The Little Mermaid (1989) is a landmark animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, it tells the story of Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson), a young, adventurous mermaid princess who dreams of living on land. She falls in love with a human prince named Eric (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes), and in her desire to be with him, she makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll), trading her voice for legs.

The film is credited with revitalizing the Disney animation studio during the late 1980s and ushering in the Disney Renaissance, a period marked by a series of successful animated films. The Little Mermaid combines vibrant animation, memorable music, and a compelling storyline to capture audiences’ imaginations. Its musical numbers, such as “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl,” are considered iconic, with the soundtrack winning several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Under the Sea”).

The film’s success also helped to solidify the character of Ariel as one of Disney’s most beloved princesses, while the film’s themes of love, self-discovery, and personal sacrifice resonated with audiences of all ages. The dynamic between Ariel and Ursula became central to the film’s conflict, with Ursula’s manipulation creating a powerful villainous presence.