10 Shows & Movies Like Siren (2018)

Description: 'Splash' and 'Siren' both center on a mermaid who comes ashore and falls in love with a human. Both explore the challenges of hiding one's true nature and the cultural clashes between the aquatic and human worlds. While 'Splash' is a romantic comedy, it shares with 'Siren' the theme of a mermaid's integration into human society.

Fact: The film was a major hit, leading to a TV series and a planned remake. Daryl Hannah's mermaid tail was so heavy she needed a crane to move in it. The film was directed by Ron Howard and marked a turning point in his career.

Description: Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' shares with 'Siren' the core theme of a mermaid's desire to explore the human world. Both stories explore the sacrifices and challenges of such a transition. While 'Siren' takes a darker approach, both narratives highlight the mermaid's unique perspective on human society.

Fact: The film marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance. Ariel was the first Disney princess to have a child. The film's success led to a Broadway adaptation and a planned live-action remake.

Description: Like 'Siren', 'The Secret of Roan Inish' weaves Celtic folklore about selkies (creatures that transform from seals to humans) into its narrative. Both stories explore themes of family, heritage, and the mystical connection between humans and sea creatures. The films share a lyrical, atmospheric quality.

Fact: Directed by John Sayles, known for his independent films. The film is based on the novel 'The Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry' by Rosalie K. Fry. It was filmed on location in Ireland, adding to its authentic folkloric feel.

Description: Like 'Siren', 'Aquamarine' centers on a mermaid who comes ashore and forms relationships with humans. Both stories explore themes of friendship, love, and the clash between aquatic and human worlds. While 'Aquamarine' is more lighthearted, it shares with 'Siren' a focus on the mermaid's curiosity about human life.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Alice Hoffman. Sara Paxton, who played Aquamarine, had to wear a 40-pound mermaid tail during filming. The movie was shot in Australia, standing in for Florida.

Description: 'Surface' shares with 'Siren' the theme of mysterious sea creatures interacting with humans. Both explore the tension between scientific curiosity and the unknown dangers of the deep. The series also features a mix of family drama and supernatural elements, similar to the emotional tone of 'Siren'.

Fact: The show was created by Jonas and Josh Pate, known for their work on 'Friday Night Lights'. It was one of several sci-fi series launched by NBC in 2005, alongside 'Threshold' and 'Invasion'. The show was canceled after one season due to declining ratings.

Description: This series, like 'Siren', revolves around young women with aquatic abilities navigating human life. Both explore themes of identity, secrecy, and the challenges of being different. The shows share a blend of fantasy and drama, with a focus on the protagonists' relationships with both the human and aquatic worlds.

Fact: The show was filmed in Australia and became a hit among teenage audiences worldwide. It spawned a spin-off series, 'Mako Mermaids'. The actresses had to spend hours in water tanks for filming, leading to pruney fingers and cold sets.

Description: This installment of the 'Pirates' franchise, like 'Siren', features mermaids as both enchanting and deadly creatures. Both narratives explore the lore of mermaids as beings to be feared as well as desired. The action-packed sequences involving mermaids in 'On Stranger Tides' echo the thrilling encounters in 'Siren'.

Fact: This was the first 'Pirates' film not directed by Gore Verbinski. The mermaid attack scene took six weeks to film. The film was partially inspired by Tim Powers' novel 'On Stranger Tides'.

Description: 'The Deep' and 'Siren' both delve into the mysteries of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it. Both narratives involve a mix of adventure and supernatural elements, with a focus on the unknown dangers lurking beneath the surface. The films share a sense of wonder and tension about the deep sea.

Fact: The film is based on a graphic novel series by Tom Taylor and James Brouwer. It features a multicultural family of underwater explorers. The animation style is unique, blending 2D and 3D techniques.

Description: 'The Lure' and 'Siren' both feature mermaid-like creatures with a dark, seductive edge. Both films subvert traditional mermaid lore, presenting these beings as both alluring and dangerous. The visual style in both films is striking, with a focus on the contrast between the glamorous and the grotesque.

Fact: The film is a musical horror, a rare combination of genres. It was Poland's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards. The director, Agnieszka Smoczyńska, drew inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid' and 1980s disco culture.

Description: Like 'Siren', 'The Shape of Water' explores the theme of a mysterious aquatic creature forming a deep connection with humans. Both films blend romance, fantasy, and horror elements, creating a unique and atmospheric experience. The visual aesthetics in both films emphasize the beauty and danger of the underwater world.

Fact: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The creature design was inspired by classic monster movies like 'Creature from the Black Lagoon'. The film's score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, who won an Oscar for his work.