The Little Mermaid (1989)

In 1989, Disney’s animation studios had just had a string of critical and commercial failures (The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective), and Don Bluth and his movies like An American Tail were starting to beat them. So they went back to their roots, brought out a fairy-tale-based animated musical they’d been working on since the 1930s, and opened up the era now known as the Disney Renaissance. The Little Mermaid, the story of teenage mermaid princess Ariel and her quest to find her true place in the world — and whether her human love Eric fits into that world at all — was an enormous smash for Disney.

Yes, the recent live-action remake has pulled in mixed reviews, and the production treadmill through which they’re remaking all of their animated catalog is starting to get exhausting. But the original is undeniable; the characters and music still fill our hearts with wonder and joy. And now you can belt out all the fantastic songs without being asked to leave the Theatre! In fact, it’s encouraged at this very special sing-along screening. Lyrics will appear on the screen with all the songs. So round up the whole family (costumes optional but always delightful) and join us under the sea!