Beetles, with their diverse forms and behaviours, have long fascinated filmmakers. This curated collection of films delves into the world of these insects, offering viewers a blend of documentary, animation, and narrative storytelling. From the microscopic adventures of beetles to their impact on human lives, these films provide a unique lens through which to appreciate the complexity and beauty of nature's smallest creatures.

James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Description: This adaptation of Roald Dahl's book features a giant peach inhabited by insects, including a glowworm and a centipede, with beetles playing a part in the magical journey.
Fact: The film combines live-action with stop-motion animation, a technique that was groundbreaking at the time.


A Bug's Life (1998)
Description: Although focused on ants, this Pixar film includes various insects, including beetles. The story revolves around an ant colony's struggle against grasshoppers, with beetles as part of the insect ecosystem.
Fact: The film was inspired by Aesop's fable "The Ant and the Grasshopper."


The Wild (2006)
Description: This animated film features a variety of animals, including a dung beetle, in a story about a lion cub's journey to find his father in the wild.
Fact: The film was produced by C.O.R.E. Feature Animation, known for its work on "The Wild Thornberrys Movie."


The Ant Bully (2006)
Description: While primarily about ants, this animated film features a beetle character, Zoc, who plays a crucial role in the story. It's a tale of transformation and understanding, with beetles playing a part in the insect community.
Fact: The film was directed by John A. Davis, who also directed the popular "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius."


The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Description: In this animated comedy, a beetle named Mel plays a minor but memorable role. His unique perspective on life adds humor and depth to the film's exploration of pets' secret lives.
Fact: The character of Mel was voiced by Bobby Moynihan, known for his work on "Saturday Night Live."


Microcosmos (1996)
Description: This French documentary captures the daily life of insects, including beetles, in stunning detail. It's a visual feast that showcases the intricate world of these creatures, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film was shot over a period of 15 months, using specially designed macro lenses to capture the insects' world.


The Little Prince (2015)
Description: In this adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic, a beetle appears in the story, adding to the whimsical and philosophical nature of the tale.
Fact: The film uses a mix of CGI and stop-motion animation, paying homage to the original book's illustrations.


The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
Description: While not exclusively about beetles, this heartwarming tale of friendship between a cat and a pug includes scenes with beetles, showcasing their natural interactions.
Fact: The film was originally a Japanese production, later dubbed into English for international release.


The Princess and the Magical Kingdom (2019)
Description: This animated film includes a beetle character who helps the princess on her quest. It's a charming tale that highlights the role of insects in fantasy narratives.
Fact: The film was produced by a lesser-known studio, showcasing the diversity of animation in storytelling.


The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Description: This Studio Ghibli film, while focused on Borrowers, includes scenes with insects, including a beetle, that play a role in the miniature world the characters inhabit.
Fact: The film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who later directed "Mary and the Witch's Flower."
