Top 50 Best Mermaid Movies Of All Time

As the only animated short film featured on our list, this title stands out for several compelling reasons that warranted its inclusion.

In this stop-motion animation, themes of mermaids, human slavery, identity, compassion, and love swirl together, creating a powerful blend of drama and emotion through mesmerizing underwater humanoid characters.

Layered with rich metaphors and deeper meanings, this unforgettable story offers much to contemplate, making it an essential and memorable viewing experience.

Disney's beloved classic, "The Little Mermaid," rightfully earns its place on this list. The film follows Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of life beyond the sea, yearning to experience the human world above.

During her quest for self-discovery, Ariel finds a love that gives her the courage to pursue her dreams, even in the face of daunting challenges that threaten everything she desires.

The movie is brought to life by exceptional voice performances from Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Rene Auberjonois, the late Pat Carroll, and a talented supporting cast, making it a timeless favorite for audiences of all ages.

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, a multiple Oscar winner, offers a compelling yet unconventional love story. Diverging from traditional mermaid tales, this film introduces a mysterious merman at the center of its beautifully crafted narrative.

This movie seamlessly blends romance, suspense, deep emotion, and meaningful themes, ensuring broad appeal. Its story explores profound ideas like freedom, justice, humanity, and the power of passion, resonating long after the credits roll.

Set in the 1960s, the plot follows a mute cleaning woman who forms a tender bond with an amphibious creature kept captive in a secretive American military facility.

The film creatively draws from classic mermaid mythology, reimagining it through a male aquatic being. Doug Jones delivers a remarkable performance as the enigmatic creature, fully immersed in costume.

The outstanding cast—Sally Hawkins, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, and Michael Stuhlbarg—further elevates the film’s artistry and emotional impact.

The magical world of "Harry Potter" is filled with extraordinary fantasy creatures, so it's no surprise that mermaids play a part in its stories. Both the books and film adaptations introduce fans to these mysterious beings in their own unique way.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" spotlights mermaids during a critical tournament challenge. Here, Harry encounters these aquatic creatures as he strives to overcome daunting obstacles in the famous Triwizard Tournament.

Unlike the traditional enchanting image of mermaids, those in this film are eerie and formidable, bearing little resemblance to the beautiful figures many imagine.

Still, the mermaids' haunting song becomes a vital clue for Harry, guiding him onward in the competition.

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, and Robert Pattinson, this film delivers a magical and memorable experience for fantasy lovers.

"Luca" (2021), an Oscar-nominated film, offers much to admire with its enchanting mer-transformations and heartwarming exploration of friendship.

Set against the stunning Italian Riviera, the story follows half-fish, half-human characters who lead secret dual lives amidst the unsuspecting residents of a picturesque coastal town.

This coming-of-age tale gracefully weaves in themes of friendship and self-discovery, giving the "mer-boy" story an enduring and relatable charm.

The film draws inspiration from timeless mermaid folklore and magical shape-shifting legends, deepening its fantastical atmosphere.

At its core, "Luca" is a heartfelt narrative about empathy, acceptance, and the unbreakable bonds that unite us.

At first glance, 'Undine' appears to be a simple love story, but it quickly unfolds into a dark, layered narrative filled with mystical mermaid themes and hidden dangers beneath the surface.

This German film is a standout entry in the mermaid movie genre, drawing upon centuries-old European myths where the title itself is an ancient term for 'mermaid.'

With its inherently tragic storyline, 'Undine' delves into the complexities of being human and the profound depths of experiencing emotions.

Strong performances from Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski further elevate the film, making it a memorable cinematic experience.

Featuring impressive CGI and a delightful blend of humor and romance, this Chinese mermaid film stands out for its creative storytelling and visual appeal.

The movie offers endearing characters, engaging assassination plots, and playful nods to classic Disney adventures, resulting in an experience that is equal parts thrilling, heartwarming, and nostalgic.

With a talented cast including Yun Lin, Yuqi Zhang, Show Lo, and Chao Deng, the film is captivating throughout—making it an unforgettable watch, even if just once.

"The Lure" (2015) weaves a unique 'double tale,' centering on two mermaid sisters who hold strikingly different attitudes toward humanity.

One yearns for love and connection, while the other clings to her primal instincts, viewing humans merely as prey. The film boldly explores dark and explicit themes, which serve to intensify its raw, mythological essence.

This Polish fantasy reminds us that mermaids are not just enchanting, family-friendly icons but are ancient beings ruled by nature's most unforgiving laws.

In "Lu Over the Wall," a lonely and disheartened middle-schooler named Kai encounters a magical mermaid, Lu, whose arrival transforms his life in astounding ways. This anime film is lauded for weaving together heartfelt human themes with emotionally driven storytelling.

Kai's musical abilities become a catalyst for change, mysteriously granting Lu the ability to transform her fins into feet. This enchanting detail is just one of the many compelling characters and imaginative plot elements that make this movie captivating.

The talented voice cast, including Kanon Tani and Shōta Shimoda, breathe vibrant life into the story, infusing the anime with emotional depth, nuance, and a genuine sense of wonder.

"Blue My Mind" explores powerful sexual themes and coming-of-age struggles through the story of a teenage girl who discovers that her physical changes are anything but ordinary—or even natural.

As she grapples with these unsettling transformations, she is forced to question her own identity and confront the possibility that mermaids might truly exist.

Compelling performances from Luna Wedler and Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen heighten the suspense in this intense and darkly imaginative mermaid drama.

Set against the Irish coast, "Ondine" weaves a captivating tale of mystery and adventure. With standout performances from Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda, the film breathes new life into classic mermaid legends through a skillful blend of fantasy and realism.

The story begins when a fisherman unexpectedly catches a mysterious woman in his nets. While he is unsure of her identity, his daughter becomes convinced she is a selkie—a mystical being from Irish folklore, similar to a mermaid but distinctive in her origins.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to deeply emotional human drama and tender romantic moments. "Ondine" skillfully explores themes of hope, acceptance, and the transformative power of belief.

The 1976 Russian adaptation of The Little Mermaid features standout performances from stars such as Viktoriya Novikova, Valentin Nikulin, Galina Artyomova, and Mikhail Pugovkin.

This film skillfully weaves together fascinating above-water legends with captivating underwater adventures. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale, it incorporates many beloved and familiar elements that fans of the story will recognize.

Celebrated as one of the most enchanting adaptations of the classic mermaid narrative, this visually stunning and emotionally rich film offers viewers a truly captivating experience of mermaid life and longing.

When a human kills a merman, his mermaid daughters set out on a quest for vengeance, determined to track down and confront the hunter responsible. Their pursuit forms the core of this intriguing TV movie.

As the story unfolds, the mermaid sisters develop personal connections with people from the human world, adding layers of intrigue and emotional depth to the narrative.

Though the premise may feel somewhat familiar, "Mermaids (2003)" stands out in moments thanks to the engaging performances of Serah D'Laine, Nikita Ager, and Erika Heynatz as the three captivating sisters.

The DC Universe is home to many remarkable films, and "Aquaman" is undoubtedly among the standouts. Featuring Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Nicole Kidman, and other acclaimed actors, the movie showcases a well-rounded ensemble cast.

"Aquaman" dives into the mythos of a race of underwater-dwelling mer-people, bringing their epic tale to the big screen. Adapted from the original comics, the film explores what life might look like beneath the sea in a world teeming with humanoid beings.

With its "Game of Thrones"-inspired plot, thrilling action sequences, cutting-edge visual effects, and heartfelt drama, this film stands out as a major highlight within the DC catalog.

The movie also delves into the legendary city of Atlantis, making it a rich and memorable mermaid-themed adventure for audiences of all ages.

Set against rugged coastal landscapes, The Secret of Roan Inish captivates with its enchanting characters and the alluring mystery of a Selkie at its heart. The film invites viewers into a tale that feels both magical and deeply grounded.

The story's warmth lies in its poignant exploration of family and the secrets woven around the abandoned Isle of Roan Inish. The island itself becomes a character, shrouded in legend and longing, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and wonder.

Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, and Susan Lynch deliver memorable performances, bringing emotion and depth to their roles. The inclusion of human-Selkie marriages adds a fascinating layer to this captivating family fantasy, making it truly unforgettable.

While it may not rank among the all-time greatest mermaid movies, "A Mermaid In Paris" brings a unique charm and fresh perspective to the genre with its distinctive take on merfolk lore.

The film incorporates many classic elements and tropes familiar to fans of mermaid cinema, yet its romantic narrative adds a delightful twist that keeps viewers entertained. The love story at its core feels right at home, especially given the enchanting Parisian backdrop.

With strong performances from talents like Nicolas Duvauchelle and Romane Bohringer, the movie delivers memorable moments and heartfelt scenes, further enlivening this recent addition to the mermaid movie collection.

"Mad About Men" (1954) is a delightful classic featuring Glynis Johns and Anne Crawford. In this charming tale, a mermaid switches places with a schoolteacher when the latter departs on holiday, setting the stage for lighthearted mischief and intrigue.

As the story unfolds, the mermaid finds herself falling for a human man she encounters at the seaside establishment. While the plot may tread familiar waters, the film shines with its captivating performances and suspenseful, romance-driven storyline, ensuring an engaging cinematic experience.

Drawing inspiration from Roman mythology, this classic film introduces viewers to King Neptune's daughter—a mesmerizing mermaid. After witnessing her sister's tragic death at the hands of humans, she is consumed by a desire for vengeance.

Her anger is soon directed at the king who rules over a land-based nation. However, as events unfold, her feelings become conflicted when she unexpectedly falls in love with him.

The king's motives and backstory gradually come to light as the story progresses, deepening the intrigue and emotional complexity in this timeless black-and-white mermaid movie.

In "Night Tide" (1961), a young sailor becomes captivated by a mysterious woman performing as a mermaid at a local carnival, not realizing that her act is more authentic—and sinister—than it appears.

This atmospheric black-and-white film delicately weaves horror into its narrative, following the myth of a mermaid who lures men to their doom during the full moon.

Memorable and haunting sequences abound, with standout performances from Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Luana Anders, Gavin Muir, and Marjorie Cameron.

Merilla, the titular character of Queen of the Sea, discovers a book among shipwreck debris and learns of a prophecy: if she saves four humans, she will earn an immortal soul in a human body as her reward.

Soon, Merilla confronts the reality of this prophecy. The fearsome Master of the Storm, King Boreas, is notorious for wrecking ships and deploying his sirens to pull unsuspecting sailors into the depths.

King Boreas's ruthless deeds present Merilla with a chance to fulfill her destiny. This silent-era gem skillfully weaves together action, intrigue, and romance, making for a captivating story.

Featuring prominent early cinema stars such as Annette Kellerman, Hugh Thompson, and Walter Law, Queen of the Sea remains a fascinating milestone in mermaid movie history.

In a franchise renowned for high-seas battles and piracy galore, any movie fan will expect the introduction of mer-people in some form or fashion.

This movie covers themes like the fountain of youth and popular pirate characters like Blackbeard, among familiar names like Jack Sparrow and Barbossa.

They also designed an entire race of ruthless mermaids, which is more in keeping with the oceanic 'nature is red in tooth and claw' approach for these mythical creatures.

Action and intrigue are also present in equal measure in this remarkable installment within a celebrated franchise that stars the likes of Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Sam Claflin, Richard Griffiths, Keith Richards, Judi Dench, and Johnny Depp.

Celebrities like Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy, and John Candy helped propel this film to the top of Mermaid movie recommendations.

It isn't one of the most original stories out there, but it is an emotional and rather memorable one.

A young boy rescues a mermaid only to watch history repeat with a role reversal years later. This tale is at once romantic and relatable.

It makes you want to root for the bond shared by the man and the mermaid who are at the center of this tale.

That in itself is sure to make a 'splash' among mermaid movie enthusiasts.

Enthralling horror meets scary mermaid tropes in this curious and captivating movie featuring Spanish fishing towns and boating accidents.

These are just some of the thrilling tropes that lead the main characters to an ancient sea god and his horrific semi-human offspring.

The story is based on the work of legendary horror writer H. P. Lovecraft.

Plenty of plot elements work in sync to make this production popular among mermaid-movie fans. Intrigue, suspense, and fear are all accounted for in this movie.

The story does not shy from exploring some of the darkest nooks and crannies found in mermaid lore.

Despite being a married man, a young physician slowly finds himself falling in love with a mermaid whom he encounters by sheer coincidence.

The mermaid always wanted to see London, and so he obliges her request. Romance and comedy swim as one in this classic mermaid story that has plenty of points worth appreciating.

Stars like Glynis Johns, Griffith Jones, John McCallum, and Googie Withers make it a memorable watch.

A supernatural tale with elements of cruelty and madness thrown in, this title features a mermaid who is forcefully whisked away from her home in the Pacific Ocean.

A dark fishtail twist leads to her spending some frightful time in a mental asylum where nobody believes she is a mermaid.

This movie is far from great but has its moments. Talents like Alexandra Bokova, Meggan Kaiser, Phillip Andre Botello, and Burt Culver helped make it a tad interesting.

One of the brightest jewels to come from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan, this film does not overtly declare the presence of a mermaid, but that fact becomes quite apparent as the tale progresses.

Horror, fantasy, romance, mystery, and humanity all coalesce into a beautiful script carried on the backs of great performances by artists like Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, Bob Balaban, Sarita Choudhury, and Cindy Cheung.

An interesting mermaid classic, with several notable romantic elements, this title boasts a Caribbean setting and an extra-marital love affair between a man and a mermaid.

Talents like William Powell, Ann Blyth, Irene Hervey, Art Smith, and Andrea King help make this title a memorable mermaid tale.

It includes Siren singing sequences and a much-used 'man nets mermaid' trope. Aside from such clichés, the movie rides its own distinct wave and brings predictable but fun dramatic complications.

A captivating story but undone by numerous mermaid stereotypes and tropes, this title features King Louis XIV and his fictional quest for immortality.

In his desire to live forever at anyone's cost, he finds and imprisons a mermaid whose life force he gradually siphons off to feed his ambitions.

The story twists when his illegitimate daughter learns of the mermaid her father has hidden behind closed doors. Stars like Pierce Brosnan, William Hurt, Pablo Schreiber, Bingbing Fan, Crystal Clarke, Benjamin Walker, and Kaya Scodelario make the movie a good one-time watch.

With her twelfth birthday fast approaching, a young girl starts to realize that she is turning into a mermaid instead a young woman.

Good coming-of-age elements war with clichéd plotlines in this otherwise interesting siren-mermaid movie featuring talents like Emmy Perry, Elisabeth Röhm, Jack Dylan Grazer, Noree Victoria, Nikki Hahn, and Morgan Fairchild.

A corny but curious mermaid movie, this title sees a widowed professor heading to Greece to complete his database on ancient love spells.

His socially awkward nature does not stop his daughter, who accompanies him on the trip, from trying to find him a date, even if that date has to be a full-fledged mermaid.

Starring talents like Billy Zane, Amber Savva, and Kelly Brook, this movie brings a sea of clichés along with a handful of interesting moments.

Origially titled 'Rusalka: Ozero myortvykh', this Russian mermaid movie actually features a nymph who falls in love, and obsessively so, with a man.

Her aim soon shifts to keeping him forever in her underwater realm where she herself has no choice but to live for all eternity.

An interesting take on a dark mermaid theme, this movie contains a few engaging points on the matter, though it could have done with more originality.

A young girl possesses a secret gift, one that attunes her to her mermaid roots. This story is set during America's Dust Bowl era of the 30s and is based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic "The Little Mermaid" story.

Talents like Iwan Rheon and Katelyn Mager render this movie interesting. Tragedy and horror blend with coming-of-age story elements in this clichéd yet curious mermaid movie.

This Cantonese-language title features talents like Takeshi Kaneshiro, Ekin Cheng, Teresa Mak, and Christy Chung in what amounts to a full-fledged romantic mermaid movie.

In this title, a mermaid is drawn to a land-based human teacher and finds herself attending his classes if it means she can get closer to him.

She once rescued that same teacher from drowning and now can't help but want more. Imperiled by the threat of fortune hunters and the jealousy of her own schoolmates, the mermaid learns to navigate the dangers of life on land as she swims ever closer to cinching the man of her dreams.

An interesting diversion from the clichéd mermaid tale, this title features a boy who realizes that he is gradually growing scales and fins.

His thirteenth birthday offers him a surprise he never saw coming, particularly the part when he realizes that his actual birth-mother is a mermaid.

Talents like Chez Starbuck, Justin Jon Ross, and Courtnee Draper make this movie a memorable addition to the mermaid filmography.

It lacks originality but makes up for that with relatable coming-of-age storytelling.

A simple tale, this one features a diver whose gorgeous mermaids aid in his hunt for sunken treasure. This classic film does not shy from borrowing clichéd mermaid tropes.

What it lacks in originality, however, it makes up for with aesthetic sequences and dreamy characterization. Beautiful starlets in mermaid-tail outfits further add to the value of this movie, primarily because of how well they choreographed some of the water-based scenes.

Primal Irish mermaids that don't shy from revealing their dark side, and themes that feature carnivals, sideshows, and exploitation all add interesting subtext to this movie.

As seductive as they are mysterious, the mermaids at the core of this script amp the fear quotient that has come to surround these mythical creatures.

Stars like Rufus Sewell, Carla Gugino, Rya Kihlstedt, and Hannah Sim breathe life into this clichéd yet curious tale.

Starring diverse talents like Olga Kurylenko, Maxx Maulion, and Steve Polites, this movie is set in a mythical world and features an unlikely love story.

As is often the case with mermaid romances, a human and an underwater humanoid are involved. The story itself is far from original.

However, they included a few key mermaid-lore elements, which make a solid case for how little we as humans know of the ancient and mystical underwater home of mermaids as a species.

Yet another clichéd rendition of the classic mermaid trope in cinema, this movie sees two vacationing American girls experiencing bizarre perils on a remote island.

Abandoned military fortresses and classified secrets feature in this average mermaid movie. Some of its horror-based story elements help keep the plot from drowning altogether.

Talents like Kristina Klebe, Natalie Burn, Milena Predic, and Dragan Micanovic play key roles in this Serbian-language movie that portrays the dark side of mermaids.

Not exactly as fun as fans expected it to be, this title regardless gives viewers an interesting take on mermaids, and captivity-based misdemeanors in their species.

Romance and adventure both feature in this fun-funny film. While it doesn't quite hit all the right notes, this movie does have a mermaid at the heart of it, hence its reason for being on this list.

This Thai mermaid movie tracks the discovery made by a curious young man named Sudsakorn who was raised in ancient magical traditions by his grandfather.

His mother happens to be a mermaid and she requests that he go on an adventure to find his human father.

Magical weapons, a trusty steed, and a noble quest all commingle into a clichéd yet interesting mermaid tale filled with dangers, monsters, and intrigue.

A seductive take on the classic mermaid trope, this film features explicit elements and strong murder-suspense threads. A man meets a young woman on a beach and falls for her.

Little does he know that this woman is not human, but is rather a Siren. The latter are dark versions of mermaids and are in tune with their primal almost predatory instincts.

Some of this lore made it into the movie, which was otherwise not as fun to watch as the title hints.

It boasts a few 'okay' performances aside from Rebecca Finch's version of the Siren, which was good.

This acclaimed mermaid movie landed the 2015 International Family Film Festival award and has numerous notable points in its favor.

It covers online fame, particularly via YouTube, that still holds relevance. The main characters tap into their own secret as living mermaids to entertain people who are otherwise under the assumption that the girls are only pretending to be mythological creatures.

Artists Natasha Garretón, Sofia Garretón, and Marlena Lerner are convincing in their roles. Danger, thrill, intrigue, family drama, coming-of-age story arcs, and conservation-centric messages all came together rather nicely in this mermaid movie for young people.

Part horror and part thriller, this less-than-the-best mermaid movie is neither original nor credible. Set in the 80s, it features beautiful island landscapes and cold-hearted mermaids that harbor tendencies to bite people and pass on their deadly curse.

This is how one young woman turns into a bloodthirsty mermaid and kills her loved ones. The story fast-forwards to the modern day and carries the murderous suspense forward.

In this mermaid survival story, the mythological entity takes on villainous characteristics. This title is a full-fledged mermaid movie featuring a handful of horror-worthy elements, which is why we added it to our list.

A strange TV movie featuring Sci-Fi themes and government coverups, this film had a poor CGI budget and an even weaker plotline.

However, it managed to capture a lot of mermaid-myth elements that make it interesting to watch. They also cover the possibility of humans originating from ancient mermaid species.

That point in itself calls plenty of intriguing thoughts to the surface.