Whether you find them cute or ick, rats have appeared as much-loved characters in some of our favourite flicks over the years. Here's eight of our faves for you to enjoy over Chinese New Year...
Now that Christmas is officially over, we’re diving headfirst into all things Chinese New Year-related. That includes picking the best restaurant for your family reunion dinner, stocking up on snacks for the festive season, and shopping for cute Chinese New Year outfits for the kiddos. Plus, you can bet we’ll also cover everything to do with rats! The Chinese zodiac animal sign for 2020, rats have featured in multiple blockbuster films over the years. Grab some popcorn – we’ve got some great recommendations for you to enjoy with your littlies and pet rats (if any). Read on below!
1. Ratatouille
Mention rats in movies and the first film to come to most parents’ minds has definitely got to be the 2007 Disney Pixar film, Ratatouille (above). Named after the famous French Provençal dish, this animated film is set in Paris and follows the story of Remy, an anthropomorphic rat who dreams about becoming a famous chef like his idol, and eventually finds himself in the kitchen of his idol’s restaurant. Heartwarming, funny and with well-rounded characters, the littlies will not only enjoy this flick, but will certainly wish they have a pet rat who could teach them how to cook scrumptious French dishes, too.
Watch it on Netflix here
2. Flushed Away
What happens when a posh pet rat is flushed down the toilet by a sewer rat? Turns out, finding your way back home’s quite an adventure! Follow along with Roddy St. James as he does just that by exploring the sewers below London and fending off bad guys with the help of Rita Malone, a resourceful scavenger. Kids and kidults will definitely be entertained as they follow these characters on their journey back home, with plenty of hilarious moments along the way.
Coming soon to Netflix
3. The Rescuers
This one’s an oldie but a goodie – parents, you might remember watching this Walt Disney classic as a kid yourselves. Join mice Bernard and Miss Bianca from the Rescue Aid Society, an independent mouse organisation in the United Nations as they set out to rescue Penny, a young orphan in need of help. The film’s great at teaching kids the importance of being brave, while also reminding them to have fun as they go on an exciting adventure. If your little ones are up for more, then put on its sequel, The Rescuers Down Under as Bernard and Bianca go on another adventure – this time in the Australian Outback. Fun!
Available on Prime Video
4. Stuart Little
A classic in children’s literature by novelist E.B. White (who also wrote Charlotte’s Web, see #5), Stuart Little follows the story of a rat who behaves, in every way, like a boy. Likewise, the 1999 family live-action movie is loosely based on this beloved novel and follows an anthropomorphic rat that is adopted by the Little family – Eleanor and Frederick Little, their son, George, and the family cat, Snowbell. The kiddos will certainly enjoy watching Snowbell and Stuart tussle in typical cat-and-mouse fashion. And, if the young ‘uns can’t get enough, they’ll be glad to know there are two sequels and a television series to watch, too.
Coming soon to Netflix
5. Charlotte’s Web
Alright, we know – Charlotte’s Web technically doesn’t count because its main character is a pig, but we couldn’t pass this classic up. Here’s another book-to-movie adaptation from children’s literature author E.B. White. Charlotte’s Web is a tale of a friendship between Wilbur, a livestock pig, and Charlotte, a barnhouse spider. When Wilbur finds out he’s in danger of being slaughtered that Christmas, Charlotte and the other barnyard animals including Templeton, the comic relief rat, band together to save him. It’s a heartwarming story of friendship, and an excellent retelling of the beloved book.
Watch it on Netflix here
6. An American Tail
Folks, you’ll want to cuddle with the kids on the couch and hold them tight as you watch An American Tail, a heartwarming flick that follows Fievel Mousekewitz and his family as they emigrate from Ukraine to the United States. Along the journey, Fievel suddenly finds himself separated from his family. Will he be able to find them again? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out! This uplifting movie about adventure and family is also popular for featuring the song “Somewhere Out There”, which tugs at our heartstrings and brings a tear to our eyes, every single time.
Watch it on Netflix here
7. The Tale of Despereaux
Despereaux isn’t like other mice, as you’ll quickly learn from watching this movie – in fact, he doesn’t cower or scurry in the face of danger, but heads straight for it like a brave and curious mouse he is. Journey with Despereaux and other characters in this charming movie as they embark on a journey down a terrifying dungeon, up into a glittering castle and into the lives of each other. Plus, how could you resist watching this family-friendly film that features an adorable rat with huge ears? Too cute.
Watch it on Netflix here
8. Fantasia 2000
We certainly can’t round up the list without including the OG animated rat of all time, Mickey Mouse! Featuring eight shorts, accompanied by classical music scores by composers Beethoven, Gershwin, Stravinsky and more, Fantasia 2000 isn’t only a timeless classic, but an entertaining and magical animated film. Our favourite short in the film is A Sorcerer’s Apprentice, as it tells the story of Mickey attempting some of his master’s magician tricks before being able to control them, resulting in extraordinary animations and iconic scenes. It even inspired the production Fantasmic, an extravagant nighttime show in Disneyland. Your kids will be bugging you for a trip to Disneyland after watching this one!
Available on Google Play