"The Little Mermaid": Read The Screenplay By Ron Clements and John Musker
Dive into the screenplay that made Disney animation sing again.
Today let's sharpen our focus on the animated classic, "The Little Mermaid" screenplay.
"The Little Mermaid" isn’t just a fairy tale -- it’s a lesson in musical storytelling, character-driven plots, and screenwriting with soul. Ready to flip your fins through a sea of cinematic brilliance?
Written by Ron Clements, and John Musker, may we present the 4th draft script from July, 1987. Free, courtesy of 8FLiX and Disney.
Discover More About "The Little Mermaid" Screenplay
Masterclass in emotional closure, mythic storytelling, and narrative payoff.
Written by Ron Clements and John Musker with music by Academy Award winners Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, "The Little Mermaid" (1989) helped launch the Disney Renaissance, a golden era of animation. The film follows Ariel, a curious and rebellious mermaid princess, as she risks everything to be part of the human world. It's a musical, a romance, and a hero’s journey -- under the sea.
Screenwriting Takeaways: "The Little Mermaid" (1989).
1. Theme With Teeth.
The central conflict -- Ariel’s longing to belong to a different world -- makes for a rich metaphor about identity, coming-of-age, and sacrificing for love. It's no coincidence this script still resonates 30+ years later. When your theme is clear, your story sings (and sometimes dances).
2. The "I Want" Song Done Right.
"Part of Your World" isn’t just a banger; it’s screenwriting gold. It tells us exactly who Ariel is, what she desires, and sets up everything that follows. Every great protagonist needs that moment -- don’t skip it.
3. Build a Strong Villain (Who Thinks They’re the Hero).
Ursula is more than a sea witch: she’s witty, manipulative, and oddly relatable. Her motivation (revenge and power) is backed by great dialogue and show-stealing moments. Even her hench-eels have presence. Moral: Give your antagonist the mic, and they’ll run the show.
4. Visual Storytelling for the Win.
From the shipwreck rescue to Ariel’s grotto of human artifacts, the screenplay thrives on visuals. There's action, humor, romance -- all told with minimal exposition. Remember: it’s a movie, not a radio drama.
5. Quirky Supporting Characters Can Steal Scenes (and Hearts).
Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle aren't just comic relief: they're emotionally connected to Ariel and the stakes. The crab’s calypso protest song, "Under the Sea," turns into an ironic masterpiece (parodied by Homer Simpson some years later). Even the musical numbers serve the plot.
Educator Breakdown.
Explore how "The Little Mermaid" (1989) helped redefine animated storytelling. This educator-friendly breakdown dives deep into screenwriting lessons about character arcs, visual storytelling, musical integration, and the anatomy of a powerful "I Want" moment. Ideal for classroom discussion or your next lesson plan.
Take a look at "The Little Mermaid" logline.
A mermaid princess makes a Faustian bargain in an attempt to become human and win a prince's love Disney
"The Little Mermaid" Screenplay Details.
Whether you're a fan or an aspiring screenwriter, here are key insights to know.
To get "The Little Mermaid" script now, keep scrolling until you see the READ / DOWNLOAD button. And, just a reminder, for a better understanding of our color-coded classifications, scroll a little further down until you find the "Glossary."
Okay, here are the facts:
| Type | ... |
SCANNED
|
| Version | ... | 4th Draft |
| Date | ... | 07.09.1987 |
| Pages | ... | 85 |
| Genres | ... | AnimationAdventureFamily |
| Screenplay | ... | Ron ClementsJohn Musker |
| IMDb ID | ... | 0097757 |
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