Little Mermaid (1989): The

Released on November 17, 1989, is widely credited with launching the Disney Renaissance , a decade-long era of critical and commercial dominance for the studio. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film revitalized the animated musical by adopting a sophisticated Broadway-style structure. Core Plot & Characters

The story, loosely based on the 1837 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, follows , a 16-year-old mermaid princess fascinated by the human world. The Little Mermaid (1989)

After a climactic battle where Eric defeats a monstrously enlarged Ursula, Triton realizes Ariel's devotion and permanently transforms her into a human so she can marry Eric. Musical Innovation Released on November 17, 1989, is widely credited