The Little Mermaid – a Disney Classic

They don’t make films like they used to, do they? Kids these days seem to love Frozen with a passion, but it doesn’t really compare to the colourful, animated and funny classics such as 1989’s The Little Mermaid. (That’s right, it was actually released in the 80’s…now we feel old!)

The Little Mermaid is amazing because it gives an insight into a world we can never understand – the deep blue sea. What little girl wouldn’t want to be a mermaid and have amazing fun underwater adventures?! This year it’s the 25th anniversary of the film, so we’ve pulled together some of the main reasons why you need to dig out your old copy of The Little Mermaid for your children (though you may need to digitise it from VHS!)

Playing mermaids

Ariel makes being a mermaid look like the best thing EVER. That’s why so many kids had endless fun in the water on holiday, because they were playing mermaidens and mermen. Give your children the same imagination just by watching Ariel and her life underwater.

Important lessons

Disney movies are renowned for teaching children the ways of life. Whether it’s to follow your own path in life like Pocahontas, or understand that one day your parents will die (thanks for the tears Bambi and The Lion King) there’s always something to learn. One of the most important lessons in The Little Mermaid is not to do business with bad guys. Kids will know that whenever they have to sign a contract, they should read the small print, and not be so blinded by what they want that they end up sacrificing something important.

Mermaid hair

Out of all the Disney heroines, there’s no doubt about it – Ariel’s hair takes the crown. It’s so thick and lustrous, and most of all it’s bright red. How many Disney princesses have red hair?! This makes Ariel really relatable to red haired girls all over the world and proves they can be just as beautiful as blondes or brunettes.

Something for everyone

Some Disney films can be a bit girly and don’t appeal to a wide audience – but this film isn’t one of them. While Ariel’s love life is the centre of the plot, the baddy is the scariest baddy in the whole Disney archive and there’s sharks, seagulls and plenty of other wildlife to capture attention.

Do you want to make the most wonderful dream come true and let your child become a mermaid.

Here's a guide to show you how to swim like a Mermaid !