Family Films About Secret Labs

Description: This animated film tells the story of Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse who seeks the aid of a group of super-intelligent rats from a secret laboratory. It's a tale of courage, science, and the bond between creatures, making it a unique addition to our list.

Fact: The film was Don Bluth's first independent feature after leaving Disney, and it was critically acclaimed for its dark, mature themes in an animated format.

Description: While not strictly for young children, this film's theme of a scientist experimenting with teleportation in his secret lab offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, suitable for older kids and teens.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1958 film of the same name, and it won an Academy Award for Best Makeup.

Description: This classic film follows an eccentric inventor whose shrinking machine accidentally miniaturizes his children and their friends. Their journey through the backyard, now a vast wilderness, is both humorous and heartwarming, making it a perfect fit for our theme.

Fact: The film was so popular it spawned a franchise, including sequels and a TV series. The special effects were groundbreaking for their time, using practical effects to create the illusion of a giant world.

Description: Professor Philip Brainard invents a substance called Flubber, which has the ability to bounce, fly, and even think. This film combines the excitement of a secret lab with the chaos of a living, bouncing goo, offering a fun, family-friendly adventure.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1961 movie "The Absent-Minded Professor." Robin Williams improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's comedic charm.

Description: While not about a lab, the film features a robot with a secret origin, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the ethics of creation, which resonate with the theme of secret labs.

Fact: The film was a box office flop but has since gained a cult following and critical acclaim.

Description: Carmen and Juni Cortez discover their parents are spies and must use gadgets from a secret lab to save them, blending family dynamics with high-tech adventure.

Fact: The film was a surprise hit, spawning a franchise that includes sequels, a TV series, and even a reboot.

Description: The Parr family, all with superpowers, must navigate life in hiding, but their secret lab-like lair and the gadgets they use make this film a fitting inclusion.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and was praised for its storytelling and character development.

Description: Although not directly about a lab, the film features animals from a zoo who embark on an adventure to save their friend, showcasing themes of friendship and exploration akin to secret lab adventures.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Wild Life" but was changed to avoid confusion with another film.

Description: Max creates a dream world where he encounters Sharkboy and Lavagirl, who come from a secret lab where dreams are made. This film blends fantasy with the concept of a lab where imagination becomes reality.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Rodriguez, who also directed "Spy Kids," another family-friendly adventure series.

Description: Lucas, a young boy, is shrunk to the size of an ant by a wizard ant from a secret ant lab, teaching him about teamwork and respect for nature.

Fact: The film was based on a children's book by John Nickle, and it uses CGI to bring the ant world to life.