Movies like I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star (2011)
The best movies like I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star (2011) are Merbabies (1938), Sing (2016) and Sneakerella (2022). If I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star hooked you with its music and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBo Burnham: What. (2013)7.8/10 from 284 votes
- NewestJean-Louis Aubert - 50 ans avec vous (2026)Released 2026
Merbabies (1938)
Walt Disney enlisted former colleagues Hugh Harman and Rudy Ising to help create this underwater Silly Symphony. Ocean waves form merbabies who are summoned to an aquatic circus playground on the sea floor, where they interact with a parade of seahorses, starfish and other marine life, before disappearing into the surface from which they came.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSing (2016)
A koala named Buster recruits his best friend to help him drum up business for his theater by hosting a singing competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSneakerella (2022)
When El, an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens, meets Kira King, the fiercely independent daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King, sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. With a little nudge from his best friend and a sprinkle of Fairy Godfather magic, El finds the courage to use his talent to pursue his dream of becoming a ‘legit’ sneaker designer in the industry.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisArlo the Alligator Boy (2021)
Upon learning that he is from New York City, a wide-eyed boy, who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. A musical adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFar Far Away Idol (2004)
Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and the rest of the Far Far Away Kingdom battle it out in a singing competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJohn Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch (2019)
John Mulaney and his kid pals tackle existential topics for all ages with catchy songs, comedy sketches and special guests in a nostalgic variety special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Day at the Races (1937)
Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's sanitarium by winning a big race with a finicky horse owned by Judy's boyfriend Gil. There are a few problems. Hackenbush, who was recently put in charge of the sanitarium, isn't really a doctor, he's a veterinarian.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (2016)
A contemporary musical version of the classic Cinderella story in which the servant step daughter hope to compete in a musical competition for a famous pop star.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (2020)
A rich and nasty woman returns to her hometown to evict everyone but discovers the true meaning of Christmas thanks to the local townsfolk – and an actual angel. Features 14 original songs with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Big Store (1941)
A detective is hired to protect the life of a singer, who has recently inherited a department store, from the store's crooked manager.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBo Burnham: What. (2013)
Left brain and right brain duke it out and then belt out a tune in comedian Bo Burnham's quick and clever one-man show. As intelligent as he is lanky, Burnham cynically pokes at pop entertainment while offering unadulterated showmanship of his own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSing: Thriller (2024)
Buster Moon dreams up a star-studded spectacle set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this animated short featuring characters from the hit "Sing" films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFootlight Parade (1933)
A fledgling producer finds himself at odds with his workers, financiers and his greedy ex-wife when he tries to produce live musicals for movie-going audiences.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cocoanuts (1929)
During the Florida land boom, the Marx Brothers run a hotel, auction off some land and thwart a jewel robbery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)
The story of the rise and fall of the Pre-Fab Four.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Thirteenth Year (1999)
A teen learns that his birth mother is a mermaid after he begins to grow fins and slimy scales on his thirteenth birthday.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMake Mine Music (1946)
In the tradition of Fantasia, Make Mine Music is a glorious collection of musically charged animated shorts featuring such fun-filled favorites as "Peter and the Wolf", narrated by the beloved voice behind Winnie the Pooh. In addition you'll enjoy such classic cartoon hits as "Casey at the Bat," "The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met" and "Johnnie Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
Set several years after the first film, Ariel and Prince Eric are happily married with a daughter, Melody. In order to protect Melody from the Sea Witch, Morgana, they have not told her about her mermaid heritage. Melody is curious and ventures into the sea, where she meets new friends. But will she become a pawn in Morgana's quest to take control of the ocean from King Triton?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRuby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
Ruby Gillman, a sweet and awkward high school student, discovers she's a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queens. The kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids. Destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, Ruby must use her newfound powers to protect those she loves most.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJesus Christ Superstar - Live Arena Tour (2012)
This contemporary re-imagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's legendary rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar presents the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Filmed as an arena rock opera, the performance features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian, Tim Minchin as the role of Judas Iscariot; pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as Mary Magdalene; radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as King Herod; and Ben Forster, to take on the title role of Jesus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBikini Beach (1964)
A millionaire sets out to prove his theory that his pet chimpanzee is as intelligent as the teenagers who hang out on the local beach, where he is intending to build a retirement home.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & music
Marina (1960)
Several young music enthusiasts find a helpful supporter of their passion—singing and making music—in the endearing, friendly elderly gentleman Mr. Herzlieb, who works as a night watchman at a pawnshop specializing in musical instruments. Using a shortwave transmitter, they are even able to broadcast their pop songs all the way to Brazil, after which the music lovers are offered a gig. A German "Schlager-Film" (a musical comedy with popular songs).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & music
Don's Party (1976)
On the night of the 1969 federal election, Don Henderson invites a group of friends to celebrate a predicted Labor Party victory, much to the dismay of his wife, Kath. The Hendersons and their nine guests drink, joke, make love, and fight, all while coming to terms with their individual struggles in life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Wild Life (1984)
Eighties teen romp involving Bill and his new apartment, Jim and his rebellious antics, Tom and his crazy self, and Anita with her older man David.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJean-Louis Aubert - 50 ans avec vous (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
13 Semester (2009)
When Momo leaves his small home town to go to university, he is full of enthusiasm and confidence, but slowly the pressures of study and campus living begin to grind him down. Half way through his course he finds himself at a crossroads with both his relationship and studies.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Climax (1944)
Dr. Hohner, theatre physician at the Vienna Royal Theatre, murders his mistress, the star soprano when his jealousy drives him to the point of mad obsession. Ten years later, another young singer reminds Hohner of the late diva and his old mania kicks in. Hohner wants to prevent her from singing for anyone but him, even if it means silencing her forever.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Destiny's Child World Tour (2003)
The Writings On The Wall established Destinys Child as one of the largest-selling female groups ever, selling over 10 million albums worldwide. Survivor debuted at #1 in ten countries including the U.S., and sold more than 8 million albums worldwide. Filmed at their show in Rotterdam, Holland, Destinys Child World Tour gives fans the electrifying experience of a Destinys Child concert. Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams give a hand-clapping, foot-stomping live performance of their #1 hits-Bills, Bills, Bills, Say My Name, Bug A Boo, Jumpin, Jumpin, Survivor and Bootylicious, making sure not to miss any favourites along the way. This full concert showcases music from their self-titled debut album Destinys Child, as well as The Writings On The Wall and Survivor, and includes dynamic solo performances from all three ladies.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Empire Records (1995)
The employees of an independent music store learn about each other as they try to stop the store from being absorbed by a large chain.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIce Age: Collision Course (2016)
Set after the events of Continental Drift, Scrat's epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and locations.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star?
The closest matches to I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star are Merbabies (1938), Sing (2016) and Sneakerella (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star?
Start with Merbabies (1938), the closest match to I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star.
What is the highest-rated movie like I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star?
Bo Burnham: What. (2013), rated 7.8/10 by 284 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star?
Jean-Louis Aubert - 50 ans avec vous (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star?
Yes: Merbabies (1938), Sing (2016) and Sneakerella (2022).
How are movies similar to I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside I Was a Mermaid and Now I'm a Pop Star, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.