Balto

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Balto

G

1995

1h 17m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In this animated feature, a deadly diphtheria epidemic strikes the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With the life-saving medicine located hundreds of miles away, the residents decide to send out a sled-dog team. Balto—a half-wolf dog ignored by all except a goose, Boris, and two polar bears—is chosen to run but is disqualified by lead dog Steele. When the other dogs get lost in the snow, Balto risks his life to rescue them and deliver the medicine.

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Critics Consensus

Balto is a well-meaning adventure with spirited animation, but mushy sentimentality and bland characterization keeps it at paw's length from more sophisticated family fare.

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Paul Merrill

Empire Magazine

Mar 4, 2019

3/5

With no cheesy songs to slow proceedings down and some barnstorming chase sequences, this is enchanting, highly enjoyable and impressively crafted (not least for its adventurous "camera work") and would have made a pretty fair live action film.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Sep 23, 2010

3/5

Brave dog saves kids in adequate fact-based film.

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Brian Lowry

Variety

Mar 26, 2009

The goose and bears, in particular, don't add much to the proceedings, while Balto himself proves rather blandly heroic.

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Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

Mar 2, 2022

2.5/4

At one hour and 14 minutes, it's just about the right length.

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Sergio Benítez

Espinof

Aug 22, 2019

'Balto' is touching, even if in very specific moments -, it is so much because of the honesty in those moments in which the drama is not covered by any extra layer. [Full Review in Spanish]

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

Mar 4, 2019

3/5

Kevin Bacon's voice turns the wolf-dog crossbreed into a no-nonsense hero with a sense of duty that far outweighs the pride of his deadly rival, Steele, while Bob Hoskins's eccentric Russian goose provides the comedy.

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Jos M

@Jmortel743 Aug 9, 2026

The Spiderverse films of its age (1995 by course)

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Kameel P

@KameelPaard Jun 24, 2026

Great art style, with good attention to the background and characters. but the story is rather cliché: dog is a stray turns a hero. The voicing and sound design are well done. There is too little building on the story of the antagonist, he is is just an angry dog, with no good or out spoken reason to hate Balto. The pace of the plot is inconsistent, having for example the return of Balto and sled taking place in less then 10 minutes. Leaving out a song sung by the MC helps the pace but doesn't fix it. Overall not bad it was a good watch, but I wouldn't watch a second time.

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Kapi T

@KapiTM Jun 12, 2026

Was genuinely amazed by this film. Gorgeous music, animation, and story, with great characters. Nearly a perfect 10/10.

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DZ E

@Ziggy88z Jan 4, 2026

85/100 I like me some balto.

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Scott O

@Scott852 Dec 11, 2025

Thought provoking! although it dithers from the legend itself and has a cheesy cast of comic reliefs, it more or less makes up for it with with breath taking visuals and an excellent adventure. Balto truly is a one-of-a-kind hero who saves the day. i remember seeing it as a child and loved it ever since. If anyone who's never read the the story might enjoy this film. Highly recommend it. Truly a treat!

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Briauna L

@02Poptart Sep 8, 2025

Loved this movie growing up and I love it now.

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Simon Wells

Director

Miriam Margolyes

Grandma Rosy

Lola Bates-Campbell

Granddaughter

Kevin Bacon

Balto

Bob Hoskins

Boris the Goose

Bridget Fonda

Jenna

Balto: Official Clip - The Dog Race

2:11

Now Playing

Balto: Official Clip - Balto Gets Confused

1:53

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Balto: Official Clip - Balto vs. Steele

3:37

Now Playing

Balto: Official Clip - Steele's Team Crashes

1:31

Now Playing

Balto: Official Clip - Balto, I'd Be Lost Without You

1:55

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Balto: Official Clip - The Bear Fight

2:17

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Balto: Official Clip - The White Wolf

2:30

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Balto: Official Clip - Saving the Hat

2:17

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Balto: Official Clip - Mush!

3:28

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Balto: Official Clip - Trapped Under Ice

1:55

Now Playing

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Synopsis

In this animated feature, a deadly diphtheria epidemic strikes the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With the life-saving medicine located hundreds of miles away, the residents decide to send out a sled-dog team. Balto—a half-wolf dog ignored by all except a goose, Boris, and two polar bears—is chosen to run but is disqualified by lead dog Steele. When the other dogs get lost in the snow, Balto risks his life to rescue them and deliver the medicine.

Director: Simon Wells
Producer: Steve Hickner
Screenwriter: Elana Lesser, Cliff Ruby, Roger S.H. Schulman, David Steven Cohen
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 22, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 10, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $11.2M
Runtime: 1h 17m
Sound Mix: Surround

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