SIX MOVIES TO WATCH LIKE ‘AQUAMARINE’

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There is nothing quite like a movie anniversary or some other significant pop culture event hitting a significant milestone to make me feel, well, old. One of the latest to do this is the 2006 film Aquamarine, a film that starred popular stars of today and is our topic for our latest “things to watch like…” list. It is also a film that I think doesn’t have the popularity as others like Princess Diaries. It may seem odd to put together a watchalike list for a film that is twenty years old, but instead of doing the normal to celebrate this one, well, I’m going for this instead.

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SIX MOVIES TO WATCH LIKE ‘AQUAMARINE.’ #OnThisDay #MovieAnniversary #EmmaRoberts Share on X

But we before we get to this small collection of titles, let’s wax poetic about Aquamarine, at least for a few lines. The film made its debut in 2006 and had Emma Roberts and JoJo in the lead roles starring alongside Sara Paxton, who played an older and beautiful mermaid that the besties find and shelter. The film is about the strength of friendship and the bonds within that relationship, and of course, there is some sense of being true to you and a splash of romance, too. Funnily enough, news also broke today that Emma Roberts is in talks to star in a reimagining of the 2009 film Bride Wars, which is being developed as a TV show for Peacock.

On this twenty-year milestone, let’s remember this one by seeing what other films you may like if you enjoy this one!

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A MOVIE ANNIVERSARY FEATURE: SIX MOVIES like AQUAMARINE

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ELLA ENCHANTED

This one earns a place because it’s classic in its own class, but also because it’s a quirky fairy tale, so I had to include it. It doesn’t have a mermaid but is still fun and full of silly but endearing hijinks, too! Plus, this was Anne Hathaway’s followup to her breakout role in Disney’s The Princess Diaries, so that’s fun. This one is based on the novel by Gail Carson.

Synopsis: As a baby, Ella receives a visit from Lucinda and is bestowed with a magical talent that requires her to obey anything she is told to do. This is more of a curse than a blessing once her mother dies and she is forced to live with Dame Olga. – via Prime Video

Stream, at publication, with Paramount+; or find to digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Is any list relating to mermaids in any way complete without mention of the classic Disney tale The Little Mermaid? I would argue that it never is! In this case, there are two versions of this story from Disney to choose from. The colorful and classic 1989 animated classic version or the more controversial but still well loved live-action remake from 2023.

I have only seen the older version, but I cannot imagine not liking the 2023 version since I have enjoyed all of the live-action Disney flicks I’ve seen, though of course I do have my favorites. Even still, I have a feeling that the newer version is good, just in a different way. The dreams, friendship and romance themes make this movie a great fit like Aquamarine.

Synopsis: In this breathtaking live-action reimagining of the beloved animated musical classic, a spirited young mermaid must follow her heart. She makes a deal with an evil sea witch that allows her to experience life on land, but that ultimately puts her life in jeopardy. Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers. – via Prime Video (2023)

Stream, at publication, with Disney+; or find to digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

MONTE CARLO

Adding this one solely for the strength of the friendship which is also a big part of Aquamarine. But also, there are some fairytale-esque elements with the girls meeting cute guys and seeing Europe in a whirlwind way that lends itself to fairytale and fantasy. It’s just a sweet movie if you want something simple, Monte Carlo delivers. And trust me, even if you have grown out of its teenage target range, sometimes simple is what we all need to watch!

Synopsis: Three young women get the upgrade of a lifetime on a post-high school trip to Paris in this comedy. – via Prime Video

Digitally purchase this film, at publication, on places like Prime Video

PRINCESS

This one aired on ABC Family years ago and follows a princess though I don’t know that mermaids play a role, still the fairy tale angle gets this one a place. It was a sweet film as I remember and had plenty of fairytale key moments including pretty gowns and a lovely little romance, too.

At present, this one isn’t readily available to stream; search for possible DVD copies online

PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM

This one has the same friendship values and features Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez in the roles of two very different girls! One a princess, and the other an ordinary teen who has to put up with the princess when she must go into hiding. The movie is quite cute, which I am saying having only ever seen this once (I think) many years ago.

Synopsis: Princess Rosalina is threatened by an evil dictator. – via Prime Video

Stream, at publication, with Disney+; or digitally purchase the film on places like Prime Video

SPLASH

This is a bit of an “outlier” to add to this list since Aquamarine is a film likely targeting the pre-teen age range. Splash is marketed for adults or certainly an older audience, and if I remember right, I do think it has some innuendo. Still, with the mermaid themes, in this case a guy (Tom Hanks) finds a mermaid that he ends up falling for, I had to include this one. It felt a little wrong not to!

Synopsis: Tom Hanks stars as a workaholic who’s convinced he can’t fall in love. That is, until he’s mysteriously rescued at sea by the mermaid of his dreams! – via Prime Video

Stream, at publication, with Disney+; or find digitally to purchase on places like Prime Video

BONUS TV ADDITION! H20: JUST ADD WATER

This is a show that, if I remember right, is one marketed to the same age as Aquamarine. (Which then means this is a great film in this movies list of titles like Aquamarine.) It’s also a show about friendship and the three friends who become mermaids after a mysterious event gives them magical powers! The show, according to its film location, is filmed in Australia so yes, there would be some stunning scenery!

Synopsis: When three normal teenage girls stumble upon an ancient cavern they undergo a transformation that will change their lives forever. H2O – Just Add Water, sees three very different girls facing everyday teen problems with an added twist – they’re mermaids with incredible powers over water. – via Prime Video

Stream, at publication, with Prime Video

Stream, at publication, Aquamarine with Disney+; or find the film to digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

Photos: Alamy

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Have you watched Aquamarine? What would you add to a list of movies to watch like Aquamarine? Will you be re-watching this film to celebrate this anniversary? Sound off in the comments with all of your thoughts!

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