Once Upon a Forest

Play trailer

Once Upon a Forest

G

1993

1h 20m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Animation

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

22%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In this animated tale, a toxic spill from an encroaching construction site threatens the life of a badger (Elisabeth Moss), so three woodland creatures -- wood mouse Abigail (Ellen Blain), mole Edgar (Ben Gregory) and hedgehog Russell (Paige Gosney) -- must brave a treacherous journey to find a cure. As the threat of the destructive humans looms ever closer, the animals are in a race against time as their remaining family and friends struggle to survive in the face of disaster.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Inert animation and generically chipper characters rob Once Upon a Forest of any personality despite its well-intentioned message and critter appeal for very young children.

Read Critics Reviews

Jeff Shannon

Seattle Times

06/17/2014

2.5/4

It's a good thing this breezy animated adventure lasts only slightly more than 70 minutes. Children will no doubt enjoy its simple tale, but would probably grow restless if it went on for a minute longer.

Go to Full Review

Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

06/17/2014

2.5/4

Respect for nature and the environment is a message that no one would quarrel with, but this is yet another example of a movie that can't or won't differentiate between technology and the use to which it is put.

Go to Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

06/17/2014

1/4

The characters are not memorable; the songs are lame and the drawing style is pedestrian.

Go to Full Review

Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

06/06/2018

A pleasing, sweet primer in caring for our flora and fauna.

Go to Full Review

Quentin Curtis

Independent on Sunday

12/07/2017

For all the feeling the drawing instills in the figures, it might be termed inanimation.

Go to Full Review

Candice Russell

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

06/17/2014

3.5/4

From the first moments of Once Upon a Forest, there is evidence of high artistic standards. The backgrounds are beautifully detailed, right down to the shading and contours of a tree trunk.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Hailey L

Oct 22

My childhood! Love this movie and watch it over and over. ❤️

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 Jun 14

Success in 1 1/3 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $6,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See more

Emily C

Jun 2

No matter how “technically” imperfect critics will say this movie, it is faultless in awakening a lasting emotional impact that will stay with you for years. I watched this movie many times as a child, and I’ll never forget the way it made me feel. The soundtrack, particularly the creeping music surrounding the smog, has a way of staying with you. Probably 25 years on since I first saw the movie, and though I cant remember the notes, I vividly remember the feelings that the soundtrack, coupled by the creepy animation, evoked in me. Not only that, but the voice acting is unique and well characterised - I still remember Michelle’s little voice and how she broke my heart. The story is thought provoking and definitely still relevant 30 years on, as a way to make children stop and think about the effect of pollution on the world and its fauna and flora. It *will* stay with them.

See more

Bobby B

Mar 9

I can't even honestly review this coz, you know, nostalgia. So u dont get a review.

See more

Maryah V

Mar 4

This was one of my absolute favorites growing up. Adults just suck. But for kids? Absolutely wonderful film. I even named my youngest son Russell! (Maybe not specifically after the character in this film but it's where I got the idea for the name.)

See more

Alexander S

Jan 24

Although not the most acclaimed animated film, Once Upon a Forest is undoubtedly a charming hand-drawn animation from the 90s. It’s a heartwarming and innocent children’s movie that holds a special place in my childhood memories. The film conveys a powerful message about environmental conservation, which resonates deeply with me and continues to warm my heart. Grading: B-

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Charles Grosvenor

Director

David Michener

Director

Michael Crawford

Cornelius

Ben Vereen

Phineas

Ellen Blain

Abigail

Benji Gregory

Edgar

A Troll in Central Park

14%

47%

A Troll in Central Park

Watchlist

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story

40%

50%

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story

Watchlist

The Pebble and the Penguin

31%

46%

The Pebble and the Penguin

Watchlist

Beauty and the Beast

95%

94%

Beauty and the Beast

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Beauty and the Beast

The Little Mermaid

92%

88%

The Little Mermaid

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Little Mermaid

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

In this animated tale, a toxic spill from an encroaching construction site threatens the life of a badger (Elisabeth Moss), so three woodland creatures -- wood mouse Abigail (Ellen Blain), mole Edgar (Ben Gregory) and hedgehog Russell (Paige Gosney) -- must brave a treacherous journey to find a cure. As the threat of the destructive humans looms ever closer, the animals are in a race against time as their remaining family and friends struggle to survive in the face of disaster.

Director: Charles Grosvenor, David Michener
Producer: David Kirschner, Jerry Mills
Screenwriter: Rae Lambert, Kelly Ward, Mark Young
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Harlech Television, Hanna-Barbera Productions
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 18, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.1M
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Surround

Most Popular at Home Now