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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 2008 โ€บ The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning poster

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008)

โ€œEvery Tale Has A Beginning, But Only One Begins Under The Seaโ€

6.7/10 ยท 1,084 votes 1h 17m pg AnimationFamily

#93 of 219 films from 2008 #546 of 741 in animation

Directed by Peggy Holmes ยท Written by Robert Reece, Evan Spiliotopoulos, Jule Selbo, Jenny Wingfield

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Follow Ariel's adventures before she gave up her fins for true love. When Ariel wasn't singing with her sisters, she spent time with her mother, Queen Athena. Ariel is devastated when Athena is killed by pirates, and after King Triton outlaws all singing. Along with pals Flounder and Sebastian, Ariel sets off in hopes of changing her father's decision to ban music from the kingdom.

Cast

Jodi Bensonas Ariel (voice)
Samuel E. Wrightas Sebastian (voice)
Jim Cummingsas King Triton / Shelbow / Additional Voices (voice)
Sally Fieldas Marina Del Ray (voice)
Tara Strongas Adella / Andrina / Additional Voices (voice)
Jennifer Haleas Alana (voice)
Grey DeLisleas Aquata / Arista (voice)
Kari Wahlgrenas Attina (voice)
Parker Gorisas Flounder (voice)
Jeff Bennettas Benjamin / Additional Voices (voice)
Kevin Michael Richardsonas Cheeks / Ray Ray (voice)
Rob Paulsenas Ink Spot / Swifty / Additional Voices (voice)
Lorelei Hill Buttersas Queen Athena (voice)

Facts

Release dateAugust 25, 2008
Runtime77 min (1h 17m) โ€” shorter as the 2008 average of 104 min
GenresAnimation, Family
LanguageEN
IMDbtt0969647

More from Peggy Holmes

LuckLuck2022 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 45m Secret of the WingsSecret of the Wings2012 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 15m Tinker Bell and the Pirate FairyTinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy2014 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 18m

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Questions

How long is The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning?
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning runs 77 minutes (1h 17m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.7/10 across 1,084 votes, which places it #93 of 219 films released in 2008 in this index (top 58%) and #546 among 741 animation titles.
Who directed The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning?
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning was directed by Peggy Holmes. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Luck (2022), Secret of the Wings (2012), Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy (2014).
Who stars in The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning?
Jodi Benson as Ariel (voice); Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian (voice); Jim Cummings as King Triton / Shelbow / Additional Voices (voice); Sally Field as Marina Del Ray (voice); Tara Strong as Adella / Andrina / Additional Voices (voice); Jennifer Hale as Alana (voice).
What is The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/37742.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.