Family Films About Mad Scientists

Description: Professor Ned Brainard invents a substance called Flubber, which causes chaos and hilarity. This film is a classic example of a mad scientist's invention causing unexpected results.

Fact: The film was the first Disney movie to be shown on television, and it inspired the later "Flubber" remake.

Description: Professor Julius Kelp invents a potion to transform himself into a suave, confident man, leading to humorous and heartwarming situations. This classic showcases the mad scientist trope with a focus on personal transformation.

Fact: Jerry Lewis played both the professor and his alter ego Buddy Love. The film was remade in 1996 with Eddie Murphy in the lead role.

Description: A college student accidentally becomes a human computer after an electrical mishap, leading to humorous and educational situations. This film is a light-hearted take on the mad scientist theme.

Fact: The film was part of Disney's "Medfield College" series, which included other mad scientist-themed movies.

Description: Dr. Emmett Brown, a mad scientist, invents a time machine out of a DeLorean car, leading to an adventure across time. This film blends science fiction with family-friendly humor and adventure.

Fact: The film's famous clock tower scene was shot in one take due to the complexity of the setup. The DeLorean was chosen for its futuristic look and gull-wing doors.

Description: Two teenage boys create the perfect woman using a computer, leading to a series of wild and comedic events. This film explores the idea of mad science through the lens of teenage fantasy.

Fact: The film was directed by John Hughes, known for his teen comedies. The character of Lisa was inspired by the Bride of Frankenstein.

Description: While primarily an animated adventure, the film features Professor Ratigan, a villainous mouse with a penchant for mad science, creating gadgets and schemes to outwit Sherlock Holmes' mouse counterpart.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Basil of Baker Street series of children's books. Vincent Price provided the voice for Ratigan, adding a memorable villain to Disney's roster.

Description: Wayne Szalinski, an eccentric inventor, accidentally shrinks his children and their friends to a quarter-inch tall with his electromagnetic shrinking machine. This film captures the essence of a mad scientist's unintended consequences in a fun, adventurous way.

Fact: The film was so successful that it spawned two sequels and a TV show. The special effects used to make the kids look tiny were groundbreaking at the time.

Description: This film follows Professor Philip Brainard as he accidentally creates a bouncy, green substance called Flubber, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic events. It's a perfect example of a mad scientist's invention gone awry in a family-friendly setting.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1961 movie "The Absent-Minded Professor". The Flubber in the movie was made from a mixture of rubber, plastic, and other materials to achieve the bouncing effect.

Description: A lawyer turns into a sheepdog due to a genetic experiment gone wrong, leading to a series of family-friendly misadventures. This film showcases the comedic side of scientific mishaps.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1959 movie of the same name. Tim Allen, who stars in the film, also voiced Buzz Lightyear in the "Toy Story" series.

Description: While not a traditional mad scientist, Dr. John Dolittle's ability to talk to animals and his subsequent experiments with this gift fit the theme of eccentric science.

Fact: Eddie Murphy's performance was critically acclaimed, and the film led to several sequels and a TV series.