Tools for this page
Print

The Little Mermaid

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A superbly entertaining animated musical.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence & scariness :

    Some scary scenes, characters in peril. Ariel's father is imprisioned by Ursula, Ursula grows larger than a ship and tries to crush it. A French chef runs around the kitchen after Sebastian with a cleaver.
  • Sexy stuff :

    One sweet-natured song is all about getting a kiss out of Prince Eric.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Little Mermaid

Parents need to know that in addition to the "normal" scariness of the sea witch, some children may find the casual bloodthirstiness of the French chef upsetting, especially in the musical number in which he tries to turn Sebastian into crabmeat.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about villains. Why is Ursula both a little scary and a little fun? They can also talk about Ariel and the decisions she makes. Why do you think she chose to give up her voice (and her family) to meet Eric? Why do you think Sebastian tries to help her even though he doesn't agree with what Ariel's doing?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Little Mermaid?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 21 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 1.0

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in New York
    Kids ages: 5
    I rate this title off for age 6 and give it 1.0

    upsetting

    My sensitive 5 year old loves some of the songs and the idea of mermaids and princesses, but was crying for most of this movie. First, she was upset that Ariel would leave her friend Flounder, then the scary shark, we fast-forwarded through the cooking scene (as I assured her that Sebastian would not become dinner), then the Sea Witch, and leaving behind her father and sisters...One or two laughs, but all in all quite horrid. The Sea Witch telling Ariel that she could just use her body language instead of her voice to seduce the prince because men don't really want to listen to women was also offensive.

  3. I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Wonderful!

    This film officially started Disney's rennesciance, the beginning of high-quality Disney films after a 20-some-odd year relapse. There is really nothing to worry about. There's a scary shark and sea witch in scenes, but not horrible. The animation is keen and the music spectacular. Highly recommended.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 3.0

    My 5 year old son liked the movie but I found Ariel's dreamy lovey-dovey infatuation with Prince Eric to be a poor role model for girls. She's just over the top for him causing her to make very bad choices that affect her whole family. Her dad becomes very angry and destroys her room full of odds and ends she has collected. My son and I had to have a discussion on why a parent would act that way and why a child wouldn't ask for help from a parent or sibling if they were in trouble.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 3.0

    Scared my daughter!

    My daughter is 4 and has been wanting to see this movie for a long time. I held off as long as I could but I probably should have waited even longer. While she loved the songs and some parts made her laugh, Ursula really frightened her. She gets really sad at the end and cries alot wondering if Ariel will see her father again. I definitely should have waited until she was older to see this movie.

Find movies reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Terminator Salvation

    Terminator Salvation

    First PG-13 Terminator is loud, explosive, and dark.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Beach Body Blues

    Beach Body Blues

    Talk to your kids about body image and the media.

  • Tech Tip

    A how-to guide for parents. Google Safe Search

    A how-to guide for parents.

  • Most Popular This Week

    Pixar Favorites

    Pixar Favorites

    If your kids are excited for Up, they'll love these!

  • Game of the Week

    inFAMOUS

    inFAMOUS

    How you play superhuman adventure results in fame or infamy.