22 Awesome Mermaid Movies For Adults

Who doesn’t love mermaids?

Their beauty and mystique captivate us all.

Let’s checkout the world of mermaids through cinema. Mermaid themed movies have long held a special place in our hearts, luring us into realms of fantasy, mystery, and romance. They are often depicted as beautiful women with fish like tails, who can swim in the depths of the ocean and enchant sailors with their songs. But mermaids are not just for children’s stories and fairy tales.

This list is for 22 Awesome Mermaid Movies for Adults. We include a spectrum of films that go beyond the ordinary in tales where mythical beings meet human lives. Some are strictly mermaid movies, others are more mermaid adjacent but can be appreciated by any mermaid fan.

Join us as we uncover the magic, the intrigue, and the fantastical allure of these aquatic creatures, sure to beguile any mermaid enthusiast.

Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST at the end of the article!

Mermaid Movies for Adults Who Appreciate the Mystical Allure of these Aquatic Creatures

1. Splash (1984)

• Director: Ron Howard
• Actors: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
• Rating: PG
• ‘Splash’ on IMDb

A mermaid in the Big Apple! “Splash” is a romantic comedy where a man falls head over heels for Madison. Only Madison’s not your average girl, she’s a mermaid! It’s a total fish out of water tale that’s cute, funny, and full of magical moments. Of course, this one can be enjoyed by the whole family.

2. The Lure (2015)

• Director: Agnieszka Smoczynska
• Actors: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszanska
• Genre: Musical, Horror
• Rating: R
• ‘The Lure’ on IMDb

Mermaids in a spooky musical! “The Lure” hooks you in with two mermaid sisters, Silver and Golden, joining a nightclub band. They sing like angels, but watch out because these beauties have a taste for human flesh. It’s bizarre, it’s eerie, but it’s also kinda mesmerizing. If you’re looking for something different, check this one out.

3. Siren (2018-2020) – TV Show

• Director: Emily Whitesell
• Actors: Eline Powell, Alex Roe, Fola Evans-Akingbola
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Siren’ on IMDb

“Siren” brings mermaids to TV, and it’s a unique and intriguing show! In Bristol Cove, this mysterious beauty named Ryn shows up, and guess what? She’s not your Disney princess mermaid, she’s a hardcore, predatory mermaid with scary teeth and claws. The show’s got drama, fantasy, and some serious thriller vibes. Older teens can check this one out too.

4. The Lighthouse (2019)

• Director: Robert Eggers
• Actors: Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson
• Genre: Psychological Horror, Drama
• Rating: R
• ‘The Lighthouse’ on IMDb

“The Lighthouse” isn’t all about mermaids, but it’s one wild psychological horror film. Two lighthouse keepers lose their marbles in the late 1800s. No mermaids in the spotlight, but it dives into creepy maritime legends that’ll pique any mermaid lover’s interest. More mermaid adjacent, but had to include on this list.

This movie is streaming FREE on Tubi.

5. She Creature (2001)

• Director: Sebastian Gutierrez
• Actors: Rufus Sewell, Carla Gugino
• Genre: Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘She Creature’ on IMDb

Step right up for “She Creature”! This 19th century tale follows a circus crew who nab a mermaid, thinking they’ve hit jackpot. But turns out, she’s got some major dark powers, leading to some downright scary twists and turns.

6. Ondine (2009)

• Director: Neil Jordan
• Actors: Colin Farrell, Alicja Bachleda, Dervla Kirwan
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• ‘Ondine’ on IMDb

“Ondine” spins a beautiful tale where a fisherman catches a woman in his net. She claims to be a mythical creature, Ondine, and things get enchanting from there. Romance, mystery, and a sprinkle of magic make this one intriguing mermaid-esque story.

7. Blue My Mind (2017)

• Director: Lisa Brühlmann
• Actors: Luna Wedler, Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen, Regula Grauwiller
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Blue My Mind’ on IMDb

“Blue My Mind” illustrates teenage angst with a twist! When Mia hits puberty, she’s changing more than just her personality. She’s transforming physically. It’s a coming of age story meshed with mermaid like changes, exploring identity, rebellion, and the weight of growing up. This movie is very different, well done and a must see. And even though this movie features teen life, its a dark movie with extreme nudity and sexual content, not appropriate for young viewers.

This movie is streaming FREE on Tubi.

8. The Lady in the Water (2006)

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan
• Actors: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright
• Genre: Fantasy, Mystery
• Rating: PG-13
• ‘Lady in the Water’ on IMDb

M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Lady in the Water” is a curious fairy tale. A mysterious sea nymph, Story, appears in an apartment complex’s pool. It’s up to the residents to help her return home, unraveling a whimsical, otherworldly journey.

9. Spring (2014)

• Directors: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead
• Actors: Lou Taylor Pucci, Nadia Hilker, Francesco Carnelutti
• Genre: Horror, Romance
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Spring’ on IMDb

“Spring” isn’t your typical love story. A grieving guy travels to Italy and falls for a mysterious woman. She’s not just any gal, there’s something mystical about her. Romance intertwines with horror and mythical elements in this unique and eerie tale.

10. Evolution (2014)

• Director: Lucile Hadzihalilovic
• Actors: Max Brebant, Roxane Duran, Julie-Marie Parmentier
• Genre: Drama, Horror
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Évolution’ on IMDb

“Evolution” plunges you into a surreal seaside town where young boys live among eerie women. There’s an unsettling mystery surrounding their existence and origins, hinting at strange underwater connections and a sense of chilling unease. This is not about mermaids but underwater creatures and is a super slow burn, eerie film. Its a real head scratcher.

This movie is streaming FREE on Tubi.

11. The Mermaid (2016)

• Director: Stephen Chow
• Actors: Deng Chao, Lin Yun, Show Luo
• Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
• Rating: R
• ‘The Mermaid’ on IMDb

“The Mermaid” splashes comedy into the mix! This Chinese film is a riotous tale of a mermaid sent to assassinate a businessman but ends up falling for him instead. With zany antics and heartwarming moments, it’s a fun filled underwater adventure.

12. Cold Skin (2017)

• Director: Xavier Gens
• Actors: Ray Stevenson, David Oakes, Aura Garrido
• Genre: Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Cold Skin’ on IMDb

“Cold Skin” sails into horror territory. Set on a remote island, it follows a man who encounters strange, aquatic creatures resembling mermaids. It’s a chilling and atmospheric story exploring the dark and mysterious aspects of the ocean.

This movie is streaming FREE on Tubi.

13. Mermaids: The Body Found (2011)

• Director: Charlie Foley
• Actors: Andre Weideman, Candice Weber, David Soul
• Genre: Documentary, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Mermaids: The Body Found’ on IMDb

“Mermaids: The Body Found” is a fascinating mockumentary blending sci-fi and documentary style storytelling. It presents an alternate take on the existence of mermaids, blending real life accounts with speculative science fiction elements. Its a really fun watch. I remember when I first watched this, I thought it was real! I had no idea it was a mockumentary as it was not advertised as such, what a trip!

14. Dagon (2001)

• Director: Stuart Gordon
• Actors: Ezra Godden, Francisco Rabal, Raquel Meroño
• Genre: Horror
• Rating: R
• ‘Dagon’ on IMDb

“Dagon” takes place in a Spanish fishing village where two tourists arrive and discover horrifying secrets lurking beneath the waves. It’s a Lovecraftian nightmare blending horror and the mysteries of the deep sea. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Stuart Gordon!

15. The Siren (2019)

• Director: Perry Blackshear
• Actors: Margaret Ying Drake, MacLeod Andrews, Evan Dumouchel
• Genre: Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘The Siren’ on IMDb

“The Siren” explores a hauntingly beautiful yet eerie tale. A man rescues a mysterious woman who turns out to be a deadly siren. It’s a slow burn horror fantasy that tackles the captivating and perilous nature of mermaid mythology.

This is streaming FREE on Tubi.

16. Mermaid Down (2019)

• Director: Jeffrey Grellman
• Actors: Alexandra Bokova, Phillip Andre Botello, Eryn Rea
• Genre: Horror, Fantasy
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Mermaid Down’ on IMDb

“Mermaid Down” is a dark fantasy where a mermaid is captured and loses her tail and goes on a twisted journey to find it. With elements of horror and fantasy, it’s a wild, dark ride exploring the mystical and eerie.

Its streaming FREE on Tubi.

17. Night Tide (1961)

• Director: Curtis Harrington
• Actors: Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Gavin Muir
• Genre: Horror, Romance
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Night Tide’ on IMDb

“Night Tide” takes you back to ’60s cinema with a romantic horror twist. A young sailor falls for a woman who performs as a mermaid in a seaside carnival. As he uncovers her mysterious past, strange occurrences unravel, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

This is streaming FREE on Tubi.

18. The King’s Daughter (2022)

• Director: Sean McNamara
• Actors: Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, Benjamin Walker
• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
• Rating: PG
• ‘The King’s Daughter’ on IMDb

In “The King’s Daughter,” an explorer seeks a legendary mermaid’s tears for a cure. Amidst his quest, he discovers his own daughter’s connection to the mermaid world. It’s a swashbuckling adventure woven with fantastical elements.

19. A Mermaid in Paris (2020)

• Director: Mathias Malzieu
• Actors: Nicolas Duvauchelle, Marilyn Lima, Rossy de Palma
• Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘A Mermaid in Paris’ on IMDb

“A Mermaid in Paris” is a whimsical tale set in the City of Lights. A musician discovers a beautiful and mysterious mermaid who becomes the star attraction in his nightclub. It’s a quirky, romantic fantasy that blends Parisian charm with enchanting aquatic magic.

20. Mermaids (2003)

• Director: Ian Barry
• Actors: Serah D’Laine, Nikita Ager, Erika Heynatz
• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Rating: R
• ‘Mermaids’ on IMDb

“Mermaids” brings a group of models to a secluded island for a photoshoot, but they stumble upon a cursed mermaid sanctuary. It’s quite an adventure as they uncover the dark secrets of the island and face the wrath of mythical creatures.

21. Miranda (1948)

• Director: Ken Annakin
• Actors: Glynis Johns, Googie Withers, Griffith Jones
• Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
• Rating: Not Rated
• ‘Miranda’ on IMDb

“Miranda” is a delightful ’40s comedy. A fisherman catches a mermaid named Miranda, and she causes quite the splash in his life! Full of whimsy and charm, it’s a classic tale exploring the hilarious misadventures of a mermaid on land.

This movie is streaming FREE on YouTube.

22. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)

• Director: John Sayles
• Actors: Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, Mick Lally
• Genre: Drama, Family
• Rating: PG
• ‘The Secret of Roan Inish’ on IMDb

“The Secret of Roan Inish” spins a heartwarming tale set in Ireland. A young girl discovers her family’s connection to the mythical selkies which are seals that transform into humans. It’s a touching, mystical journey blending Irish folklore with a captivating family story.

This movie is streaming FREE on YouTube.

BONUS: B Level Mermaid Movies streaming FREE on TUBI.

As a bonus, here are some b movies about mermaids to checkout free on tubi:

Mermaid’s Song (2015)
The Mermaid’s Curse (2019)
Invasion of the Mermaids (2021)
Killer Mermaid (2014)
Little Mermaid (2016)
The Mermaid (2021)
Mermaid Isle (2019)
Mermaid: Lake of the Dead (2018)

---

We hope you enjoyed this list of 22 awesome mermaid movies for adults.

Whether you are looking for a splash of fantasy, a lure of horror, or a siren of romance, we think there is a mermaid movie for you on our list.

Next time you are in the mood for some mermaid magic, check out one of these suggested movies about these majestic mythical creatures.