim Redwine
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Duwayne Dunham
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- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
- Walt Disney Home Video
Serving up serious nostalgia, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea dives into the story of Melody, Ariel and Eric’s adventurous daughter who’s got major mermaid envy. Tara Charendoff voices Melody with a youthful spunk that makes her super relatable. Ariel's back, still voiced by Jodi Benson, holding onto her aquatic legacy and dealing with some serious mom guilt. The movie flips the parent-child dynamic from the original, adding layers with villains like Morgana, Ursula's not-so-chill sister. It also features a new slate of catchy sea tunes and quirky characters like Tip and Dash.
- Actors: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Tara Strong, Pat Carroll, Buddy Hackett
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Jim Kammerud
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- Peter Pan
- RKO Radio Pictures
Bringing a fishy twist to the classic tale, Peter Pan features mermaids who are both mesmerizing and a little menacing, adding a distinctive flavor to the world of Never Land. The mermaids in the flick, though fleeting in screen time, leave a lasting impression with their ethereal beauty and sly demeanors. These aquatic enchantresses frolic in the Mermaid Lagoon and show their cattiness, especially when meeting Wendy. The film’s vibrant Technicolor hues - advanced at the time - immortalize these mythical creatures, contributing to Disney's legacy of pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling.
- Actors: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Bill Thompson, Heather Angel
- Released: 1953
- Directed by: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
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- Hook
- Tri-Star Pictures
Hook delivers a whimsical, darker twist on the classic Peter Pan tale, featuring mermaids who give off darkly mysterious vibes. While not main characters, they save Peter Banning (AKA Peter Pan) in a haunting underwater scene. Glowing with otherworldly beauty, they enchant and terrify in equal measure. Alongside Robin Williams as Peter and Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell adds yet another layer of magic to the mix.
- Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
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Scales: Mermaids Are Real
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- Scales: Mermaids Are Real
- Vertical Entertainment
Scales: Mermaids Are Real dives deep into a magical world where mermaids roam both land and sea. Siren Philips, played by Emmy Perry, is just your everyday girl until she starts transforming into a mermaid on her 12th birthday. This isn't just a mermaid makeover flick, however; it also stars Hannah Fraser as Emerald, Siren’s ocean-dwelling birth mom - Fraser being a real-life ecological activist and a central figure in the fad of mermaiding. The movie is packed with unique details, like mermaid hunters and a mystical weapon called the Wailing Stick.
- Actors: Emmy Perry, Elisabeth Röhm, Morgan Fairchild
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Kevan Peterson
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- She Creature
- Columbia TriStar Television
With a mix of horror and historical vibes, She Creature takes mermaid mythology to a whole new level of spooky. Set in 1905, it features Rya Kihlstedt as a mermaid who shifts from hauntingly beautiful to terrifyingly monstrous. Her psychic bond with Carla Gugino's character, Lily, adds an eerie twist to the story. The special effects by Stan Winston Studios are amazing, turning the mermaid into a sea siren of nightmares. Filmed in a swift 18 days, She Creature pays tribute to the classic horror films, becoming a cult classic for fans of that genre.
- Actors: Carla Gugino, Rufus Sewell, Gil Bellows, Jim Piddock, Reno Wilson
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Sebastian Gutierrez
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- Fishtales
- Screen Media Films
With whimsy and a touch of romance, Fishtales centers on Neried, a mermaid played by Kelly Brook who turns human at night. Her relationship with widowed professor Dr. Thomas Bradley (Billy Zane) dives into mythical territory, blending academic pursuits with magical realism. Filmed on the idyllic Greek island of Spetses, the movie boasts beautiful underwater scenes thanks to director Alki David's diving expertise. Despite its poor reception, the film still offers a quirky allure.
- Actors: Kelly Brook, Billy Zane, Alki David, Dorothea Mercouri, John Nettleton
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Alki David
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- Lady in the Water
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Weaving fantasy with psychological thrills, Lady in the Water tells the tale of Story, a water nymph or "Narf" portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard. Discovered in an apartment complex's pool by its bumbling manager Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti), Story's presence sends waves through the community. This isn't just another mermaid flick; its unusual allure lies in its deep mythos and the eerie presence of Scrunts, wolf-like creatures bent on stopping Story's mysterious quest. Despite its divisive reception, the film is a must-watch for director M. Night Shyamalan's fans, who appreciate his knack for blending supernatural elements with real-world settings.
- Actors: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, Bob Balaban, Sarita Choudhury
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
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- Ponyo
- Toho
With its dreamy animation, Ponyo splashes into the hearts of viewers with the tale of a goldfish who longs to be human. Ponyo, whose birth name is Brunhilde, is no ordinary finned friend, but a dynamic character with magical powers and an insatiable curiosity about the human world. Voiced by Yuria Nara, her transformation and adventures with 5-year-old Sōsuke are heartwarming. This movie, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is distinctive for its hand-drawn animation, capturing a fluid, oceanic aesthetic that feels almost tactile.
- Actors: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Tina Fey, Noah Cyrus
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
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- Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid
- Universal Pictures
Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid stars Ann Blyth as Lenore, a mischievous mermaid caught by William Powell's bewildered Mr. Peabody. Filmed at scenic Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida, the underwater sequences bring an ethereal quality to Lenore's character, whose mute yet expressive presence adds an almost childlike charm. The movie’s legacy endures as a romantic fantasy, with its distinctive combination of midlife crisis and magical realism making it a trailblazer for similar genres.
- Actors: William Powell, Ann Blyth, Irene Hervey, Andrea King, Lumsden Hare
- Released: 1948
- Directed by: Irving Pichel
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- Miranda
- Eagle Lion
Miranda introduces British actress Glynis Johns as the titular protagonist, a playful and flirtatious mermaid. The movie explores her mischievous interactions with the men she encounters, leading to comical and chaotic situations filmed partly in London's urban and aquatic landscapes. Miranda's graceful yet cunning character offers a refreshing take on mermaid lore. Spawning a sequel, Mad About Men, the film left its mark as a surprisingly popular piece of post-war British cinema. Fun fact: the rubber tail on Johns's costume was so buoyant that it kept flipping her underwater, adding a real splash of authenticity!
- Actors: Glynis Johns, Googie Withers, Griffith Jones, John McCallum, Margaret Rutherford
- Released: 1948
- Directed by: Ken Annakin
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- Splash, Too
- Disney–ABC Domestic Television
The sequel Splash, Too revisits Madison, now played by Amy Yasbeck, and her husband Allen Bauer, now portrayed by Todd Waring. The enchanting mermaid with the ability to see images in water, Madison is navigating life on land with a sprinkle of marine magic. Set in New York, the film captures her struggle to blend into human society while keeping her secret. Its legacy is somewhat of a hidden gem, particularly for Disney aficionados who appreciate quirky sequels. Yasbeck even underwent extensive scuba training and wore a specially designed mermaid tail with a zipper, making the underwater scenes both challenging and authentic.
- Actors: Amy Yasbeck, Todd Waring, Donovan Scott
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Greg Antonacci
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- The Lure
- WFDiF
Blending horror and musical vibes with flair, the Polish film The Lure flips the mermaid trope on its head. Golden and Silver, two siren sisters, perform in a grungy nightclub, seducing and captivating the audience while hiding killer instincts. Not your typical Disney mermaids, these characters embrace a dark, edgy aesthetic that meshes perfectly with their haunting songs. Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s fresh take makes the film a surreal ride, full of 1980s Warsaw nostalgia. Add to that the fascinating mix of human sacrifice and sisterly bonds, and it's no wonder it became a cult hit at film festivals worldwide!
- Actors: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszanska, Kinga Preis
- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Agnieszka Smoczyńska
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- The King's Daughter
- Gravitas Ventures
For fans of historical fiction and fantasy, The King's Daughter introduces Fan Bingbing as the captivating mermaid whose songs can heal, but whose heart holds the key to immortality. Trapped beneath the palace of King Louis XIV (Pierce Brosnan), she's integral to the king's desperate quest against time. Her otherworldly beauty and the majestic underwater scenes make the visuals unforgettable. With its delayed production history and William Hurt’s poignant final role, this film is a distinctive blend of the magical and the historical. The production design, especially the recreated Palace of Versailles, adds to the film's immersive atmosphere.
- Actors: Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, Benjamin Walker, Rachel Griffiths, Fan Bingbing
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Sean McNamara
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A Mermaid in Paris
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- Sony Pictures Releasing
With a splash of fantasy, A Mermaid in Paris serenades its audience through the streets of the romantic capital. Featuring a mermaid named Lula (Marilyn Lima) and her blossoming romance with Gaspard (Nicolas Duvauchelle), this French film dives into unexpected love. What sets it apart is its blend of romantic comedy and magical realism, all crafted under the direction of Mathias Malzieu.
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- Mermaids
Mermaids is a heartfelt dramedy featuring a memorable cast and setting. Cher takes on the role of Rachel Flax, an unconventional mother navigating life's waves alongside her neurotic teenage daughter Charlotte (Winona Ryder) and the adorable Kate (Christina Ricci in her film debut). The 1960s Massachusetts setting enhances the film's nostalgic allure. Combining humor and poignant family dynamics, Mermaids endures in cinematic memory not just for its star-studded performances, but for its ability to balance eccentricity with genuine emotional depth.
- Actors: Cher, Winona Ryder, Bob Hoskins, Michael Schoeffling, Christina Ricci
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Richard Benjamin
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