Over the past three and a half decades Disney has continued to iterate on what its princesses long for and how they go about getting it. But Ariel laid the groundwork they’re all still following today.

This wondrous feature-length cartoon has all the color and wit, the joyous fluidity and buoyant self-confidence of the Disney Golden Age of Animation. At times, it's so rhapsodically charming you find yourself laughing out loud in sheer delight.

Every once in a while a movie so special, so lovely, so exciting, funny, charming, entertaining and heartwarming spins out from Hollywood's celluloid web. It's a moment to cherish, a moment to embrace. The Little Mermaid is worth embracing.

Filled with every charming element you could hope for in a family film.