9 Awesome 80s Kid's Movies You Probably Forgot

Adapted from the novel "Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH", The Secret of NIMH is regarded by many as a work of art for its classical animation. But kids don’t watch movies to admire the animation! Sure, you may do that now, and you wouldn’t be wrong in so doing – it is sublime – but what made this film so loved was the incredibly engaging story.

When her son falls ill with pneumonia at a time when the mouse family desperately needs to move house, Mrs Brisby (her name had to be changed for legal reasons) seeks help from the mysterious rats that live under the rose bush. But it turns out that the rats are hiding the secret of the film’s title.

This movie marked Don Bluth’s directorial debut – he went on to direct other animated favourites such as An American Tail, The Land Before Time, and All Dogs Go To Heaven. As well as the animation and story, it boasts a fantastic score by Jerry Goldsmith, which adds to the movie’s emotional power.

The vocal cast, including talent such as Derek Jacobi, Peter Strauss (not his only appearance on this list), Don Bluth regular, Dom DeLuise, and Wil Wheaton in his feature film debut, were the final ingredient for bringing this heart-warming tale to life.