The Secret of NIMH

1982

"Courage awakens in the shadows of danger."

Also known as: 🇬🇧 EN: The Secret of NIMH 1^? 🇫🇷 FR: Brisby et le secret de Nimh^? 🇩🇪 DE: Mrs. Brisby und das Geheimnis von NIMH^? 🇵🇹 PT: A Ratinha Valente^? 🇯🇵 JA: ニムの秘密^? All international titles (16) →

Drama Science Fiction Adventure 83 min 7.5/10

Synopsis

The Secret of NIMH is a movie released in 1982.

The Secret of NIMH is an animated film that blends elements of drama, science fiction, and fantasy within an adventure narrative suitable for family audiences. Directed by Don Bluth, the film presents a richly detailed world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, specifically a courageous field mouse named Mrs. Brisby. She embarks on a quest to save her sick son and protect their home from impending danger, showcasing themes of bravery and maternal dedication. The atmosphere of the film is both enchanting and mysterious, drawing viewers into a vivid landscape that contrasts the ordinary with the extraordinary. The animation style is notable for its intricate artistry and emotive character designs, which enhance the storytelling experience. With a cast featuring the voices of Derek Jacobi, Dom DeLuise, and Shannen Doherty, the film invites audiences of all ages to explore its layered narrative filled with moral dilemmas and the consequences of scientific experimentation. The Secret of NIMH remains a significant work in the realm of animated cinema, engaging viewers with its thoughtful themes and imaginative storytelling.

Read more Read less

🧒

Parental Guide — Suitable for 7+

7+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	2/5
Sexual Content	0/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	3/5

Show detailed explanations Hide explanations

Detailed explanations

Violence

There are scenes depicting conflict and danger, including some moments of peril involving animal characters and a threat to the protagonist's home.

Sexual Content

There are no sexual themes or content.

Language

Mild language is present, but it is infrequent and not offensive.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no references to drugs or alcohol.

Frightening Elements

Some scenes may be intense or frightening for younger viewers, including dark imagery and themes of danger.

Summary for parents:

The Secret of NIMH is a family-friendly animated film that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for survival. While it contains some mild violence and frightening elements, it is suitable for a general audience, particularly children aged 7 and older.

Parental Guide Hub

🔗

Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

Anastasia

1997

Same Director Don Bluth

The Land Befor...

1988

Same Director Don Bluth

Gladiator

2000

Same Actor Derek Jacobi

Underworld: Ev...

2006

Same Actor Derek Jacobi

Zootopia 2

2025

Similar Theme

Avatar: Fire a...

2025

Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Secret of NIMH Online

All Streaming Services

Alternatives on Netflix

Since this movie is not on Netflix, try these similar titles

7.7 Lower Rated

Porco Rosso

Same genres • Similar rating

8.1 Lower Rated

My Neighbor Totoro

Same genres • Similar length

7.2 Lower Rated

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Same genres • Similar rating

7.6 Worth Watching

Transformers One

Same genres • Well rated

7.8 Lower Rated

Kiki's Delivery Service

Same genres • Similar rating

7.4 Lower Rated

Shrek 2

Same genres • Similar rating

Box Office

Budget: $7,000,000

Revenue: $14,665,733

Profit $7,665,733

ROI +109.5% (2.1x)

Reviews & Opinions about The Secret of NIMH

Write a Review

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!

Register to Write a Review

Already a member? Login

The Secret of NIMH is directed by Don Bluth .

Cast of The Secret of NIMH

Derek Jacobi

Nicodemus (voice)

Dom DeLuise

Jeremy (voice)

Shannen Doherty

Teresa (voice)

John Carradine

Great Owl (voice)

View Full Cast Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Don Bluth

Director

More from Don Bluth

View All

Anastasia

1997 7.2

The Land Before Time

1988 7.4

An American Tail

1986 6.9

Keywords

#villain 134 #admiring 93 #playful 72 #good versus evil 49 #widow 44 #illness 13 #mouse 8 #crow 4

Production Companies

United Artists

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Don Bluth Entertainment

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Secret of NIMH

7

• The animation style of The Secret of NIMH was notable for its use of a technique called 'xerography', which allowed the animators to transfer pencil drawings directly onto cels, giving the film a more textured and rough appearance compared to traditional animation techniques.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• Derek Jacobi, who voiced the character of Nicodemus, used his extensive background in theater to infuse the role with gravitas, enhancing the character's wisdom and depth.

  Fun Fact ai

• The film features a scene where the protagonist, Mrs. Brisby, encounters a crow named Jeremy, who was originally intended to be a much smaller character but was expanded due to the chemistry between the character and the storyline.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• In a scene where Mrs. Brisby is moving her home, the background shows a clear differentiation between the lush, vibrant colors of the rat's community and the dull, muted colors of the farm, symbolizing the contrast between safety and danger.

  Other ai

• The film contains a subtle reference to other Don Bluth projects; for example, the character of Nicodemus shares a resemblance with several characters from his later works, showcasing Bluth's distinct artistic style.

  Easter Egg ai

• One notable mistake occurs during the climax when the animation of the collapsing cinder block does not align with the shadow cast on the ground, revealing a continuity error in the effects.

  Movie Mistake ai

• The Secret of NIMH shares thematic similarities with other animated films from the 1980s, particularly in its focus on protagonists overcoming adversity, a common narrative arc in works from that era.

  Movie Connection ai

Show 2 more trivia Show less