Voted on and ranked by our movie fans, we're excited to present the definitive list of the best quotes from Disney's classic animated film, The Little Mermaid. This beloved tale about a mermaid who dreams of becoming human has captured the hearts of audiences young and old for generations. From its catchy soundtrack to its stunning animation, there's no denying that this movie is a true masterpiece. But what makes it truly special are the unforgettable lines that have become ingrained in pop culture.
As you dive into this list, prepare to relive some of your favorite moments from The Little Mermaid as we count down the most iconic quotes. Whether it's Ariel singing about her fascination with humans or Ursula cackling as she plots her evil schemes, these lines have become an integral part of our collective memory. Each quote on this list represents a unique aspect of why The Little Mermaid remains such an enduring classic.
So sit back and enjoy our carefully curated selection of quotes from one of Disney's most beloved films. And don't forget to vote up your favorites so they can rise to the top.
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1
My Father's Gonna Kill Me!
[Scuttle shows Ariel and Flounder a pipe for smoking] Scuttle: I haven't seen this in years, this is wonderful. A banded, bulbous snarfblatt. Ariel and Flounder: Oh! Scuttle: Now, the snarfblatt dates back to prehistorical times when humans used to sit around and stare at each other all day. Got very boring. So they invented this snarfblatt to make fine music. Allow me. [blows it, only to have seaweed and water come out] Ariel: [remembering] Music? Scuttle: [coughs] It's stuck! Ariel: Oh, the concert! Oh my gosh, my father's gonna kill me!
2
This Pretty Little Girl
Ursula: Yes. Hurry home, princess. We wouldn't want to miss old daddy's celebration, huh? Would we? [scoffs] Celebration, indeed. Oh, BAH! In my day, we had fantastical feasts, when I lived in the palace. [eats shrimp] And now, look at me. Wasted away to practically nothing. Banished and exiled and practically starving! While he and his flimsy fish folk celebrate. Well, I'll give 'em something to celebrate soon enough. [to her eels] Flotsam! Jetsam! I want you to keep an extra close watch on this pretty little daughter of his. She may be the key to Triton's undoing.
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3
All Da Time
Triton: You went up to the surface again, didn't you? Didn't you?! Ariel: Nothing happened. Triton: [exasperatedly] Ariel, how many times must we go through this? You could've been seen by one of those barbarians. By... By one of those... humans! Ariel: Daddy, they're not barbarians! Triton: They are dangerous! Do you think I want to see my youngest daughter snared by some fish-eater's hook?! Ariel: I'm 16 years old! I'm not a child anymore! Triton: Don't you take that tone of voice with me, young lady! As long as you live under my ocean, you'll obey my rules! Ariel: But if you would just listen! Triton: NOT another word! And I am never, NEVER to hear of you going to the surface again! IS THAT CLEAR?! (Ariel disappointedly swims away) Sebastian: Teenagers. Dey think dey know everything. You give dem an inch, dey swim all over you. Triton: Do you think I was too hard on her? Sebastian: Definitely not! Why, if Ariel was my daughter, I'd show her who was boss! None o' dis flitting to the surface and other such nonsense. No, sir! I'd keep her under tight control. Triton: [smiles] You're absolutely right, Sebastian. Sebastian: Of course. Triton: Ariel needs constant supervision. Sebastian: Constant. Triton: Someone to watch over her. To keep her out of trouble. Sebastian: All da time. Triton: And YOU are just the crab to do it!
4
So Be It!
Triton: [confronts Ariel in her grotto] I consider myself a reasonable merman. I set certain rules and I expect those rules to be obeyed. Ariel: But Dad, I...! Triton: Is it true you rescued a human from drowning?! Ariel: Daddy, I had to. Triton: Contact between the human world and the mer world is strictly forbidden! Ariel, you know that! Everyone knows that! Ariel: He would've died! Triton: One less human to worry about. Ariel: [angrily] You don't even know him! Triton: Know him? I don't have to know him! They're all the same: Spineless, savage, harpooning fish-eaters, incapable of any feeling. Ariel: Daddy, I love him! [gasps, as she has accidentally slipped the truth] Triton: [shocked] No. Have you lost your senses completely?! He's a human! You're a mermaid! Ariel: I don't care! Triton: So help me, Ariel, I am going to get through to you. And if this is the only way, so be it! [He proceeds to destroy most of the grotto with his magic trident]
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5
Tough Choices, Innit?
Ariel: If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again. Ursula: That's right. But you'll have your man. Life's full of tough choices, innit?
6
When It's Important?
Scuttle: Ariel, I was flying. I was-- Of course I was flying. And I saw the watch-- the witch was watchin' the mirror, and she was singin' with a stolen set of pipes! Do you hear what I'm tellin' you?! The prince is marrying the seawitch in disguise! Sebastian: Are you sure about this? Scuttle: Have I ever been wrong? I mean, when it's important?!
