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 Lighthousecomes 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 Mermaidis 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 thebiggest 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.
Watch on Viki
14’Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' (2011)
Director: Rob Marshall
Image via Walt Disney Pictures
On Stranger Tidesmay not be, by a long shot, the best installment of the iconicPirates of the Caribbeanfranchise, however,the strongest aspect of Rob Marshall’s movie is its enchanting siren-like depiction of mermaids.On Stranger Tidesfocuses 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 Tidesis disappointing in many regards, but it is worth watching for the mermaid side of things anyway.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
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 theFast and Furiousfranchise,stars.
Tidelandsoffers audiences a compelling depiction of hybrid half-human, half-mermaid beingsas 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 showis 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.
12’Blue My Mind' (2017)
Director: Lisa Brühlmann
In this highly unusual,dark coming-of-age dramadirected byLisaBrühlmann, 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 Mindis 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 lightheartedSaraPaxton-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” LevesqueandEmma 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
10’The Lighthouse' (2019)
Director: Robert Eggers
Eerie and haunting,Robert Eggers’black-and-white A24 horror filmThe LighthouseseesRobert PattinsonandWillem Dafoein 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 Lighthouseis 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 whenPattinson’s character is pictured having intercourse with a mermaid while in an evident psychologically unstable state.
The Lighthouse
9’Night Tide' (1961)
Director: Curtis Harrington
In this compelling and often overlooked1961 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 thatCurtis Harrington’sNight Tideis slow-paced and consequently tedious. However, it seems that general critics considerNight Tideto 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. InEricWaldandDean White’s fantasy drama seriesSiren, 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.
StarringEline Powellas 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),Sirenis among the most solid and binge-watchable mermaidshows with just three seasons.
Watch on Hulu
7’H2O: Just Add Water' (2006 - 2010)
Creator: Jonathan M. Shiff
This iconic Australian series introduced audiences to the charms ofClaireHolt,PhoebeTonkin, andCaribaHeineas 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 truedefinition of a comfort series, the bubbly mermaid TV showH2O: Just Add Waterdelivers 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 likeAquamarine,the series is the perfect guilty pleasure for teens and adult romantics alike.
H2O: Just Add Water
6’The Little Mermaid' (2023)
As it would seem, the highly anticipatedDisney live-action remakedid not disappoint, ranking high among the category’s best. Adapted from the movie of the same name,The Little Mermaidimpressed 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. 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 talentedHalle Bailey’s performance as the beloved Ariel, whose chemistry with co-starJonah Hauer-Kingwas totally off the charts. On top of this,2023’sThe Little Mermaidmaintains the animated classic’s magic while also giving itself roomto develop its own distinctive style.
