Rats often get a bad rap, but in the world of cinema, they can be the stars of heartwarming and humorous family tales. This collection showcases ten delightful films where rats play central roles, offering lessons in friendship, courage, and the unexpected. These films not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the lives of these often misunderstood creatures, making them perfect for family viewing.
The Rats of Tobruk (1944)
Description: This Australian war film, while not family-oriented, includes the nickname "Rats of Tobruk" for the soldiers, offering a historical context for the term.
Fact: It was one of the first films to depict the Australian military's role in WWII. The term "Rats of Tobruk" was coined by German propagandists.
Watch Now
The Rescuers (1977)
Description: Similar to its sequel, this film features a villainous rat, Madame Medusa, providing a darker side to the rodent world.
Fact: The film was Disney's first animated feature to be released in the fall season. It was also the last Disney film to be released during Walt Disney's lifetime.
Watch Now
The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Description: Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, seeks help from a group of intelligent rats to save her son, introducing children to themes of bravery and scientific ethics.
Fact: The film was based on the book "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien. It was one of the first animated films to use computer-generated imagery.
Watch Now
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Description: Although focused on mice, the film includes a villainous rat, Percival C. McLeach, adding a rat-centric twist to the adventure.
Fact: This was the first Disney animated film to be entirely produced using computer animation for its effects.
Watch Now
Stuart Little (1999)
Description: Although Stuart is a mouse, his adventures and family dynamics resonate with themes similar to those in rat-centric films, making it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: The film was based on the book by E.B. White. Michael J. Fox provided the voice for Stuart.
Watch Now
Ratatouille (2007)
Description: This animated adventure follows Remy, a rat with dreams of becoming a chef, who teams up with a kitchen worker to achieve his culinary aspirations.
Fact: The film's title is a play on words, combining "rat" with "bouillabaisse," a French fish stew. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Watch Now
The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Description: Despereaux, a brave mouse, embarks on a quest to rescue a princess, but his story intertwines with a rat's journey, highlighting themes of courage and redemption.
Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Watson. It's based on the book by Kate DiCamillo.
Watch Now
Flushed Away (2006)
Description: Roddy St. James, a pampered pet rat, gets flushed down the toilet into a bustling underground city where he encounters a streetwise rat named Rita.
Fact: The film features the voices of Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet. It was co-produced by Aardman Animations, known for Wallace & Gromit.
Watch Now
Rat Race (2001)
Description: While not about rats, the film's title and theme of a race to a prize in Las Vegas give it a playful nod to our rodent friends.
Fact: The film includes a cameo by Rowan Atkinson. It was inspired by the 1963 film "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."
Watch Now
The Mouse and His Child (1977)
Description: This animated film features a mechanical mouse and his child who encounter various creatures, including rats, on their journey to become self-winding.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Russell Hoban. It was produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson, known for their work on "The Point!"
30 Days Free
