Disney 2023 movie “The Little Mermaid” is a live-action adaptation of the 1989 Disney animated film of the same name. The film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who dreams of becoming human. She makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her tail for legs in exchange for the chance to meet Prince Eric. If Ariel can win Eric’s love within three days, she will become human permanently. If not, she will belong to Ursula forever.
The film is a bit more serious than the animated film, but it still has plenty of humor and heart. Halle Bailey is a revelation as Ariel, bringing a sense of youthful innocence and determination to the role. Javier Bardem is also great as King Triton, bringing a sense of regal authority and paternal love to the role. “The Little Mermaid” is a faithful and enjoyable adaptation of the classic story, it’s a must-see for fans of the animated film. If the fantasy and love of “The Little Mermaid” appeals to you, here are the 8 best movies like “The Little Mermaid” (2023) you’ll definitely want to watch.
1. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Beauty and the Beast, released in 2017, is a live-action adaptation of the 1991 Disney animated film of the same name. The movie tells the story of Belle, a young woman who falls in love with a cursed prince, the Beast. Directed by Bill Condon, who is known for his work on movies such as Dreamgirls and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.
The movie stays true to the original story, with a few minor changes and additions to enhance the storyline. The music score and songs are beautiful and immersive, with some iconic tracks from the 1991 film being revamped and performed again. Emma Watson shines as Belle, bringing her own interpretation of the character while staying true to the original character’s strong-willed and independent nature. Dan Stevens portrays the Beast with a perfect blend of arrogance and vulnerability, making the audience understand and empathize with his character’s struggles.
It features a stellar cast, stunning visuals, and well-crafted storytelling, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves fairy tales and romantic stories.
2. He’s a Dragon (2015)
“He’s a Dragon” is a 2015 Russian fantasy romance film directed by Indar Dzhendubaev. The story follows a young bride named Mira who, on her wedding day, discovers that her husband is actually a dragon. She must embark on a dangerous quest to save him from an evil sorceress and break the curse that has transformed him into a dragon.
Critics praised the film’s stunning visuals and imaginative storytelling, with many citing the chemistry between the lead actors as one of the film’s strongest points. “He’s a Dragon” was a commercial success in Russia and earned international acclaim at film festivals, solidifying Dzhendubaev’s reputation as one of Russia’s most promising young directors.
3. Cinderella (2015)
“Cinderella” is a delightful film that will transport viewers into a world of magic, romance, and hope. It reminds us of the power of kindness and the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter the circumstance. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the colorful and intricate sets capturing the magical essence of the fairy tale world. The costumes are also noteworthy, with each character’s outfit reflecting their personality and status.
Romantic fantasy film “Cinderella” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett, and Richard Madden. Based on the classic fairy tale of the same name and tells the story of a young woman named Ella, who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but ultimately finds love and happiness with a prince. The film begins with a young Ella living a happy life with her parents until her mother falls ill and passes away. Her father remarries a cruel woman named Lady Tremaine, who brings her two daughters with her into the family. Lady Tremaine and her daughters treat Ella poorly and rename her “Cinderella” due to the ashes she is forced to clean. Despite the abuse, Cinderella remains kind and optimistic.
One day, the kingdom holds a ball, and Cinderella longs to attend. With the help of her fairy godmother, she transforms into a beautiful princess and attends the ball, where she meets and falls in love with the prince. However, her happiness is short-lived when she has to leave the ball and return to her life of servitude. The prince is determined to find his true love and sets out on a quest to find the owner of the glass slipper Cinderella left behind at the ball. After trying it on every girl in the kingdom, the slipper fits Cinderella perfectly, and she is reunited with the prince.
4. Enchanted (2007)
“Enchanted” is a 2007 Disney film that follows Giselle, a fairytale princess from the animated world of Andalasia, as she is sent to modern-day New York City by an evil queen who wants to prevent Giselle from marrying her stepson, Prince Edward. In New York City, Giselle meets divorce lawyer Robert and his young daughter Morgan, and learns about true love and the realities of life outside of fairy tales. The film also features cameos from several real-life Disney princesses, including Jodi Benson as Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
It is a must-watch for fans of Disney movies, rom-coms, and anyone looking for a feel-good movie that will make them smile. “Enchanted” is a delightful and charming film that blends traditional Disney animation with live-action storytelling. It is both a parody of and a tribute to classic Disney movies, with many tongue-in-cheek references to iconic scenes and characters from films such as Snow White and Cinderella.
Amy Adams shines as Giselle, bringing her bubbly personality and infectious enthusiasm to the role. Patrick Dempsey provides a perfect foil as the skeptical and practical Robert, with their on-screen chemistry being a highlight of the movie.
5. Aladdin (2019)
“Aladdin” is a 2019 live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated film of the same name. It is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that appeals to both old and new audiences. It features a stellar cast, memorable songs, and well-crafted storytelling that makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves fairy tales and romantic stories.
Directed by Guy Ritchie, the story follows a young street thief named Aladdin, who falls in love with a beautiful princess named Jasmine and is granted three wishes by a magical genie. The film stays true to the original story while also adding new elements to enhance the plot and character development. Mena Massoud delivers a charismatic and charming performance as Aladdin, perfectly capturing the character’s adventurous spirit and romantic nature. Naomi Scott shines as Jasmine, bringing a new level of depth to the character’s struggles against the patriarchy and her desire for personal freedom.
6. Stardust (2007)
Romantic fantasy film “Stardust” is directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman and staring Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro. The story revolves around a young man named Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) who lives in the village of Wall, which borders a magical world called Stormhold. When Tristan promises to bring a falling star to his beloved Victoria (Sienna Miller), he crosses the wall and enters Stormhold, only to find that the star is actually a young woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes). Yvaine possesses magical powers that make her a target for the evil witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her sisters, who seek to capture her and cut out her heart to regain their youth and beauty.
Tristan and Yvaine embark on a magical adventure through Stormhold, encountering a host of colorful characters including a pirate captain (Robert De Niro), a wicked prince (Mark Strong), and a trio of witches. Along the way, Tristan and Yvaine fall in love, but their path to happiness is threatened by Lamia and her nefarious plans.
“Stardust” is a visually stunning film with a captivating storyline that mixes romance, adventure, and fantasy. It’s a must-watch for fans of fantasy and romance films, as well as anyone looking for a visually stunning and entertaining movie experience.
7. The Shape of Water (2017)
“The Shape of Water” is a unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and romance, set during the Cold War era in the United States. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the story follows Elisa Esposito, a mute janitor working at a top-secret government laboratory, who discovers a classified experiment: a humanoid amphibian creature, played by Doug Jones, being held captive in a water tank. Elisa forms a close bond with the creature and develops a plan to free him from captivity, with the help of her co-worker and friend, played by Octavia Spencer.
However, the situation becomes complicated when a sadistic government agent, played by Michael Shannon, discovers the existence of the creature and wants to study it for military purposes. Elisa and her allies must race against time to save the creature from certain death and escape the clutches of the government.
“The Shape of Water” was critically acclaimed upon its release, with many praising its visual style, storytelling, and performances. It went on to win four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. The film is a beautiful and touching tribute to the power of love and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of impossible odds.
8. Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)
Dr. Alithea Binnie (Tilda Swinton) is a scholar of mythology and ancient civilizations who is attending a conference in Istanbul. One night, she wanders into a dusty antique shop and purchases a bottle containing a djinn (Idris Elba). The djinn offers Alithea three wishes in exchange for his freedom, but she is skeptical. She has read stories of wishes gone wrong, and she is not sure she can trust the djinn.
Over the course of the next few days, Alithea and the djinn get to know each other. The djinn tells Alithea stories of his past, and she begins to see that he is not the trickster she thought he was. She also begins to wonder if she might be able to trust him with her wishes.
“Three Thousand Years of Longing” is a slow-burning, atmospheric film that is more interested in exploring the themes of love, loss, and the power of stories than it is in providing thrills or excitement. The film’s slow pace may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is ultimately a rewarding experience.