Rats often get a bad rap, but in cinema, they can be the stars of heartwarming and family-friendly stories. This collection of films showcases the charm, intelligence, and sometimes the mischief of these small creatures, offering lessons in friendship, courage, and family values. These movies are not only entertaining but also provide a unique perspective on the often misunderstood rodent, making them a delightful watch for viewers of all ages.

The Rats of Tobruk (1944)
Description: Although not a family film in the traditional sense, this Australian war drama features the nickname "Rats of Tobruk," given to the soldiers defending the Libyan port. It's included for its historical significance and the unique use of the term "rats."
Fact: The film was one of the first to depict Australian soldiers in World War II, highlighting their bravery and resilience.


The Rescuers (1977)
Description: While not exclusively about rats, the film features Bernard and Miss Bianca, two mice on a rescue mission, showcasing themes of heroism and teamwork.
Fact: This was the first Disney animated feature to have a sequel, "The Rescuers Down Under."


The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Description: Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, seeks help from the rats of NIMH to save her son. This film delves into themes of intelligence, community, and survival, making it an excellent addition to our list.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien.


An American Tail (1986)
Description: Fievel Mousekewitz, a young mouse, searches for his family in America. This film explores themes of immigration and family bonds, with rats playing a significant role in the story.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the director's grandfather, who emigrated from Russia to America.


The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Description: Basil of Baker Street, a mouse detective, solves a mystery involving a rat villain. It's a fun, family-friendly take on the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Basil of Baker Street" but was changed to avoid confusion with the TV series "Sherlock Holmes."


Stuart Little (1999)
Description: Although Stuart is a mouse, his adventures with his adoptive family and his friend Snowbell the cat resonate with themes of family and acceptance, making it a heartwarming watch for all ages.
Fact: The film was the first movie to be entirely shot in New York City since "The Godfather."


Ratatouille (2007)
Description: This animated film follows Remy, a rat with dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. It's a perfect fit for this list as it showcases the culinary talents of a rat, teaching about following your dreams and the importance of teamwork.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life chef, Auguste Gusteau, and the animators studied real rats to capture their movements accurately.


The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Description: Despereaux, a brave mouse, embarks on a quest to save a princess. This film highlights bravery, honor, and the power of stories, fitting perfectly into our theme of family-friendly rat tales.
Fact: The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.


Flushed Away (2006)
Description: Roddy, a pampered pet rat, gets flushed into the sewers where he encounters a world of adventure. This film is all about adapting to new environments and making friends in unexpected places.
Fact: The film was originally planned as a stop-motion animation but was changed to CGI due to budget constraints.


The Mouse and the Motorcycle (1986)
Description: Ralph, a mouse, befriends a boy and goes on adventures on his toy motorcycle. This film teaches about friendship and responsibility, with a mouse at the center of the story.
Fact: The film was based on the book by Beverly Cleary, which was part of a series featuring Ralph.
