Little Mermaid Release Date – Key Dates for the Animated Classic and Live-Action Remake
The phrase “Little Mermaid release date” can refer to multiple productions, most notably Disney’s 1989 animated classic The Little Mermaid and the 2023 live‑action adaptation. This article summarises the confirmed release dates and formats for the major versions of The Little Mermaid, drawing only from official or well‑established industry sources. For broader release‑date coverage of other titles, you can also refer to resources such as the release calendar at releasedate.info (https://www.releasedate.info/).
Original Animated Film – 1989 Theatrical Release
Initial U.S. Release Date
Disney’s original animated film The Little Mermaid, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, was first released in U.S. cinemas on November 17, 1989. This date is documented in Disney’s own historical overview of the film, which notes that the movie “premiered in theaters on November 17, 1989” as part of the studio’s animation renaissance, often called the “Disney Renaissance” period. This information is detailed in the official Disney fan site and history section maintained by The Walt Disney Company through D23, which serves as its official fan club and archival outlet for studio history and film data, including release dates, production credits, and awards information for The Little Mermaid.
International Release Timing
While the specific international dates vary by country, the general pattern documented in industry databases and archival listings shows releases rolling out through late 1989 and into 1990. Reputable industry databases confirm that:
- The U.S. theatrical release date was 17 November 1989, and
- Additional markets followed in subsequent weeks and months, with local release dates documented region by region in professionally curated film databases.
These dates and patterns are tracked in global film release indexes maintained by long‑standing entertainment‑industry reference platforms, which compile official distributor and studio data and cross‑check worldwide release schedules for accuracy.
Live-Action The Little Mermaid (2023) – Release Date Details
The target search phrase “Little Mermaid release date” most frequently refers to Disney’s 2023 live‑action remake starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. This production has clearly defined release dates across theatrical and streaming formats.
U.S. and Global Theatrical Release
Disney’s official site for the film and major industry trade publications confirm that the live‑action The Little Mermaid was released theatrically in the United States on May 26, 2023. Disney’s film information pages specify May 26, 2023 as the domestic release, listing it alongside key production details, cast credits, and format information for the film’s run in cinemas. This same date is reiterated in Disney’s marketing materials and in their film catalogue entries for the 2023 title.
Industry news outlets that track release calendars and box office data also identify May 26, 2023 as the U.S. theatrical release date, aligning their release‑schedule tables with Disney’s official announcement. Their reporting on the worldwide rollout notes that:
- The film opened in key markets in late May 2023, anchored by the 26 May 2023 U.S. release.
- Regional release dates were coordinated around the same window, with some territories receiving the film on or around that date, consistent with Disney’s global distribution plan.
These details come from long‑established entertainment news organisations that specialise in verified box‑office and schedule reporting, which base their information on studio communication and distributor data.
Disney+ Streaming Release Date
After its theatrical run, the 2023 The Little Mermaid moved to Disney’s streaming platform. Disney’s official news and press materials report that the film became available to subscribers on Disney+ on September 6, 2023. The company’s announcement states that the live‑action adaptation “starts streaming on Disney+” on that date, identifying it as the first day the title could be viewed on the service. This information is corroborated by Disney’s own streaming platform pages, which list September 6, 2023, as the Disney+ release date, aligning with the press release.
Home Entertainment and Digital Release Timing
For audiences searching “Little Mermaid release date” in relation to home viewing, there are also confirmed digital and home entertainment release windows for the 2023 film.
Digital Purchase Release Window
Entertainment trade reports and retailer‑linked industry coverage document that Disney made the 2023 The Little Mermaid available for digital purchase several weeks before its streaming debut. These sources note that:
- The film became available for digital purchase in late summer 2023, following its May 2023 theatrical opening.
- The digital release fell within the typical home‑entertainment window observed by major studios, bridging the gap between theatrical and subscription streaming availability.
These dates are drawn from established industry publications that regularly track digital and physical release schedules based on studio and distributor confirmations.
Physical Media (Blu‑ray / DVD / 4K) Release
The same home‑entertainment coverage and retail announcements indicate that:
- Physical media editions (such as Blu‑ray and 4K Ultra HD) were released after the initial digital availability, within the standard home‑video cycle.
- The physical release was part of Disney’s broader strategy to provide the film across digital and disc formats in the months following its theatrical debut.
These timelines are reported by recognised entertainment‑industry outlets that summarise official home‑media release schedules and product listings collected from studios and major retailers.
How “Little Mermaid Release Date” Is Commonly Used
When users search for the “Little Mermaid release date,” they may be looking for:
- The 1989 animated original
- Confirmed U.S. theatrical release date: November 17, 1989
- Documented by Disney’s official film archives and historical records, which catalogue this date as the movie’s initial theatrical rollout.
- The 2023 live‑action remake
- U.S. theatrical release date: May 26, 2023, as listed in Disney’s own film information and confirmed by industry release schedules.
- Disney+ streaming release date: September 6, 2023, announced in Disney’s official streaming and press materials.
Because both films share the same title, many industry databases and official sources now clearly label them as The Little Mermaid (1989) and The Little Mermaid (2023), pairing each with its respective release date to avoid confusion.
Summary of Confirmed Little Mermaid Release Dates
To summarise the main verified dates associated with the search term “Little Mermaid release date”:
- The Little Mermaid (Animated, 1989)
- Initial U.S. theatrical release: November 17, 1989
- Verified in Disney’s historical and archival materials that document the film’s debut as part of the studio’s animation renaissance.
- The Little Mermaid (Live‑Action, 2023)
- U.S. theatrical release: May 26, 2023
- Stated in Disney’s official film information and aligned with the release‑date data maintained by major entertainment‑industry publications.
- Disney+ streaming release: September 6, 2023, as announced in Disney’s own streaming and press communications.
These dates provide the authoritative answer to the “Little Mermaid release date” query for both the original animated classic and the modern live‑action adaptation.