Balto

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Balto

G

Released Dec 22, 1995

1h 17m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

56%

Tomatometer

25 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

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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

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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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Nick R

It's not an instant classic or anything new, but it's not all bad.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/07/24

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Kevan G

My favorite animated movie ever as a kid. I liked when Boris hit da gwiddy over the child coffins and Balto hit an performative dab. 10/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/11/24

Full Review

Addy M

It was amazing from the Animation and the Casting and the story and characters were executed well totally recommend this movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/24

Full Review

Julianny A

i absolutely love this move one of my all times faves growing up. growing up i would rewind this movie on the VCR AND WATCH IT ALL DAY ! ♥️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

Full Review

Ally J

An all time classic family favorite! Watched it as a child and it's only gotten better with age!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

Full Review

Charlotte B

Needs an update to PG rating. The story is good and the animation holds, some scenes are intense for young viewers. It's a cartoon but it does that weird thing that use to be popular were it starts with live people narrating.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

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

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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 - Mush!

3:28

Balto: Official Clip - Trapped Under Ice

1:55

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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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