Legends of merpeople have been circulating for centuries, and they continue to enchant us today. Whether as seductive sirens or benevolent beings, mermaids provide endless possibilities for exploring the essence of humanity and the unknown depths of nature. With that in mind, here are ten mermaid movies that are sure to captivate and delight.
10. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Disney has once again brought us a charming, enchanting tale with their remake of The Little Mermaid. Starring the talented Halle Bailey as Ariel, the movie offers a fresh take on the iconic story that’s already captured our hearts. With a tropical island paradise for a setting and a cast of brilliant actors, including Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, and Awkwafina, this movie should not be missed.
9. Aquamarine
This cult classic teen movie starring JoJo and Emma Roberts is a must-watch for any mermaid fan. When thirteen-year-old best friends Hailey and Claire meet a teenage mermaid named Aquamarine, they embark on a quest to help her find true love. Along the way, they discover the power of friendship, the importance of being true to yourself, and the magic of first love.
8. Mad About Men
Glynis Johns stars as the mischievous mermaid Miranda in this fantasy comedy that’s sure to delight. When Miranda swaps places with her distant cousin Caroline, she sets out to upgrade her cousin’s life by pursuing the handsome bachelor Jeff. Margaret Rutherford and Donald Sinden co-star in this charming and fun movie.
7. The Mermaid
This smash hit romantic comedy from China is directed by Stephen Chow and tells the story of a playboy billionaire who acquires a coastal wildlife reserve and inadvertently causes illness and death among the merpeople. When the young mermaid Shan is sent to assassinate him, things don’t go as planned, and the two find themselves falling in love. Full of action, fantasy, and romance, this movie is a delightful mix of genres.
6. Blue My Mind
Puberty hits Mia harder than most in this Swiss film, as she begins to transform into a mermaid. As she copes with the physical changes and pressures of modern adolescence, she finds solace and friendship with Gianna. Luna Wedler and Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen star in this captivating and haunting tale of transformation and self-discovery.
5. A Mermaid in Paris
For all the hopeless romantics out there, this French movie directed by Mathias Malzieu delivers in spades. Gaspard is mourning a lost love when he meets Lula, a mermaid who has washed ashore in Paris. The two find themselves drawn together, but can their love survive when Lula’s people come looking for her? Nicolas Duvauchelle and Marilyn Lima star in this captivating and magical romantic comedy.
4. Splash
Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah star in this classic movie about a man who falls in love with a mermaid. When Madison (Hannah) saves Allen (Hanks) from drowning, the two form a connection that transcends species. A heartwarming and funny tale of love and acceptance, this movie has become a beloved classic.
3. The Shape of Water
A modern-day fairy tale directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water tells the story of a mute woman named Elisa who falls in love with an amphibious creature who is being held captive at a top-secret research facility. The movie is a beautiful, moving, and visually stunning masterpiece that explores themes of love, otherness, and the struggle for freedom.
2. Ponyo
This enchanting animated movie from Japan’s Studio Ghibli tells the story of a goldfish princess named Ponyo who longs to become human. When she meets a young boy named Sosuke, the two form a deep bond that tests the boundaries of love and magic. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this movie is a masterpiece of animation and storytelling.
1. The Lure
This Polish movie directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska is a dark and twisted take on the mermaid myth. When two mermaids named Silver and Golden are discovered by a punk rock band, they are taken in as performers. But as their relationship with the band becomes more complex, the mermaids find themselves tempted by dark desires and violence. The Lure is a haunting and captivating movie that is not for the faint of heart.
Whether you’re in the mood for a charming romance or a dark and twisted tale of transformation, these mermaid movies have something to offer everyone. So dive in and explore the depths of the ocean, and of your own soul.