Balto

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Balto

G

1995

1h 17m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In this animated feature, a deadly diphtheria epidemic strikes the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With the life-saving medicine located hundreds of miles away, the residents decide to send out a sled-dog team. Balto (Kevin Bacon) -- a half-wolf dog ignored by all except a goose, Boris (Bob Hoskins), and two polar bears -- is chosen to run but is disqualified by lead dog Steele (Jim Cummings). When the other dogs get lost in the snow, Balto risks his life to rescue them and deliver the medicine.

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Critics Consensus

Balto is a well-meaning adventure with spirited animation, but mushy sentimentality and bland characterization keeps it at paw's length from more sophisticated family fare.

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Paul Merrill

Empire Magazine

With no cheesy songs to slow proceedings down and some barnstorming chase sequences, this is enchanting, highly enjoyable and impressively crafted (not least for its adventurous "camera work") and would have made a pretty fair live action film.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 4, 2019

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Brave dog saves kids in adequate fact-based film.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 23, 2010

Full Review

Brian Lowry

Variety

The goose and bears, in particular, don't add much to the proceedings, while Balto himself proves rather blandly heroic.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

At one hour and 14 minutes, it's just about the right length.

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 2, 2022

Full Review

Sergio Benítez

Espinof

'Balto' is touching, even if in very specific moments -, it is so much because of the honesty in those moments in which the drama is not covered by any extra layer. [Full Review in Spanish]

Aug 22, 2019

Full Review

David Parkinson

Radio Times

Kevin Bacon's voice turns the wolf-dog crossbreed into a no-nonsense hero with a sense of duty that far outweighs the pride of his deadly rival, Steele, while Bob Hoskins's eccentric Russian goose provides the comedy.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 4, 2019

Full Review

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Briauna L

Loved this movie growing up and I love it now.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/25

Full Review

Kyle T

Awesome movie about Nome Alaska's true hero! Balto the Husky who's half wolf. It's fun, entertaining, and all around clean with laughs. Great family film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/25

Full Review

Emilio T

The film is not based on real facts (not only because they have invented action scenes to make it more attractive to children: also because Balto was the last step in a chain of team-leaders, and the dog Togo was the one who made most of the effort). However, nice movie for kids.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/09/25

Full Review

Garrett B

Solid animated feature.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Successful cartoon movie in 1 hour and 17 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $11,200,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/19/25

Full Review

Xander M

really good family movie! it's a good story (also based on true events) and well made!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/13/25

Full Review

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Simon Wells

Director

Miriam Margolyes

Grandma Rosy

Lola Bates-Campbell

Granddaughter

Kevin Bacon

Balto

Bob Hoskins

Boris the Goose

Bridget Fonda

Jenna

Balto: Official Clip - The Dog Race

2:11

Balto: Official Clip - Balto Gets Confused

1:53

Balto: Official Clip - Balto vs. Steele

3:37

Balto: Official Clip - Steele's Team Crashes

1:31

Balto: Official Clip - Balto, I'd Be Lost Without You

1:55

Balto: Official Clip - The Bear Fight

2:17

Balto: Official Clip - The White Wolf

2:30

Balto: Official Clip - Saving the Hat

2:17

Balto: Official Clip - Trapped Under Ice

1:55

Balto: Official Clip - Mush!

3:28

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Synopsis

In this animated feature, a deadly diphtheria epidemic strikes the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With the life-saving medicine located hundreds of miles away, the residents decide to send out a sled-dog team. Balto (Kevin Bacon) -- a half-wolf dog ignored by all except a goose, Boris (Bob Hoskins), and two polar bears -- is chosen to run but is disqualified by lead dog Steele (Jim Cummings). When the other dogs get lost in the snow, Balto risks his life to rescue them and deliver the medicine.

Director: Simon Wells
Producer: Steve Hickner
Screenwriter: Elana Lesser, Cliff Ruby, Roger S.H. Schulman, David Steven Cohen
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 22, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 10, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $11.2M
Runtime: 1h 17m
Sound Mix: Surround

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