What is the running time of The Little Mermaid?

The running time of The Little Mermaid is 83 minutes.

Disney’s 1989 animated musical tells Ariel’s story in a compact feature lasting 83 minutes. The film follows Ariel’s fascination with the human world, her rescue of Prince Eric, her bargain with Ursula, and the struggle that follows over her voice, identity, and freedom. Its short length reflects the brisk structure of a traditional animated musical, with songs carrying major parts of the narrative.

The film was released theatrically in the United States on November 17, 1989. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, with songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Viewers sometimes remember a longer running time because later home-video editions, television broadcasts, trailers, or bonus material can change the total program length. The 83-minute figure refers to the feature itself, not an expanded home-media package. It should also not be confused with the much shorter runtime of individual episodes of the later television series.