4. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Releasing this week, The Little Mermaid raises the bar for live-action Disney Princesses, giving fans an Ariel who can sing and act beautifully, and who carries the film to shore even with its underwater shortcomings. Halle Bailey’s performance in the film is a star-maker, and her versions of the animated movie’s beloved Menken and Ashman songs will stand the test of time, topping even the originals.
