If you loved the whimsical romance and aquatic charm of Splash (1984), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same magical blend of fantasy, love, and adventure. Whether you're drawn to mermaid tales, fish-out-of-water stories, or heartwarming rom-coms, these picks will keep you enchanted.

The Little Mermaid (1989)
Description: A classic animated film featuring a mermaid who dreams of life on land, blending romance, fantasy, and underwater adventure.
Fact: The film marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period of critical and commercial success for Disney animated films. It was the first Disney animated feature to win two Academy Awards.


Mermaids (1990)
Description: A family drama with whimsical elements, focusing on a free-spirited mother and her daughters, one of whom is fascinated by mermaids.
Fact: The film features a young Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci. The soundtrack includes several hits from the 1960s.


The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
Description: A magical realism film about a young girl who discovers her family's connection to selkies, mythical creatures that transform from seals to humans.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'The Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry' by Rosalie K. Fry. It was shot on location in Ireland.


The Thirteenth Year (1999)
Description: A coming-of-age story about a boy who discovers he is turning into a mermaid, exploring themes of identity and transformation.
Fact: This Disney Channel Original Movie was one of the first to gain a cult following. The underwater scenes were filmed in a specially constructed tank.


Aquamarine (2006)
Description: A lighthearted teen fantasy about a mermaid who comes ashore to find love, exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Alice Hoffman. It was shot in Australia, despite being set in Florida.


Lady in the Water (2006)
Description: A modern fairy tale about a water nymph discovered in an apartment complex pool, blending mystery and fantasy.
Fact: The film was inspired by a bedtime story the director created for his children. It features a unique mythology created specifically for the story.


The Mermaid (2016)
Description: A comedic fantasy about a mermaid sent to assassinate a businessman but ends up falling in love with him, mixing romance and environmental themes.
Fact: The film became the highest-grossing Chinese film at the time of its release. It uses a mix of CGI and practical effects for the mermaid's appearance.


The Lure (2015)
Description: A dark and musical fantasy about two mermaid sisters who perform in a nightclub, blending horror, romance, and fairy tale elements.
Fact: The film is a loose adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid' but with a much darker twist. It was Poland's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.


The Shape of Water (2017)
Description: A visually stunning fantasy drama about a mute woman who forms a deep connection with an amphibious creature, blending romance and otherworldly elements.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The creature was inspired by the Creature from the Black Lagoon.


The Mermaid Chair (2006)
Description: A romantic drama involving a woman who returns to her childhood home and becomes entangled in a mysterious legend involving a mermaid.
Fact: The film is based on the bestselling novel by Sue Monk Kidd. It explores themes of love, loss, and spiritual awakening.
