Movies like The Little Mermaid (1987)
The best movies like The Little Mermaid (1987) are Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012), The Little Mermaid (2023) and Snow Queen (2002). If The Little Mermaid hooked you with its romance and fantasy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedStardust (2007)7.3/10 from 4,658 votes
- NewestThe Little Mermaid (2023)Released 2023
Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012)
Set in the storybook world of Enchancia, the music-filled movie follows Sofia, an average girl whose life suddenly changes when her mother marries the king and she is whisked off to live in a castle with her mom, new step-father, King Roland II, and step-siblings, Amber and James. Along the way this ordinary girl learns to navigate the extraordinary life of royalty, and in the process makes everyone around her feel special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Little Mermaid (2023)
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSnow Queen (2002)
Since a bitter winter storm stole the life of Gerda's mother, she and her father have sadly continued to run the remote hotel they call home. Lonely and isolated, Gerda's only joy is Kai, the handsome bellboy. A mysterious guest with an icy stare arrives at the hotel one night, wrapped in fur and diamonds. By daybreak, the "Snow Queen" has vanished with Kai! Gerda embarks on a journey of morphing seasons, fantastical creatures, and long-frozen mysteries in a desperate quest to find her stolen love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisElena and the Secret of Avalor (2016)
In the Kingdom of Avalor, Elena takes Naomi up a mountain to show her favorite view of the kingdom. Elena laments to Naomi how she was trapped in the Amulet of Avalor for forty-one years, and then presents to her a broken wand. She tells her that it was Shuriki's wand and how she would still be trapped in the Amulet if it was not for a brave young Princess: Sofia. Elena then proceeds to tell Naomi the whole story ...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHoliday Date (2019)
When Brooke’s boyfriend, Ethan, breaks up with her just before the holidays, she agrees to go home with Joel, an actor who will pose as her boyfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOnce Upon A Holiday (2015)
When an actual, honest-to-goodness royal princess runs off from her official obligations and duties for a couple of days to see how the other half lives, she winds up falling for a good Samaritan who is unaware of her real identity during the holiday season. Will her true love still feel the same way once he learns the truth?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaleficent (2014)
A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. She rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal – an act that begins to turn her heart into stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading King's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and to Maleficent's true happiness as well.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSailing Into Love (2019)
A biology teacher’s crusade to save a nearby island from development leads to unexpected romance with the handsome and mysterious young sea captain who is new to the seaside town of Willow Bay.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Christmas Princess (2019)
A struggling chef living in a trendy New York borough, Jessica took over a small restaurant where she used to work as a waitress, but it’s growing tough to make ends meet. Prince Jack, who’s in the city for his family’s annual Christmas charity dinner, finds himself in need of a last-minute chef for the royal event when he meets Jessica. As their relationship evolves and a romance blooms, so do the obstacles. But as the event arrives, she decides to go through with the dinner, and may just get the best Christmas present of all… love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSecret Millionaire (2018)
When a bored millionaire (Steve Lund) is mistaken for a parking attendant by a beautiful girl (Siobhan Williams) who is protesting against his family’s intention of closing a local park, he uses the misunderstanding to get to know her better.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStardust (2007)
In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPrince Charming (2001)
After an extramarital indiscretion, a fairy-tale prince and his sidekick are turned into frogs for all eternity or until the prince can convince a maiden to kiss and then marry him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTaking a Shot at Love (2021)
Former professional ballet dancer Jenna works with NHL star Ryan Cooper to help him recover from an injury using ballet as therapy, and as they grow close, he helps her mend her injured heart. But when it’s time for Ryan to return to the ice and leave Jenna and her small, Connecticut town, they both must consider the paths they want to take and just maybe, love will find its way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZog (2018)
Zog is a keen young dragon who wants to learn to fly, roar, and breathe fire, so he studies at the Dragon School. He is desperate to impress his teacher and win a golden star, but he is prone to accidents and he has to be helped by a kind young girl who patches up his bumps and bruises.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSmooch (2011)
An imaginative youngster comes across an amnesiac prince, who she believes is a fairy-tale figure. Convinced the man would be perfect for her widowed mom, she launches a plan to set the two up, starting by tricking her mom into hiring him as the new nanny.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLove at First Bark (2017)
Portland interior designer Julia Galvins (Jana Kramer) adopts a dog and seeks the help of expert and handsome dog trainer Owen Michaels (Kevin McGarry). When she is hired to design a nursery and a “puppery,” as well as plan a puppy shower fund-raiser for a pregnant client and her pregnant dog, Julia asks Owen’s advice, and their friendship just might turn into something more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDescendants (2015)
A present-day idyllic kingdom where the benevolent teenage son of King Adam and Queen Belle offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of Disney's classic villains: Cruella De Vil (Carlos), Maleficent (Mal), the Evil Queen (Evie) and Jafar (Jay).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThor: God of Thunder (2022)
Thor’s villainous brother Loki has escaped Asgard to search for Yggdrasil — The Tree of the Nine Realms. The tree holds the power of the Universe, and is secreted away on Earth. With the help of giant wolf god Fenrir, Loki plans to destroy the tree and replant it in his image, giving him dominion over all. Now Thor must follow Loki to Earth to wage an epic battle that will hold the two worlds in its balance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
SnoozefestMovies like thisMarry Me at Christmas (2017)
Organizing a Christmas wedding is a true treat for bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug. She loves the challenge of finding the perfect dress for the bride and orchestrating an exquisite event. What Madeline didn’t expect was to be swept off her feet by the bride’s gorgeous brother, movie star, Jonny Blaze. Jonny came to the quirky town of Fool’s Gold to support his sister -- not to fall in love. Yet Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met, and she finds the real Jonny even more captivating than her celebrity crush. Will the action star be brave enough to take on the role of a lifetime?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019)
Christmas brings the ultimate gift to Aldovia: a royal baby. But first, Queen Amber must help her family and kingdom by finding a missing peace treaty.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Dancing Princesses (1987)
A king with six daughters who is extremely over protective locks them in their room at night. But for some reason they order shoes from the cobbler practically every day and the king has to pay for them. And when he ask them why, they don't give him a straight answer. So he sends word that whoever figures out why they need so many shoes, he will have the hand of the daughter of his choice. But so far none have succeeded cause they make sure no one can find out. But a soldier upon learning of this decides to find out after being given a cloak that renders him invisible.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance & fantasy
Rapunzel (1983)
A sinister witch steals the baby of a simple candlemaker and his wife and names her Rapunzel. Determined to keep Rapunzel for herself, the witch locks her up in a tall tower all alone, with no way in or out except by climbing her long, braided hair. Wonders and dangers occur when the girl meets a handsome prince.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & romance
Cinderella (1985)
An oppressed young woman finds happiness when she secretly attends the royal ball.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance & fantasy
Beauty and the Beast (1984)
The beautiful daughter of a merchant sacrifices her freedom to save her father from the punishment of a cursed beast.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & romance
The Princess and the Pea (1984)
A bored prince realizes he would like a wife. His mother searches through all the kingdoms far and wide for a "suitable" princess. In the meantime, a charming and witty young lady, who claims to be a princess, shows up at the castle doorstep with a sprained ankle and is shown hospitality by the prince and his best friend the Fool.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & romance
The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers (1984)
An intelligent, fearless boy living in a superstitious Transylvanian village goes out into the world to figure out what everyone else is afraid of, "the shivers." A king hires him to rid his castle of ghosts and evil spirits, expecting him to die like all who have tried before him, but the boy is more fearless than he could have known.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
Puss in Boots (1985)
A young man (Gregory Hines) journeys from rags-to-riches thanks to his talented Puss in Boots (Ben Vereen). Starring Ben Vereen, Gregory Hines, Alfre Woodard, George Kirby, and Brock Peters. Narrated by Shelley Duvall.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (1986)
Based on the story "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp", directed by Tim Burton and starring Robert Carradine.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
Faerie Tale Theatre: Rip Van Winkle (1987)
Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic tale about Rip Van Winkle, a carefree villager who wanders into New York’s Catskill Mountains, drinks with mysterious strangers, and falls into a deep sleep—awakening twenty years later to find the world around him transformed.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
The Emperor's New Clothes (1985)
Two con men take advantage of an emperor's vanity.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Little Mermaid?
The closest matches to The Little Mermaid are Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012), The Little Mermaid (2023) and Snow Queen (2002). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Little Mermaid?
Start with Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012), the closest match to The Little Mermaid.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Little Mermaid?
Stardust (2007), rated 7.3/10 by 4,658 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Little Mermaid?
The Little Mermaid (2023) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Little Mermaid?
Yes: Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012), The Little Mermaid (2023) and Snow Queen (2002).
How are movies similar to The Little Mermaid chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Little Mermaid, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.