Top 10 Greatest Mermaid Movies

Pixar’s take on a fish out of water story follows a young sea monster on the Italian Riviera. Turning human on land, the titular Luca, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, befriends another sea monster and a human girl. The film’s message of friendship and acceptance is heartwarming, especially set against the backdrop of the richly animated Italian coast. Director Enrico Casarosa said the creative team leaned into the depth of expression of storybook illustrations, rather than computer-animated realism. The result is a film filled with charm and some recognizable young creatures at the center.

Mermaids can make bank. Upon its release, this Chinese-Hong Kong film was among the highest grossing movies ever in China. It follows Shan, a mermaid sent to kill a developer whose property acquisition threatens the homes of local merpeople. The plot does not go as planned and the two wind up developing a relationship. The film is a more modern take on a classic fairy tale, with elements of popular romantic comedies and fantasy films. A major hit in China, “The Mermaid” was given a limited release in the United States and was praised by critics for having a big heart and many laughs.

Dealing with puberty is hard enough — now add turning into a merman. This Disney Channel Original Movie follows a star swimmer named Cody who starts gaining aquatic powers on his birthday, thanks to his long-lost mermaid mother. The lighthearted comedy features a breadth of mermaid powers, some more unconventional than others, like generating electricity and growing scales and fins. The trope of mermaid transformation as an analogy for puberty is a popular one, and is used quite well here. The 2017 Swiss film “Blue My Mind” draws upon a similar set of circumstances, but definitely leans into the body-horror aspect more than its DCOM predecessor.

Who wouldn’t want talking starfish earrings? In this 2000s staple, two young girls, played by JoJo and Emma Roberts, find a mermaid named Aquamarine washed up in a pool. The girls are in search of a miracle after learning one of them must likely move to Australia. Meanwhile, their new friend is on a quest to prove “true love” is real and avoid an arranged marriage. Amid Aquamarine’s clumsy but lovable search to fit in and catch the eye of a local lifeguard, the girls learn the power of friendship as the truest love of all. The sweet film has warmed the hearts of countless viewers, who have embraced its sentimental storytelling.

When you think about it, mermaids and the Marvel Cinematic Universe have always seemed destined to go together. And the creatures entered this 2022 film with a splash. In the sequel to “Black Panther,” the kingdom of Wakanda must respond to a new threat — the Talokanil, an advanced underwater people. Mer-people have a debatable history in comic book movies. For example, Aquaman’s merman status is questionable. The Talokanil are more straightforward, with blue skin above ground and the ability to breathe underwater. Their introduction in the MCU is a promising way to broaden the scope of the universe, with more magic and far-flung kingdoms to explore.

Part-thriller, part-exploration of humanity, part-excuse to make two gifted actors sing sea shanties, “The Lighthouse” is a singular film. Directed by Robert Eggers, it centers around a pair of lightkeepers, played by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. Although not a main character, a mermaid plays a key role in selling the surreal horror of the movie. Eggers’ decision to use black and white with a restricting aspect ratio also levels up the intensity of the story, especially the fantastical elements. As a result, the scenes with the mermaid are a memorable aspect of “The Lighthouse,” which notably muses on the relationships between humans and the sea.

You just know Guillermo del Toro’s romance had to involve some kind of fantasy creature. “The Shape of Water” tells an unlikely love story between a custodian at a government lab and a fish-like creature imprisoned there. As the relationship between Elisa and the Amphibian Man develops, they set out to flee from the facility and get him to the water. The film uses classic mermaid storylines, like falling in love and being imprisoned, to tell a tale about escaping persecution, homophobia, and racism. Critically acclaimed, “The Shape of Water” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah shine in this rom-com. Twice in his life, Allen Bauer has a life-altering encounter with a mermaid — the first time as a child, and the second as a businessman when he’s an adult. Although he doesn’t know it, Allen meets the mermaid, who eventually goes by Madison, in human form. Feelings develop between the two in New York as romantic comedy hijinks ensue, plus a government pursuit. Finding love in the big city is a classic subject, and “Splash” adds an aquatic charm to the mix, essentially substituting a run through the airport with a dive into the ocean. In other words, it’s a winner.

This Hayao Miyazaki film for Studio Ghibli follows a goldfish who befriends a young boy to fantastic effect. The story is loosely inspired (in part) by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”, and we see how elements of that story are changed and expanded upon. Its ecological themes resonate even as the relatively straightforward story unfolds, exploring the power of magic and the balance of nature. Praised for its vibrant visuals and heartfelt storytelling, the film was a hit in Japan before an English-language version was released in the United States. The dub was also well-received, perhaps proving that animated mer-creatures have worldwide appeal.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005)
The Hogwarts Merpeople Make for a Vicious Challenge at the Triwizard Tournament

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011)
Mermaids Are Connected to the Fountain of Youth in This Pirate Adventure

“Lu over the Wall” (2017)
This Lovely Animated Fantasy Film Takes Us Into the World of Merfolk

“Mad About Men” (1954)
A Mermaid in Disguise Fuels This Trading Places Comedy

“Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954)
Gill-man’s Influence Has Been Wide-Reaching

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, Disney’s animated take on “The Little Mermaid” is the pinnacle of mermaids in movies. It follows Ariel, voiced by Jodi Benson, who wants to join the human world more than anything. With an iconic villain and lovable side characters, the film made a splash at the box office, with critics, and with families. It also stands out due to its Oscar-winning score by Alan Menken. Menken worked with Howard Ashman to craft the movie’s memorable songs, which convinced audiences in 1989 and today to be part of Disney’s underwater world.