Mermaids have always captured our imagination with their ethereal beauty and mysterious allure. But what happens when you mix this timeless myth with the boundless possibilities of science fiction? This curated list dives into the depths of cinematic creativity, showcasing films where mermaids aren't just part of folklore but are integrated into futuristic worlds, space adventures, and even dystopian societies. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or just love a good story, these films offer a fresh perspective on the classic mermaid tale, making them a must-watch for any film enthusiast.

Splash (1984)
Description: This classic romantic comedy features a mermaid who comes to New York City to find her true love. While not strictly sci-fi, its inclusion is justified by the fantastical elements and the idea of mermaids in a modern setting.
Fact: Daryl Hannah, who played the mermaid, learned to swim for the role and spent hours in the water during filming.


The Little Mermaid (1989)
Description: Disney's animated classic, while not sci-fi, features a mermaid princess who yearns for a human life, setting the stage for future interpretations in sci-fi contexts.
Fact: This film was the last Disney animated feature to use traditional hand-painted cels.


Aquamarine (2006)
Description: A light-hearted tale of two teenage girls who befriend a mermaid who's washed ashore. The film blends fantasy with a touch of sci-fi through the mermaid's advanced abilities.
Fact: The film was shot in Australia, using the picturesque beaches of Queensland to represent the mermaid's underwater world.


Mermaid Down (2019)
Description: A modern take on the mermaid myth, where a fisherman captures a mermaid, leading to a dark and twisted tale with sci-fi undertones.
Fact: The film was shot in Canada, using real underwater locations for authenticity.


The Mermaid (2016)
Description: A Chinese fantasy comedy where a mermaid is sent to assassinate a wealthy businessman, only to fall in love with him. Its sci-fi elements come from the advanced technology used by the mermaids.
Fact: This film was the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time until it was surpassed by "Wolf Warrior


The Shape of Water (2017)
Description: While not strictly about mermaids, this film features an amphibious creature with a mermaid-like allure, set in a Cold War-era lab. Its inclusion in this list is due to its exploration of the 'other' in a sci-fi context.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2018, and the creature was designed by the legendary artist, Guillermo del Toro.


Underwater (2020)
Description: While primarily a sci-fi horror, the film features a creature with mermaid-like qualities in an underwater mining facility, blending myth with futuristic technology.
Fact: Kristen Stewart stars in this film, marking her return to the sci-fi genre after "Twilight."


The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead (2018)
Description: A Russian horror film where a mermaid's curse leads to a series of mysterious deaths, with a sci-fi twist in the mermaid's origin story.
Fact: The film was shot in the scenic Karelia region of Russia, known for its numerous lakes.


The Lure (2015)
Description: A Polish horror-musical where two mermaids become nightclub performers in 1980s Warsaw. Its sci-fi elements are subtle but present in the mermaids' otherworldly nature.
Fact: The film was Poland's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.


The Mermaid (2007)
Description: A South Korean film where a mermaid falls in love with a human, featuring elements of time travel and futuristic technology.
Fact: The film uses CGI to create the underwater scenes, showcasing the evolution of special effects in cinema.
