Once Upon a Forest

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Once Upon a Forest

G

Released Jun 18, 1993

1h 20m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Animation

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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.

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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.

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Jeff Shannon

Seattle Times

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.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 17, 2014

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Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

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.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 17, 2014

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

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

Rated: 1/4

Jun 17, 2014

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Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

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

Jun 6, 2018

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Quentin Curtis

Independent on Sunday

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

Dec 7, 2017

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Candice Russell

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 17, 2014

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Stephen C

Failure in 1 1/3 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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Emily C

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

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Bobby B

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

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Maryah V

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.)

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

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Alex S

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-

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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Chelsea G

A little dark but loved watching it growing up, where my hatred of humans began lol

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/24

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Charles Grosvenor

Director

David Michener

Director

Michael Crawford

Cornelius

Ben Vereen

Phineas

Ellen Blain

Abigail

Benji Gregory

Edgar

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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

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