We will not be able to achieve all things in this life. One of those is to be a real-life beautiful mermaid! Yes, that’s the truth.
That must be why you are reading this list of 14 best mermaid movies right now– to live the impossible dream. Well, this post won’t disappoint you.
We have only the best here. These movies are chosen carefully to give only the films that focus on mermaids. No clickbait!
The films are also from various legitimate sources. Each with high ratings and honest reviews from the viewers. Let’s start where all this craze
The little mermaid (1989)
English, French 1h 23m IMDb
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Stars: Jodi Benson(voice), Samuel E. Wright(voice), Rene Auberjonois(voice)
about mermaids started! The first installment of the little mermaid is why people, especially children, have become avid fans of these beautiful sea creatures.
Although mermaid movies are already a thing before the release of this film, it is not popular. Only a few people appreciate it.
The little mermaid’s storyline is excellent. Plus, the way the characters are written is another reason for its success. The animation of this is fascinating, too, particularly for kids.
No one would argue that the little mermaid is a feel-good film. It belongs to the classics!
The Mermaid (2016)
Mandarin 1h 34m IMDb
Director: Stephen Chow
Stars: Chao Deng, Show Lo, Yuqi Zhang
The mermaid is a story of contradicting love. Lead characters are not supposed to fall in love with each other because they are enemies, but they did! Its story involves a mermaid who wants to get revenge on the man that has been destroying their habitat.
Indeed, some may say that the story is quite simple and boring. But, as it progressed, people realized that this film is the definition of a modern mermaid fairytale. The environmental theme of this movie is also something you should pay attention to. Stephen Chow directed this film.
Splash (1983)
English, Swedish 1h 51m IMDb
Director: Ron Howard
Stars: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy
Splash is one of the oldies but goodies here on the list. In fact, it is one of the mermaid films that people will mention once you ask them. It is a rom-com film.
Like the usual mermaid love stories, the mermaid falls in love with the man she saved twice in drowning. Problems and struggles arise as they pursue this romance.
There are arguments about how the cast is not fit for the roles. For example, Roger Ebert stated that it would be best if the two brothers exchanged their roles to make the plot more interesting.
The Lure (2015)
Polish 1h 32m IMDb
Director: Agnieszka Smoczynska
Stars: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszanska, Kinga Preis
Ever heard of a mermaid who became a stripper? If not, then consider watching The lure. It has a fascinating storyline.
The lure will break the stigma that mermaids always search for a prince charming. Although this movie still has romance, it highlights the contradicting lives of the two mermaid sisters.
This masterpiece received many awards and nominations. A clear sign that this is worth your time!
Anyway, know that The lure is a Polish movie. The language used for this film is not English, but subtitles are there for a reason.
Lu Over the Wall (2017)
Japanese 1h 52m IMDb
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Stars: Kanon Tani(voice), Shôta Shimoda(voice), Minako Kotobuki(voice)
From a Polish masterpiece, let us go to a Japanese animated film!
Lu Over the Wall is a great teenage movie that tells the story of a ningyo girl and a loner boy. The two developed a relationship that benefits each other.
Lu over the wall is fascinating. Not only because of the story but also due to its beautiful animation and well-thought characters. Plus, the music score is also excellent!
For trivia, did you know that it wasn’t supposed to be a mermaid film? Initially, it was a vampire movie, but they changed it to suit a happier theme.
The King’s Daughter (2022)
English 1h 30m IMDb
Director: Sean McNamara
Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, William Hurt
The King’s Daughter is an adventure and fantasy film released recently. In fact, this is the most recent mermaid film on the list.
This film showcased a different angle on the life and attributes of mermaids. As most myths imply, these creatures are immortal. This attribute is what the King in this film is eager to possess. Yes, no matter what way it is!
Even though most viewers don’t appreciate how it is done, this film still has many vital elements that you can focus on. One of these is the impressive settings and special effects.
Peabody and the Mermaid (1948)
English 1h 29m IMDb
Director: Irving Pichel
Stars: William Powell, Ann Blyth, Irene Hervey
nother one for the classics! Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid is the oldest film on this list.
This film is adapted from the book Peabody’s Mermaid. It tells the story of Mr. Peabody, who fell in love with a mute mermaid during a vacation with his wife. This plot twist interests the viewers.
Mr. Peabody and the mermaid is a hidden gem! It has the right amount of charm and fun. That’s why, even now, many people still watch this classic.
Barbie: The Pearl Princess (2014)
English 1h 13m IMDb
Director: Ezekiel Norton
Stars: Kelly Sheridan(voice), Katie Crown(voice), Mark Oliver(voice)
Most people love Barbie movies. So, we decided to include one here. To clarify things, remember that this is still a mermaid film!
Like any other movie, Barbie: the pearl princess has its own twist and turns. Obviously, this is a fantasy-adventure film.
For kids, this is a suitable movie to watch. The animation is beautiful and entertaining at the same time. Music is also nice.
Barbie: The Pearl Princess features the fascinating beauty of underwater. This will be a good movie to relax your mind.
Night Tide (1961)
English, Greek 1h 26m IMDb
Director: Curtis Harrington
Stars: Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Gavin Muir
Night Tide is a mix-up of horror, drama, and romance. This film is about a mermaid who performs intending to kill young men. But, the twist came when another man fell in love with her and unknowingly noticed her strange behavior.
If you want unconventional mermaid movies, you may consider Night Tide. Indeed, it is not your typical lovely-mermaid film.
Some comments from the viewers also conclude that Night Tide is haunting, intriguing, and spooky. Prepare yourself when you watch this!
Blue my mind (2017)
Swiss German 1h 37m IMDb
Director: Lisa Brühlmann
Stars: Luna Wedler, Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen, Regula Grauwiller
Blue my mind is not your typical mermaid film. It has an interesting story about a teenage girl’s unusual body changes. One comment says, “metamorphosis of a mermaid.”
After watching Blue my mind, different opinions have been said. Such as, the title is not appropriate for the storyline; it is pointless and boring. But, there are positive reviews too that state Blue my mind is fantastic and beautiful.
We guess you just have to see this movie and decide for yourself.
She-creature (2001)
English 1h 31m IMDb
Director: Sebastian Gutierrez
Stars: Rufus Sewell, Carla Gugino, Jim Piddock
Another mermaid abduction for this movie. But, there is more to it than what you will usually expect. She-creature narrates the story of a mermaid who has been abducted by two carnies. On the ship, they experienced killings in which all were blamed on the mermaid.
Do you think the mermaid made all those brutal killings? If you are hesitant about your guess, you may watch the movie first. Going back, She Creature is a horror and suspenseful mermaid film. How it is made is purely one of a kind and excellent.
Ondine (2009)
English, Romanian, French 1h 51m IMDb
Director: Neil Jordan
Stars: Colin Farrell, Alicja Bachleda, Dervla Kirwan
Ondine has a more profound mythological history. Besides the mermaid’s presence, it is also inspired by Ondine’s curse. If you know the story behind the curse, you’ll probably get the idea of this movie too.
Ondine is a classic romantic film. The story’s build-up is slow, but it adds to the heart-touching effect of the movie. Ondine is also a great starter if you like to learn more about mythologies.
Overall, Ondine is a movie that you should not miss! It also has a more recent adaptation that you can see.
Aquamarine (2006)
English 1h 50m IMDb
Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
Stars: Emma Roberts, JoJo, Sara Paxton
The famous Aquamarine is included in this list too. Aquamarine’s story is about two best friends who found a mermaid after a storm. The mermaid’s name is Aquamarine.
At first, they become close because of a deal, a win-win situation. But, as the story continues, the main characters form a special bond.
Aquamarine will make you question, at what length are you willing to do just to keep a friendship? It is a feel-good teen film that deserves all the praise!
Mermaid Down (2019)
English 1h 31m IMDb
Director: Jeffrey Grellman
Stars: Phillip Andre Botello, Jessica Honor Carleton, Alexandra Bokova
Let us end this list with a horror, mystery, and thriller mermaid movie– Mermaid Down! The story of the mermaid here is heartbreaking. Fishermen caught her, chopped off her tail, and locked her in a mental hospital.
We believe that this film is an underrated masterpiece. Viewers say you should not be fooled by the storyline alone because there is more to it. Although, it has a unique and powerful story.
Mermaid down is a diamond in the rough. There is still room for improvement. But, it is a must-watch film!
Final words
We are pleased to know that there are many choices regarding the best mermaid movies. But, what’s more fascinating is that not all revolve around conventional love stories.
We have here movies from different genres: romance, horror, thriller, mystical, animated, fantasy, all yours! The options are plenty. We hope this post helped and convinced you to try new ones.