15 Best Mermaid Movies and TV Shows, Ranked

With the rise of the "mermaidcore" aesthetic, it isn't hard to wonder which other great films and television series there are to draw inspiration from. In truth, there have been plenty of great mermaid movies and TV shows over the years, with some standing out more than others. This is not surprising, especially given how enchanting these mythical beings are.

Often depicted as beautiful creatures from the underworld, mermaids — or sirens, if we're referring to the powerful creatures that lure sailors into the deep sea with their enchanting voices — have been depicted in mainstream media a generous number of times now. With portrayals that range from friendly and wholesome to bizarre (The Lighthouse comes to mind), scary and intimidating, these bewitching beings of the fantasy genre still reign supreme on both the big and small screens today. As such, we look back at the best mermaid movies and television series of all time.

15 'The Mermaid' (2016)

Director: Stephen Chow

The Mermaid is not the most popular film in the genre (at least not among Western audiences, anyway), but its engaging story makes it worthwhile. The story centers around a mermaid named Shan (YunLin) who is sent to assassinate someone who threatens the ecosystem of her race, a developer named Xuan (ChaoDeng), only to — you guessed it — fall in love with him instead.

Despite not being a worldwide famous feature, Stephen Chow's movie broke major records when it was released, including opening day and biggest single-day gross through its seventh day of release. It also had the biggest opening week of all time in China, consequently becoming the thirteenth-highest-grossing film of all time. This visually gorgeous mermaid movie is engaging and pleasing to look at, with a captivating character at its center.

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14 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' (2011)

Director: Rob Marshall

On Stranger Tides may not be, by a long shot, the best installment of the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, however, the strongest aspect of Rob Marshall's movie is its enchanting siren-like depiction of mermaids. On Stranger Tides focuses on Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Barbossa's (Geoffrey Rush) quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and his (unexpected) daughter are after it, too.

One of the movie's most memorable scenes is undoubtedly when the sailors are surrounded by mermaids, with them all starting to sing an old sea chant eventually and – spoiler alert – starting to hunt the sailors one by one after alluring them closer. On Stranger Tides is disappointing in many regards, but it is worth watching for the mermaid side of things anyway.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

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13 'Tidelands' (2018)

Creators: Stephen M. Irwin, Nathan Mayfield, Leigh McGrath

Fans of the genre may want to add this 2018 mermaid series to their watchlists. The story follows a former criminal (CharlotteBest) who returns to her small fishing village only to discover a dead body. This leads her to uncover the secrets of the town, which include its half-siren, half-human residents. Chris Hemsworth's wife, Elsa Pataky, who also appeared in the Fast and Furious franchise, stars.

Tidelands offers audiences a compelling depiction of hybrid half-human, half-mermaid beings as normal people that no one would be able to tell apart. Even if it is not the best show among the rest, the Australian Netflix show is still a solid pick for siren enthusiasts. Furthermore, it is also a visually beautiful series, featuring a dreamy atmosphere that some may enjoy when looking for movies and TV shows in this niche genre.

Tidelands (2018)

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12 'Blue My Mind' (2017)

Director: Lisa Brühlmann

In this highly unusual, dark coming-of-age drama directed by LisaBrühlmann, viewers tag along as Mia (LunaWedler) faces transformation in the most challenging years of her life. In addition to the teenager's struggles and anxieties, Mia's body is changing drastically — there is not much she can do about it but accept her unconventional fate.

Blue My Mind is hardly everyone's cup of tea. Although some would argue that it is a flawed movie, it is still a creative take on the body horror genre and makes for a visually beautiful film with blue-hued cinematography (which is equal parts repulsive, though that is part of its charm). Combining some interesting horror and coming-of-age elements, Brühlmann's film provides audiences with a twisted spin on traditional mermaid stories, resulting in an out-of-the-box watch.

Blue My Mind

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11 'Aquamarine' (2006)

Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum

A comfort watch for many, the lighthearted SaraPaxton-led 2006 feature feels like a warm summer day, which makes it the perfect fun-loving pick for the season. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum's movie centers on two teenage girls (Joanna "JoJo" Levesque and Emma Roberts) who realize that mermaids may be more than just a myth when one of them (Paxton) is washed ashore after a violent storm.

While this entertaining friendship tale is appealing to its target audience (mostly teenage girls), the fun coming-of-age is nonetheless a guilty pleasure to global viewers of all ages. Aquamarine's simplicity and feel-good narrative make the romantic comedy one of the most charming mermaid stories.

Aquamarine (2006)

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10 'The Lighthouse' (2019)

Director: Robert Eggers

Eerie and haunting, Robert Eggers' black-and-white A24 horror filmThe Lighthouse sees Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe in the lead roles, and tells the story of two lighthouse keepers who attempt to keep their sanity as time passes on a remote, obscure, and mysterious New England island. As expected, they have little success, and soon enough their mental health begins deteriorating.

The Lighthouse is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, with some viewers finding it dull and too slow-paced for their liking. Nonetheless, the bizarre black-and-white imagery makes the ambiance of Eggers' meditation on loneliness and isolation unsettling and memorable. One of the most talked-about scenes (understandably so, considering how utterly peculiar it is) is when Pattinson's character is pictured having intercourse with a mermaid while in an evident psychologically unstable state.

The Lighthouse

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9 'Night Tide' (1961)

Director: Curtis Harrington

In this compelling and often overlooked 1961 psychological horror film, Sailor Johnny Drake (DennisHopper), who is on shore leave, develops feelings for Mora (LindaLawson), a young woman who performs as a mermaid at a sideshow attraction. However, it turns out that it is way more than an act for Mora, who genuinely believes she is destined to kill men on full moon nights.

The black-and-white movie features some conflicting reviews, with some audience members saying that Curtis Harrington's Night Tide is slow-paced and consequently tedious. However, it seems that general critics consider Night Tide to be a brilliantly executed, strange, moody, and atmospheric gem that every horror enthusiast should check. Although not on the top of the list, it is among the best mermaid classics.

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8 'Siren' (2018 - 2020)

Creators: Eric Wald, Dean White

Freeform's TV show exceeded many expectations when it premiered. In EricWald and Dean White's fantasy drama series Siren, viewers are invited to take a look inside a coastal village where, according to mythology, mermaids once inhabited. In the meantime, a mystery female shows up and starts causing trouble.

Starring Eline Powell as the spellbinding Ryn, this intriguing 2018 show explores traditional lore while presenting audiences with a captivating plot and great pacing. What is really intriguing about the show is the way it sheds light on the darkest sides of the mythological being. Furthermore, although its writing is at times questionable (with the earlier seasons' quality being relatively better), Siren is among the most solid and binge-watchable mermaid shows with just three seasons.

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7 'H2O: Just Add Water' (2006 - 2010)

Creator: Jonathan M. Shiff

This iconic Australian series introduced audiences to the charms of ClaireHolt, PhoebeTonkin, and CaribaHeine as they stepped into the shoes of some of their earliest roles: one of television's most bewitching and mermazing fictional trios. In this coming-of-age story, Emma, Cleo, and Rikki attempt to survive school while simultaneously hiding their shared secret from the rest of the world.

The true definition of a comfort series, the bubbly mermaid TV show H2O: Just Add Water delivers just what it promises: a generous amount of beautiful Australian beach landscapes, teenage drama, and a certainly fun time in front of the screen. Much like Aquamarine, the series is the perfect guilty pleasure for teens and adult romantics alike.

H2O: Just Add Water (2006)

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6 'The Little Mermaid' (2023)

Director: Rob Marshall

As it would seem, the highly anticipated Disney live-action remake did not disappoint, ranking high among the category's best. Adapted from the movie of the same name, The Little Mermaid impressed many viewers. The story follows Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid princess who is unhappy with her life and truly fascinated by the human world. In order to explore what's beyond the sea, Ariel makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs.

One of the film's strongest aspects is the stunning and wildly talented Halle Bailey's performance as the beloved Ariel, whose chemistry with co-star Jonah Hauer-King was totally off the charts. On top of this, 2023's The Little Mermaid maintains the animated classic's magic while also giving itself room to develop its own distinctive style.

The Little Mermaid (2023)

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5 'Miranda' (1948)

Director: Ken Annakin

The first installment of an unconventional double feature, Ken Annakin's 1948 mermaid movie Miranda follows Dr. Paul Martin (Griffith Jones) as he is out fishing alone and gets abducted by Miranda (Glynis Johns), a stunning and terribly lonely siren. Miranda eventually releases Paul, but not before he promises to show her the city of London for one month.

A delightful and fun watch through and through, the lovely – though often underrated – Miranda is an excellent pick for everyone who enjoys mermaid-related content and fantasy including valuable comedic elements. It is assuredly a memorable watch with a charming premise that will likely linger in the audience's minds.

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4 'Mad About Men' (1954)

Director: Ralph Thomas

The compelling second entry to the Miranda double feature is also worth checking, especially considering that it is an objectively better film than the first. Mad About Men centers around the flirtatious titular protagonist as she now swaps places with a teacher who has gone on vacation. Ultimately, this leads the character to fall for a human.

Fortunately for viewers, the comedy and fun keep going in Mad About Men, a well-made campy fantasy sequel that is even more enjoyable than its predecessor. No doubt, this innovative British comedy is an entertaining take on the genre. Plus, what is not to love about Glynis Johns as a mermaid?

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3 'Splash' (1984)

Director: Ron Howard

Released under Disney's Touchstone banner, Ron Howard's romantic comedy fantasy stars Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. With a minimalistic premise, Splash is a simple but finely executed story revolving around a young man who falls for a mermaid who rescued him as a boy.

Fueled by charming performances and a screenplay that's downright excellent (garnering an Academy Award nomination), the funny and engaging Splash is not only one of the best mermaid movies ever, but also ranks high among the best romantic comedies of the 1980s. Although slightly dated, Howard's film is still a heartwarming movie and a pick worth considering when choosing a mermaid film to stream.

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2 'Ponyo' (2008)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

It is no surprise that this animated gem directed and written by the iconic HayaoMiyazaki — which also features a fishy narrative following a young goldfish princess named Ponyo and her human love interest — drew inspiration from The Little Mermaid. The plot focuses on a five-year-old boy who befriends a young goldfish princess who wishes to become a human after falling in love with him.

Ponyo is marvelous, and part of what makes it stand out is its beautiful writing and, like many other Studio Ghibli features, stunning visuals. While it is arguably not Miyazaki's finest work (but ranks very high among his most remarkable), the 2008 film is nonetheless an absorbing fairy tale that will leave every member of the audience smitten.

Ponyo

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1 'The Little Mermaid' (1989)

Director: Ron Clements, John Musker

Needless to say, the original The Little Mermaid obviously has to take a spot on the list. A classic and one of 1989's incredible animated films, the Ron Clements and John Musker film made many viewers fall head over heels for the charming protagonist, her relationship with Prince Eric, and the many memorable characters that inhabit Ariel's world.

It is evident that The Little Mermaid remains a relevant Disney film today; proof of that is the just-mentioned remake. On top of its likable protagonist — who was the first Disney princess to save her prince's life in her film — The Little Mermaid is a timeless film that features great animation, an amazing score, and, consequently, incredible reviews from universal audiences.

The Little Mermaid

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NEXT: The Best Fantasy Movies of All Time, Ranked

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