The Secret of NIMH

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The Secret of NIMH

G

Released Jul 30, 1982

1h 22m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

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70 Reviews

86%

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5,000+ Ratings

Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman), a widowed mouse, must move her children out of their home in a field before the local farmer starts plowing. Unable to leave because her son is ill, Mrs. Brisby seeks the help of nearby rats, who have heightened intelligence after being the subjects of scientific experiments. She receives an unexpected gift from the elder rat, Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi). Soon Mrs. Brisby is caught in a conflict among the rats, jeopardizing her mission to save her family.

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Critics Consensus

The Secret of NIMH seeks to resurrect the classical style of American animation and succeeds, telling a mature story with rapturous presentation.

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Sadly, The Secret of NIMH is beautiful but unbalanced: The animators gambled when they should have gamboled.

Nov 11, 2021

Full Review

Susie Eisenhuth

Sydney Morning Herald

Parents wistful for the world of mystery and magic fondly remembered from the best of the Disney cartoon features should hasten along to this rather endearing fantasy.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 11, 2021

Full Review

Neil Jillett

The Age (Australia)

This American full-length animated cartoon lives up to its publicity as a return to the meticulous artwork and storybook charm of the golden days of Disney.

Nov 11, 2021

Full Review

Katie Hogan

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

At its heart, The Secret of NIMH is aimed at children, but it still hits all the same nostalgic notes for those who watched it as a child and again as an adult.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 11, 2024

Full Review

Mat Brunet

AniMat's Review (YouTube)

The Secret of NIMH is an animated feature that has every right to be called a masterpiece. Just about every element of this picture is amazingly crafted to present how animation can truly be a storytelling medium.

Rated: 10/10

Sep 6, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

Known for its beautiful hand-drawn animation style, one very unique to that time period and a far cry from the computer-generated style that would take hold in the Pixar era. (40th anniversary)

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 5, 2022

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Emma F

This film is one of Don Bluth's best.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/07/25

Full Review

Fer S

I thought it was boring. Some of the characters lose relevance quite quickly after being introduced. The climax of the movie has no explanation whatsoever.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

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Jessica D

One of Don Bluths best films ever!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

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Mark M

Hugely underappreciated animated classic. The score by Jerry Goldsmith is fantastic!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/12/25

Full Review

Isaac S

Movie felt fast. Some parts didn't line up to the book and I know it's not supposed to exactly but it just felt off. Animation was good though

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/25

Full Review

Tilman G

The Secret of NIMH is Don Bluth's best work and a true classic of animated film. The unique style, the detailed animations and the dark atmosphere make the film a fascinating experience. The dark narrative style in particular, reminiscent of *Watership Down*, casts a spell over the viewer and conveys a very characteristic feeling of suspense. However, when re-watched as an adult, the childlike subject matter loses a little of its impact. Despite this slight weakness, the film remains an outstanding work that deals with profound themes in a unique way.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/25

Full Review

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Don Bluth

Director

Elizabeth Hartman

Mrs. Brisby

Derek Jacobi

Nicodemus

Dom DeLuise

Jeremy

Shannen Doherty

Teresa

Edie McClurg

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Synopsis

Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman), a widowed mouse, must move her children out of their home in a field before the local farmer starts plowing. Unable to leave because her son is ill, Mrs. Brisby seeks the help of nearby rats, who have heightened intelligence after being the subjects of scientific experiments. She receives an unexpected gift from the elder rat, Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi). Soon Mrs. Brisby is caught in a conflict among the rats, jeopardizing her mission to save her family.

Director: Don Bluth
Producer: Gary Goldman, Don Bluth
Screenwriter: Don Bluth, Will Finn, Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy
Distributor: United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Aurora, Don Bluth
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 30, 1982, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 25, 2012
Runtime: 1h 22m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, 1.66:1, Flat (1.85:1)

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