10 Movies and Shows Similar to Felidae (1994)

Description: Animal Farm, like Felidae, uses animal characters to explore deep and often dark societal and political themes. Both films are allegories that critique human behavior and societal structures, with Animal Farm focusing on totalitarianism and revolution, while Felidae delves into mystery and corruption.

Fact: Animal Farm was the first British animated feature to be released in cinemas. The film was funded in part by the CIA as anti-communist propaganda during the Cold War. George Orwell's original novel was adapted with some changes to the ending to fit the political agenda of the time.

Description: The Rescuers, like Felidae, involves a mystery that the animal protagonists must solve, though it is more lighthearted in tone. Both films feature small animals navigating a human world, with The Rescuers focusing on a rescue mission, while Felidae delves into a darker, more sinister plot.

Fact: The Rescuers was the first Disney animated film to have a sequel, The Rescuers Down Under. It was based on a series of books by Margery Sharp. The film marked the last Disney animated feature to use the xerography process for inking before the advent of computer animation.

Description: Like Felidae, Watership Down is an animated film that explores dark and mature themes through the lens of animal characters. Both films delve into survival, societal structures, and the harsh realities of life, making them stand out from typical animated fare. The visual style of Watership Down, with its realistic and sometimes grim depiction of the animal world, mirrors the aesthetic of Felidae.

Fact: Based on Richard Adams' novel of the same name, the film was initially marketed as a children's movie but is known for its intense and violent scenes. The film's hauntingly beautiful soundtrack was composed by Angela Morley and Malcolm Williamson. It was one of the first animated films to receive a PG rating in the UK due to its mature content.

Description: The Secret of NIMH shares with Felidae a dark and complex narrative that explores themes of survival, scientific experimentation, and the struggle against oppressive forces. Both films feature anthropomorphic animals in a realistically depicted world, with a visual style that emphasizes shadows and moody lighting to enhance the tension and drama.

Fact: This was Don Bluth's first directorial effort after leaving Disney. The film is based on the novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. The animation was funded in part by a group of dentists who invested in the project.

Description: The Black Cauldron shares with Felidae a darker tone and more mature themes than typical animated films of their time. Both films feature protagonists who must confront evil forces, with The Black Cauldron leaning into fantasy and Felidae into noir mystery.

Fact: The Black Cauldron was the first Disney animated film to receive a PG rating. It was based on The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. The film was a box office failure but has since gained a cult following.

Description: An American Tail, like Felidae, uses animal characters to explore serious themes such as immigration, loss, and survival. Both films balance darker elements with moments of hope and resilience, though An American Tail is more musical and family-friendly.

Fact: The film was directed by Don Bluth and produced by Steven Spielberg. It was the first animated film to be produced by Amblin Entertainment. The song 'Somewhere Out There' won a Grammy Award and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Description: The Great Mouse Detective shares with Felidae a mystery-driven plot and a noir-inspired aesthetic, though it is more lighthearted and aimed at a younger audience. Both films feature animal detectives navigating a world filled with danger and intrigue.

Fact: The film was based on the Basil of Baker Street book series by Eve Titus. It was one of the first Disney animated films to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for the climactic clock tower scene. The voice of Professor Ratigan was provided by Vincent Price, who considered it one of his favorite roles.

Description: The Land Before Time and Felidae both explore themes of survival and the harsh realities of life through animal characters. While The Land Before Time is aimed at a younger audience, it doesn't shy away from moments of peril and loss, much like Felidae's more adult-oriented narrative.

Fact: The film was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. It spawned numerous direct-to-video sequels, making it one of the most prolific animated franchises. The original film's young voice actor, Judith Barsi, was tragically murdered before the film's release.

Description: The Lion King and Felidae both feature animal protagonists navigating complex social hierarchies and personal growth. While The Lion King is more family-friendly and musical, it shares with Felidae themes of legacy, responsibility, and the circle of life, albeit in a more accessible manner.

Fact: The Lion King was inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet. It was the highest-grossing traditional animated film of all time until Frozen surpassed it in 201The film's opening sequence, 'The Circle of Life,' was completed a year and a half before the rest of the movie.

Description: The Cat Returns shares with Felidae a feline-centric narrative, though it leans more towards fantasy and whimsy. Both films explore the idea of cats having their own societies and cultures, with The Cat Returns offering a lighter, more magical take compared to Felidae's noir-inspired mystery.

Fact: The film is a spin-off of Whisper of the Heart, featuring the Baron, a cat figurine that comes to life. It was directed by Hiroyuki Morita, his debut as a director for Studio Ghibli. The voice cast includes Anne Hathaway in the English dub as Haru.