"The Secret of Roan Inish" follows a young girl named Fiona, whose family has a deep connection to the island, as her ancestors once lived there before they were forced to leave. Determined to uncover the secrets of her family's past, Fiona becomes drawn to the island and begins to believe in the ancient legends surrounding it. She believes that her baby brother, who was lost at sea years ago, might still be alive and living with the selkies, a mythical race of seals that can transform into humans.

With the help of her grandparents and her cousin Eamon, Fiona sets out on a journey to Roan Inish, where she encounters the beauty and mystery of the island firsthand. As she explores the rugged coastline, encounters friendly seals, and uncovers clues from the past, Fiona begins to unravel the the magical connection her family shares with Roan Inish.

"The Secret of Roan Inish" is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that beautifully captures the spirit of Irish folklore and the deep bond between humans and nature. It is a tale of adventure, discovery, and the enduring power of legends that will captivate audiences of all ages, deserving of its title as one of the best mermaid movies.

Release: 1994

Stars: Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, Mick Lally

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

"The Mermaid," a 2016 release lauded as one of the best mermaid movies, is a fantasy romantic comedy film that tells the story of Shan, a young mermaid who is sent on a mission to assassinate a wealthy businessman named Liu Xuan. The reason behind this mission is that Liu Xuan's business activities have been causing severe harm to marine life and the mermaid community.

In order to carry out her mission, Shan disguises herself as a human and infiltrates Liu Xuan's life. However, as she spends more time with him, Shan begins to develop feelings for him, which complicates her original purpose. Liu Xuan, on the other hand, becomes infatuated with Shan's mysterious charm and beauty.

"The Mermaid" combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy to deliver a unique and whimsical tale while exploring themes of environmentalism, love, and the conflict between different worlds. With its colorful visuals, endearing characters, and a touch of magical realism, the film offers a delightful and heartwarming story that will enchant audiences of all generations.

Release: 2016

Stars: Chao Deng, Show Lo, Yuqi Zhang

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

"The Little Mermaid" is a beloved animated film that tells the enchanting tale of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the sea. Living under the sea with her father King Triton and her many siblings, Ariel is captivated by the human world and is fascinated by their customs and objects.

One day, Ariel rescues a handsome human prince named Eric from a shipwreck and falls in love with him. Determined to go to the shore and meet Eric, she makes a deal with Ursula, the sea's most dangerous witch. In exchange for her voice, Ariel is transformed into a human for three days, with the condition that she must receive true love's kiss from Eric before the sun sets on the third day.

As a human, Ariel faces various challenges and adventures with the help of her friends, including Flounder, a loyal fish, and Sebastian, a musical crab. With her voice gone, Ariel must find creative ways to communicate with Eric and win his heart. However, Ursula, with her own nefarious plans, tries to thwart Ariel's chances of finding true love.

"The Little Mermaid" is an all-time classic that impresses with memorable songs, colorful animation, and a heartfelt story, Its memorable soundtracks - from the iconic "Under the Sea" to the heartfelt "Part of Your World" - add depth and emotion to the narrative, leaving a lasting impact on both children and adults alike.

Release: 1989

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

"The Shape of Water," a dark fantasy film set in the early 1960s, revolves around Elisa Esposito - a mute janitor working at a high-security government laboratory. She discovers a classified secret: a mysterious amphibious creature captured from the Amazon. Fascinated by the creature's otherworldly beauty and its human-like qualities, Elisa forms an unlikely bond with it.

As Elisa's connection with the creature deepens, she becomes determined to rescue it from the clutches of the government, led by the ruthless Colonel Richard Strickland. With the help of her friend and co-worker, Zelda, and a sympathetic scientist named Dr. Hoffstetler, Elisa embarks on a risky plan to free the creature and ensure its safety.

In the midst of this daring mission, Elisa finds herself falling in love with the amphibious being. Their relationship transcends language barriers and societal norms, showcasing the power of love and acceptance beyond appearances. However, their unconventional connection faces numerous challenges, including the relentless pursuit of Colonel Strickland and the looming threat of the Cold War era.

"The Shape of Water" is a mastser combination of romance, fantasy, and social commentary, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that shines on the beauty of embracing differences. Its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and enchanting cinematography invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world where love knows no bounds.

Release: 2017

Stars: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

"The Cabin in the Woods" follows a group of five college friends who embark on a weekend getaway to a remote cabin in the woods. When they settle in and begin to enjoy their time, strange and unsettling events start to unfold.

Unbeknownst to the group, their every move is being monitored and manipulated by a secretive organization. This organization is conducting a twisted experiment, orchestrating a series of horrifying events to ensure that the friends fall victim to classic horror movie scenarios. From zombies and monsters to mermaids and supernatural forces, the group finds themselves trapped and fighting for their lives.

"The Cabin in the Woods" cleverly subverts and deconstructs traditional horror movie tropes by using a mixture of horror, comedy, and meta-commentary elements to offer a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre. Through its clever twists, dark humor, and self-awareness, the film offers an exhilarating and entertaining experience for both horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Release: 2011

Stars: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

"Splash" dives into the whimsical tale of a young boy named Allen Bauer. While on a family vacation in Cape Cod, encounters a mysterious young girl named Madison in the ocean. To his surprise, Madison possesses a secret: she is a mermaid.

Years later, Allen, now a successful businessman, still carries the memory of that enchanting encounter with Madison. Fate brings them together again when Madison resurfaces in New York City, having transformed into a captivating human. As their connection reignites, Allen finds himself captivated by Madison's innocent charm and extraordinary aquatic abilities.

However, their budding romance faces numerous challenges. Driven by curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth, a determined scientist named Walter pursues Madison, hoping to capture and study her unique nature. Allen must protect Madison while navigating the complexities of their relationship, all while keeping her true identity a secret from the world.

"Splash" is a heartwarming tale that brings in endearing characters and an enchanting love story, delighting viewers with memorable moments of both laughter and tenderness. It beckons the audience on an exhilarating journey that explores the magic and wonders of love across boundaries, even when those boundaries are as vast as the ocean itself.

Release: 1984

Stars: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

"The Lighthouse" is a haunting psychological thriller set in the late 19th century. Two lighthouse keepers, Thomas Wake and Ephraim Winslow, are the protagonists of the film, assigned to a remote and desolate island off the coast of New England.

As the days turn into weeks, their initial camaraderie begins to erode, giving way to tension, paranoia, and a descent into madness. The relentless storms and relentless isolation take their toll on the keepers, exacerbating their already strained relationship.

Ephraim becomes increasingly obsessed with the secrets of the lighthouse and its mysterious beam of light, while Thomas guards the truth with an unwavering and almost fanatical dedication. As the line between reality and hallucination blurs, the men's psychological and physical well-being deteriorates, leading to a series of disturbing and surreal events.

"The Lighthouse" is a visually striking and atmospheric film, shot in black and white and with a distinctively eerie tone. The two character's fateful encounter with the mermaids and mythical creaturs in one of the film's pivotal moments further adds to the surreal and atmospheric nature of the film, enhancing the blurred line between reality and imagination.

Release: 2019

Stars: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Valeriia Karaman

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

"Hail, Caesar!" (2016) is a comedy film set in the 1950s Hollywood era. Eddie Mannix, a studio fixer at Capitol Pictures, is responsible for handling and solving any problems that arise with the studio's actors and productions. When the biggest star of the studio, Baird Whitlock, is kidnapped by a mysterious group called "The Future," Eddie must navigate through a series of misadventures and eccentric characters to rescue him.

As Eddie investigates the kidnapping, he encounters a range of peculiar situations, including a pregnant actress who needs to hide her condition, a demanding director trying to cast an inexperienced cowboy in a sophisticated drama, and a beautiful blonde in her mermaid swimsuit, ready to jump into the crystal-blue swimming pool where synchronized routines await. Amidst all the chaos, Eddie strives to keep the studio running smoothly while trying to unravel the mystery behind Baird Whitlock's disappearance.

Thanks to its satirical and comedic tone, "Hail, Caesar!" successfully and playfully explores the behind-the-scenes world of the movie industry to showcase the glamour, intrigue, and absurdity of Hollywood during its golden age. As Eddie works to maintain the illusion of perfection in the face of unexpected challenges, the film offers a whimsical and nostalgic tribute to the classic era of filmmaking.

Release: 2016

Stars: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

"Night Tide" (1961) is a mystery thriller directed by Curtis Harrington. The film centers a young sailor named Johnny Drake who becomes infatuated with a mysterious woman named Mora, whom he meets at a seaside carnival. However, as Johnny becomes more involved with Mora, he begins to uncover dark secrets about her and the strange world she is a part of.

Johnny soon learns that Mora believes she is a mermaid, and that her previous two lovers mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances. Despite warnings from his friends and a local fortune teller, Johnny continues to pursue a romantic relationship with Mora, unable to resist her enchanting allure. When their relationship deepens, Johnny becomes increasingly drawn into a web of intrigue and danger.

Haunted by visions and strange occurrences, Johnny must confront his own beliefs and the truth about Mora's identity. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes entangled in a sinister plot that threatens not only his own life but also Mora's existence.

"Night Tide" makes use of the atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and haunting scores to create a sense of eerie tension and mystery throughout. Throughout Johnny's dark adventure into the treacherous waters of love and the supernatural, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a suspenseful climax that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Release: 1961

Stars: Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson, Gavin Muir

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

"Blue My Mind" (2018) is a coming-of-age drama about a teenage girl named Mia, a normal high school student who has recently moved to a new town with her family. As she tries to fit in and make friends, she also begins to experience strange physical and emotional changes. Her body undergoes a transformation, with scales appearing on her skin and a strange affinity for water. Confused and frightened, Mia starts to question her identity and wonders if she is becoming something other than human.

Amidst the turmoil of her personal transformation, Mia forms a close friendship with a rebellious girl named Gianna. Together, they explore the complexities of teenage life, navigating issues of sexuality, peer pressure, and societal expectations.

"Blue My Mind" explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of adolescence through intimate insights into the emotional and physical struggles of Mia, as she grapples with her changing body and tries to understand who she truly is. The film combines elements of fantasy and drama to create a thought-provoking and visually captivating exploration, highlighting the messages of self-acceptance and understanding.

Release: 2018

Stars: Luna Wedler, Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen, Regula Grauwiller

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%

"Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954) begins with Dr. Carl Maia, a geologist, discovering a fossilized hand in a remote area of the Amazon. Intrigued by this remarkable find, Dr. Maia and his colleagues embark on an expedition to search for more evidence of the creature. They travel deep into the unexplored Black Lagoon, where they believe the Gill-man resides.

As the expedition progresses, the team encounters the elusive Gill-man, a half-man, half-amphibian creature with webbed hands and feet. The creature becomes fascinated by Kay Lawrence, a beautiful woman accompanying the expedition, and develops an infatuation with her. However, when tensions rise and the creature becomes more aggressive, the expedition members find themselves in a battle for survival.

"Creature from the Black Lagoon" is a classic monster movie that showcases the terror and suspense of encountering ancient, dangerous mermaid creatures - through which universal themes, such as scientific curiosity and the clash between humans and nature, are explored. Plot aside, the film's iconic creature design and underwater sequences aslo have their own spotlights, turning "Creature from The Black Lagoon" into a beloved and enduring entry in the realm of mermaid movies.

Release: 1954

Stars: Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, Richard Denning

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%