Disney's animated library is filled with unique stories, but sometimes, tales from different eras can share a familiar heartbeat. The recent announcement of Moana 2 has reignited appreciation for the 2016 hit, solidifying its heroine as a modern icon. Yet, as fans revisit Moana's voyage, many are noticing its story resonates with a much older Disney classic: 1989's The Little Mermaid. Separated by decades and oceans, these two films about headstrong young women reveal a fascinating pattern of parallel paths.
A Tale of Two Rebellious Daughters
At their core, both films feature protagonists yearning for something more than their confined worlds offer. Ariel dreams of life on land, while Moana aches to explore the sea beyond her island's reef. This central conflict is amplified by their protective fathers. King Triton fears the human world, and Chief Tui warns of the ocean's perils. Both daughters, however, possess an irrepressible spirit that pushes them to defy paternal warnings and embark on forbidden journeys. This foundational setup creates an immediate kinship between the two narratives, establishing a classic Disney theme of seeking one's own destiny.
The heroines' desires are immortalized in two of Disney's most powerful "I want" anthems. Ariel's Part of Your World and Moana's How Far I'll Go serve as emotional cornerstones, allowing audiences to feel the depth of their longing. These songs didn't just define their characters; they launched legendary Disney careers. The Little Mermaid catapulted the songwriting team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman to fame, while Moana marked Lin-Manuel Miranda's celebrated entry into the Disney musical universe.
Companions and Contrasts on the Journey
Even the sidekicks follow a curious pattern. Both princesses are accompanied by a reluctant, more cautious companion from their father's court—Sebastian the crab for Ariel, and the rooster Heihei (initially conceived as a watchdog for Moana's father) for Moana. Meanwhile, their more loyal, personal friends—Flounder the fish and Pua the pig—stay behind. This structural choice highlights the heroines' step into the unknown, accompanied by an unlikely guide.
Yet, for all their similarities, the films are fascinating inverses. Ariel's story is about leaving the ocean for the human world, while Moana's is about embracing the ocean to save her land-bound people. One seeks love and a new life; the other undertakes a perilous quest to restore life to her home. The Little Mermaid features a clear, manipulative villain in Ursula, whereas Moana's primary antagonist is the environmental decay of Te Fiti, with the demigod Maui evolving from obstacle to ally. These differences ensure each film carves its own distinct legacy within the Disney animated canon.
The creative lineage adds another layer of connection. Both films were directed by the legendary duo of John Musker and Ron Clements, whose storytelling sensibilities clearly shine through in the focus on adventurous, determined young women pushing against societal boundaries. This directorial thread helps explain the shared narrative DNA, even as the films draw from different wells—one a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, the other inspired by Polynesian mythology and history.
Their post-release paths have diverged. The Little Mermaid sparked the Disney Renaissance and later received a high-profile live-action remake. Moana is now following a similar path to franchise status, with a theatrical sequel on the horizon and a live-action remake in development. This evolution shows how both stories, despite their mirrored beginnings, have earned enduring places in the cultural landscape.
Ultimately, the comparison reveals the timeless appeal of a specific character arc: the restless dreamer who must venture beyond the known to find their true self. Whether under the sea or across it, Ariel and Moana's journeys remind us that the call to explore is universal. Their stories are less about copying and more about a studio refining a powerful, resonant narrative formula for new generations. For more deep dives into animated gems, explore our list of Disney's hidden treasures that improve with age.
