UPDATE: Sep. 3, 2023, 5:05 a.m. EDT This story has been updated to reflect the official streaming release date of 'The Little Mermaid' on Disney+.
TL;DR: The live-action Little Mermaid remake is officially available to watch online. You can purchase the film from digital retailers like Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV as of July 25 and stream it on Disney+ as of Sept. 6.
Whether you love Disney's live-action remakes or raise a critical brow every time a new one is announced, the hype around The Little Mermaid has likely left you a little curious. If you skipped the theatrical debut in hopes of throwing your own at-home watch party, your wait is over. The film is now available to purchase on digital platforms and will hit streaming on Sept. 6.
Here are all the details you need to watch Ariel and friends from the comfort of your couch.
But before we cover how to watch The Little Mermaid live-action remake, we have to answer a burning question...
Is the live-action Little Mermaid worth watching?
Despite any prior controversy surrounding the film, The Little Mermaid still made a splash in its opening weekend, bringing in an estimated $569 million worldwide. While Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy did their best to recapture that joyful magic of Ariel and Ursula in the live-action remake of the animated classic, they ultimately collected mixed reviews.
Some characters — Ursula, particularly — stood out for their performances, but others kind of creeped viewers out (ahem, Flounder and Scuttle). There are "some moments of cinematic underwater splendor," according to Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko, but there are also some questionable choices, like the dim, grey color palette, boring deep dive into Prince Eric's background, and mediocre song additions.
"Overall, this Little Mermaid has some splendor, but — like its eponymous heroine — I want mooooooooore!" exclaimed Puchko in her review.
It's certainly worth giving it a shot if you're a die-hard Disney fan, a casual viewer who enjoys the nostalgia of singing along with Ariel and friends under the sea. And for parents with their own little princesses at home, it's a great choice for family movie night (although we'd recommend watching the Super Mario Bros. Movie instead any day).
Get a glimpse into the film with the official trailer below.
When is The Little Mermaid coming to Disney+?
First released in theaters in May 2023, we can finally announce that the live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid will make its streaming debut on Disney+ on Sept. 6. Already a Disney+ subscriber? You're good to go. On Sept. 6, the film will splash its way onto your screen. If you're not already a subscriber, here are the best options for you.
Most affordable Disney+ deal
If you want to secure a Disney+ subscription ahead of the release (and rewatch the original film), it'll cost $7.99/month with ads or $10.99/month with no ads. It's worth noting that as of Oct. 12, the Premium ad-free subscription will increase to $13.99/month. So, if you prefer an ad-free experience, it's worth snagging a month-long subscription to watch the film, then cancelling ahead of the price hike.
Best Disney+ bundle deal
You can also bundle Disney+ it with Hulu (ideal if you already have a Hulu account) for only $9.99/month. That's basically like getting Disney+ for just $2/month. Of course, you'll have to endure some ads during your viewing experience, but for under $10 per month, it's worth a few minutes of suffering. Plus, ad breaks make for great bathroom breaks when watching The Little Mermaid and other films.
Best Disney+ free trial
Attention, Verizon Fios home internet users. You can score either six or 12 free months of Disney+ Premium depending on your plan. Those on the 2 Gig Streaming and 2 Gig Complete Package get an entire year of streaming included for free. Meanwhile, those on the 1 Gig Streaming and 1 Gig Complete Package can snag six free months of streaming. Check your plan and learn more about eligibility and how to sign up below.
Best Disney+ free trial runner-up
Verizon customers with eligible unlimited plans can score six free months of Disney+ Premium (no ads). Most of these plans are no longer available to add to your account, so you can only secure the deal if you have previously signed up. Eligible accounts include the following:
5G Do More
5G Start
Welcome Unlimited
One Unlimited for iPhone
Get More Unlimited
Do More Unlimited
Play More Unlimited
If you have the 5G Get More or 5G Play More plan, you're eligible to get the Disney Bundle included for no extra charge. For more information and to check your plan, head over to the Verizon website. The Disney promo through Verizon is only available through midnight on Nov. 17.
Best free Disney+ deal
The Disney+ promo through Total by Verizon is much more straightforward. if you're on the $60/month prepaid unlimited plan, you can get Disney+ Premium (no ads) included for no cost as long as you're on the plan. If you cancel or switch plans, your Disney+ subscription will end. If you're on the $50/month prepaid unlimited plan, you get six months for free, which is plenty of time to watch The Little Mermaid and other Disney classics. This plan is only available with active service for six consecutive months.
Other ways to watchThe Little Mermaid at home
If you can't wait for the streaming release or you'd rather own the film to watch as you please, then you can explore the magical world of Ariel and friends with The Little Mermaid's digital release. The film has been available since July 25 on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Vudu for purchase. And if you prefer a physical copy, the movie will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD starting on Sept. 19. Stay tuned for rental details as well.
While streaming releases give you the convenience of watching the film at your leisure and moving on, dedicated fans might enjoy the benefits of purchasing The Little Mermaid for their digital or physical film collection. With your purchase, you'll also get access to exclusive bonus features like a sing-along version of the film, song breakdowns, bloopers, and exclusive featurettes.
Here are the best digital platforms for purchasing the film.
What are the bonus features?
The best part about purchasing the film, as opposed to streaming, is all the fun bonus features you get. Here's a glimpse at what's included in The Little Mermaid's exclusive bonus features.
Sing-Along Version — Great for kids and kids-at-heart, the sing-along version includes on-screen lyrics for your very own karaoke watch party.
Hotter Under Water — Broken into five chapters, this documentary shows how director Rob Marshall and his team brought the live-action remake of the animated classic to life. Marshall takes viewers on set to see how the magic is made in part one. Part two gives you a glimpse into cast members' journeys and how they came to secure their roles in the film. Parts three and four explore the virtual ocean and underwater visual effects, as well as the above-the-sea locations and production design. And finally, the last part dives into the musical aspect.
Song Breakdowns — Speaking of music, the Song Breakdowns special feature lets you go behind the songs in the film, from the writing and recording to the dancing and set-building.
Featurettes — Laugh along with the cast in a blooper reel, meet the sidekicks Flounder and Scuttle, and see the magic of Ariel meeting Ariel (when Halle Bailey worked with the original voice of Ariel from the animated film, Jodi Benson).
How to watch The Little Mermaid original film
If you want to relive the magic of the original Little Mermaid film before diving into the live-action version, you have a couple of options. Disney+ subscribers can stream the original animated film for free with their subscription. Non-Disney+ subscribers can rent or buy the original film on digital retailers like Apple TV and Amazon.
Signing up for a Disney+ subscription not only lets you stream the original film, but also the film's sequels and ABC's The Little Mermaid Live! You'll also be in good shape when the live-action remake hits Disney+ on Sept. 6.
