Release OrderRecommended
0 / 5 watchedThe order everything came out, starting with the 1989 classic that launched the Disney Renaissance.
- 1 The Little Mermaid Theatrical original released November 17, 1989. Start here.
- 2 The Little Mermaid (TV series) 31 episodes on CBS, 1992 to 1994. Follows Ariel as a mermaid before the 1989 film.
- 3 The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea Direct-to-video sequel released September 19, 2000. Follows Ariel and Eric's daughter Melody.
- 4 The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning Direct-to-video prequel released August 26, 2008. Atlantica after Queen Athena's death, when Triton bans music.
- 5 Ariel (Disney Jr. series) Preschool series premiered June 27, 2024 on Disney Jr.; season 2 began November 10, 2025. Separate continuity.
Chronological Order
0 / 5 watchedStory order: the prequel and series first, then the original and its sequel. Ariel slots in anywhere.
- 1 The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning Earliest in the timeline. Ends with Ariel longing for the human world.
- 2 The Little Mermaid (TV series) Set between Ariel's Beginning and the 1989 film.
- 3 The Little Mermaid The 1989 classic, third in story order.
- 4 The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea Set years later, with Ariel as queen and mother. Watch last.
- 5 Ariel (Disney Jr. series) Standalone preschool continuity with a young Ariel. Watch any time.
About The Little Mermaid
Release order works fine, but story order is cleaner: the 2008 prequel first, then the 1992 series, the 1989 original, and the 2000 sequel about Ariel and Eric's daughter Melody.
The preschool series Ariel (2024, Disney Jr.) is a standalone continuity, so it slots in anywhere, and the 2023 live-action film retells the original outside this animated timeline.
Good to know
The 1992 series ran 31 episodes on CBS from 1992 to 1994 and sits between Ariel's Beginning and the 1989 film. The 2019 one-night stage concert special (The Little Mermaid Live!) is optional viewing.
