
The Secret of NIMH
1982, Fantasy/Animation, 1h 22m
28 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
The Secret of NIMH is a dark, well-told tale that respects its young audience enough to not tone down its subject matter. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Mrs. Brisby
Voice
Nicodemus
Voice
Jeremy
Voice
Teresa
Voice

Miss Right
Voice
Great Owl
Voice
News & Interviews for The Secret of NIMH
Critic Reviews for The Secret of NIMH
All Critics (28) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (2)
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[The Secret of NIMH] is a cornucopia of visual wonders bravely, but finally vainly, in search of a good story.
September 24, 2020 | Full Review… -
An attractive oddity.
September 24, 2020 | Full Review… -
Don Bluth, who led an exodus of animators from Walt Disney Productions three years ago, has produced a feature in the Disney tradition: Full animation, spectacular effects, rounded characters.
October 17, 2018 | Full Review… -
Bluth and his animators, bless them, chose to revive an endangered art form -- classically detailed animation. They drew their characters exquisitely and gave them individual personalities.
November 20, 2013 | Rating: A | Full Review… -
Not enthralling, but worth seeing for anyone interested in the mechanics of this arcane art.
September 3, 2008 | Full Review… -
Every character moves fluidly and imaginatively against an extravaganza of detailed background and dazzling effects, all emboldened by fascinating colored textures.
August 31, 2008 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Secret of NIMH
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Oct 12, 2013A time less and extremely underrated kids movie masterpiece. Not only does the colors of the background blend so surprisingly well, but until the Rescuers Down Under (ANOTHER underrated film) only Don Bluth could tell a tale about talking mice that respects its audience and just sounds like real life. A lot of what went in to this movie was more than Disney was putting into their films at the time, so it deserves ample credit for that.Jackson W Super Reviewer
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Sep 11, 2013The Secret of NIMH is creative, clever, and a joy to watch. I loved the world created by Bluth and his team here. They especially succeeded with the animation, which is fantastic throughout. However, this film did have some shortcomings, like what I felt was a weak villain. Also, sometimes the plot felt too complicated with the combo of a rat revolution, government conspiracy, sick child, and more. However, even with these problems, the movie is still a lot of fun.Adam G Super Reviewer
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Aug 20, 2013This is a hotly debated film--some love it, some hate it. I feel that it gets kind of a bad rap because it was released during an age where children's movies were generally comical or musicals. They had their dark moments, but in the end, things work out. This film on the other hand, is dark all the way through. It's just a very dark movie, from the way it's animated to the characters' behavior to the message of the storyline itself. That being said, while I believe it's a decent film, it's not very enjoyable to watch. I acknowledge that this movie has serious quality, but it's honestly just stressful to watch. So I'm not really a fan of it, but that's just my opinion. I know a lot of people feel quite differently, on both sides.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Aug 16, 2013The Secret of NIMH features gorgeous, detailed animation and a delightfully dark nature. It is well constructed, occasionally thrilling, visually dazzling---and also mysterious and haunting (rare for an animated film). What really makes the film a triumph is its ability to perfectly convey O'Brien's masterful work--especially via the expressive characters--and fully capture our attention and wonder as we willingly follow Ms. Brisby along her exciting adventure. Where it falls short is in its slow beginning, abrupt ending, and some moments that drag. However, these flaws--while keeping it from being a perfect masterpiece--are then undone by the beauty that makes up most of the film.Matthew Samuel M Super Reviewer
The Secret of NIMH Quotes
Jennar: | We were just talking about you... |
Justin: | That's refreshing, Jenner. Usually you're screaming about us... |
Mrs. Brisby: | If you're going to feather a nest, you've got a lot to learn about how to treat a lady. |
Jeremy: | Right. When you're right, you're right, and you're right. None of the girls I meet wanna get serious. |
Mrs. Brisby: | I doubt they'd survive. |
Nicodemus: | Johnathan could not tell you about us because the injections slowed the aging process. You see, you would have grown old, while he remained young. |
Nicodemus: | We can no longer live as rats. We know too much. |
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