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The Great Mouse Detective

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The Great Mouse Detective

G

Released Jul 2, 1986

1h 20m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Rodent supersleuth Basil and his bumbling partner must thwart evil Ratigan's plot to depose the Mouse Queen.

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Critics Consensus

The Great Mouse Detective may not rank with Disney's classics, but it's an amiable, entertaining picture with some stylishly dark visuals.

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Jill Rachlin

Entertainment Weekly

Older kids may be less enthused by this mousy story, though parents, particularly Basil Rathbone fans, will marvel at the accuracy with which this sophisticated homage hits Holmes.

Rated: A-

Nov 12, 2019

Full Review

Caren Weiner Campbell

Entertainment Weekly

There's no need for details - you know his methods, Watson - but suffice it to say that The Great Mouse Detective's few tunes are unmemorable and all the action (aside from the inventive chase sequences) is snooze-worthy.

Nov 12, 2019

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Charles Solomon

Los Angeles Times

"The Great Mouse Detective" reflects the energy and enthusiasm of a talented group of young artists stretching their wings for the first time.

Nov 12, 2019

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Dan Webster

Spokesman-Review (Washington)

Especially entertaining is Vincent Price, who imbues the voice of dastardly Prof Ratigan with just the right amount of ham.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 27, 2024

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

... never less than enjoyable, but there’s a few narrative flourishes, like the wonderfully elaborate manner of execution prepared for Holmes, that look forwards to the best comic exaggerations of the later Disney style...

Rated: 4/5

Jan 29, 2024

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Carson Timar

ButteredPopcorn

The film is a technical marvel and there is no denying the strength of Vincent Price, but the mystery is mishandled and the protagonists are simply not fun to be around.

Jan 14, 2023

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Nicholas B

The Great Mouse Detective is a delightful four-star animated adventure that I really enjoyed. With its engaging mystery, memorable characters, and exciting storytelling, it brings a fun and clever twist to the classic detective genre. Basil and Dawson’s dynamic, paired with the fantastic villain Ratigan, make it a thrilling and entertaining Disney classic that’s full of charm and adventure.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/25/25

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William M

Truly an underated Disney gem if there was one. The film is very smart with characters that are very lovable. this is one of the rare instances where both the Hero and Villain are equally charismatic in their own delightful ways. Disney truly owes a lot to this film's success for saving their Animation studio and paving the way for the Disney Renaissance. Basil is a great hero and character and Ratigan is equally a thrilling villain. Highly recommend you all watch this classic and give it the love it so rightfully deserves.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/23/25

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Dino G

The Great Mouse Detective is a good mystery film based on the books. I've never read the books but I still really enjoy this movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/05/25

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Micah H

There are definitely some problems, but Basil is such a great protagonist that it’s worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/25

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Audience Member

Watched this movie a bunch as a kid. The writing is really well-paced, Basil is both a hilarious and amazingly brilliant protagonist who's only brought higher by his relationship with his sidekick, David and ESPECIALLY his arch-nemesis, Ratigan, who's honestly one of the most underrated and charismatic Disney villains. The songs are great, the animation is top-notch. Idk what else to tell ya. This is peak. Good day, lads.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

Full Review

Karl N

When Disney still made stuff people liked. It’s excellent.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/24/24

Full Review

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John Musker

Director

Ron Clements

Director

David Michener

Director

Burny Mattinson

Director

Vincent Price

Professor Ratigan

Barrie Ingham

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Synopsis

Rodent supersleuth Basil and his bumbling partner must thwart evil Ratigan's plot to depose the Mouse Queen.

Director: John Musker, Ron Clements, David Michener, Burny Mattinson
Producer: Burny Mattinson
Screenwriter: Peter Young, Vance Gerry, Steve Hulett, Ron Clements, John Musker, Bruce Morris, Matthew O'Callaghan, Burny Mattinson, David Michener
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 2, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.3M
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Surround

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