The Little Mermaid
Here's what we found in The Little Mermaid. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Little Mermaid
Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' franchise, encompassing both the beloved 1989 animated classic and its 2023 live-action adaptation, explores themes of longing, self-discovery, and love. The story follows Ariel, a curious mermaid princess who dreams of life on land and falls for a human prince, Eric. To achieve her desire, she makes a perilous deal with the cunning sea witch, Ursula, trading her voice for human legs. This fantastical musical journey delves into the complexities of familial relationships, rebellion, and the pursuit of dreams, set against vibrant undersea and human world backdrops. The films are generally aimed at a family audience, with the animated version often appealing to younger children and the live-action remake offering a more visually intense experience for a slightly older demographic. Overall, both versions contain elements of fantasy, romance, and some intense scenes that parents should consider.
Things to Consider
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the plot of both 'The Little Mermaid' films, primarily through the character of Ursula, the sea witch. Her use of spells, potions, and the magical exchange of Ariel's voice for legs constitutes a significant portion of the narrative, representing a 'deal with the devil' to some Christian viewers.
In both the 1989 and 2023 films, Ursula is explicitly identified as a 'sea witch' who uses magic to manipulate others. She performs a clear magical ritual to transform Ariel, exchanging Ariel's voice for human legs. This involves a magical contract, glowing ingredients, and the direct use of spells and incantations. Christian reviews often interpret Ariel's deal with Ursula as 'making a deal with a devil' due to its Faustian nature and the dark, manipulative intent behind Ursula's magic.
Anti-Christian Themes
From a Christian perspective, the most prominent anti-Christian theme lies in the central narrative element of Ariel making a magical pact with Ursula, the sea witch. This 'Faustian bargain' is often viewed as engaging with dark spiritual forces or a 'deal with the devil,' which is explicitly condemned in Christian teachings. Some reviews also frame the themes of rebellion against parental authority through a biblical lens of obedience.
Would these 2 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
The Little Mermaid (1989) is rated G, making it suitable for all ages, though some scenes with Ursula may be frightening for very young children. The Little Mermaid (2023) is rated PG for action/peril and some scary images, making it more appropriate for children aged 6 and up, with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers due to heightened realism in intense scenes.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that the live-action 2023 adaptation, while largely faithful to the animated original, presents several scenes with increased realism and intensity, particularly concerning violence and frightening imagery. The runtime of the 2023 film (2 hours 15 minutes) is also significantly longer than the 1989 animated classic (1 hour 23 minutes), which may be a consideration for younger viewers. Discussions around Ursula's inspiration and the original tale's author can lead to conversations about LGBTQ interpretations, which may be a point of guidance for some parents.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families