Rats have long been a source of fascination and fear in cinema, often portrayed as both heroes and villains. This curated list of 10 films dives into the world of these clever creatures, showcasing their intelligence, resilience, and sometimes, their darker side. From heartwarming tales to spine-chilling adventures, these movies offer a unique perspective on rats, making them not just pests but protagonists in their own right. Whether you're a rodent enthusiast or just looking for something different, these films are sure to entertain and enlighten.

Ratatouille (2007)
Description: This animated masterpiece by Pixar features Remy, a rat with dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. His culinary journey not only showcases his talent but also challenges the stereotypes about rats.
Fact: The film's title is a play on words, combining "rat" and "ratatouille," a French vegetable stew. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.


Willard (1971)
Description: A psychological thriller about a lonely man who befriends a horde of rats, using them for revenge. This film explores the darker side of human-animal relationships.
Fact: The film was remade in 2003 with Crispin Glover in the lead role. The original movie was inspired by the novel "Ratman's Notebooks" by Stephen Gilbert.


The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Description: Based on the novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH," this animated film tells the story of a field mouse who seeks help from a group of intelligent rats to save her home.
Fact: The film was Don Bluth's first feature film after leaving Disney. It was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film.


Ben (1972)
Description: A sequel to "Willard," this film focuses on Ben, the leader of the rats, who forms an unlikely friendship with a young boy, leading to tragic consequences.
Fact: The film's theme song, "Ben," performed by Michael Jackson, became a hit single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot


The Rats (2002)
Description: A TV movie based on James Herbert's novel, where rats in New York City mutate into deadly predators, causing chaos and fear among the city's inhabitants.
Fact: The film was part of a series of adaptations of Herbert's works, focusing on horror elements involving animals.


Rat Race (2001)
Description: While not about rats per se, this comedy features a group of people racing across the country for a prize, with one character carrying a rat named "Rufus" as part of the chaos.
Fact: The film includes numerous cameos from celebrities like Kathy Bates and Whoopi Goldberg.


The Pied Piper (1972)
Description: This adaptation of the classic tale features rats as a central plot element, with the Piper using his music to lead the rats away from Hamelin.
Fact: The film was directed by Jacques Demy and stars Donovan as the Piper, with a memorable soundtrack.


The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Description: An animated film about a brave mouse named Despereaux who, unlike other mice, loves stories and dreams of becoming a knight. His journey involves rats in a unique way.
Fact: The film features an all-star voice cast including Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Watson.


The Rats (1982)
Description: Another adaptation of James Herbert's novel, this time focusing on a scientist's experiment gone wrong, leading to an invasion of intelligent, aggressive rats.
Fact: The film was released under different titles in various countries, including "Deadly Eyes" in the U.S.


The Rats of Tobruk (1944)
Description: A war film that uses the term "rats" as a nickname for the Australian soldiers who defended Tobruk during WWII, showcasing their resilience and bravery.
Fact: The film was produced during WWII to boost morale and was based on real events and the nickname given by German forces to the Australian troops.
