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Once Upon a Forest

Play trailer Poster for Once Upon a Forest G 1993 1h 20m Kids & Family Fantasy Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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22% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
In this animated tale, a toxic spill from an encroaching construction site threatens the life of a badger (Elisabeth Moss), so three woodland creatures -- wood mouse Abigail (Ellen Blain), mole Edgar (Ben Gregory) and hedgehog Russell (Paige Gosney) -- must brave a treacherous journey to find a cure. As the threat of the destructive humans looms ever closer, the animals are in a race against time as their remaining family and friends struggle to survive in the face of disaster.
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Once Upon a Forest

Once Upon a Forest

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Critics Consensus

Inert animation and generically chipper characters rob Once Upon a Forest of any personality despite its well-intentioned message and critter appeal for very young children.

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Critics Reviews

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Jeff Shannon Seattle Times 06/17/2014
2.5/4
It's a good thing this breezy animated adventure lasts only slightly more than 70 minutes. Children will no doubt enjoy its simple tale, but would probably grow restless if it went on for a minute longer. Go to Full Review
Desmond Ryan Philadelphia Inquirer 06/17/2014
2.5/4
Respect for nature and the environment is a message that no one would quarrel with, but this is yet another example of a movie that can't or won't differentiate between technology and the use to which it is put. Go to Full Review
Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 06/17/2014
1/4
The characters are not memorable; the songs are lame and the drawing style is pedestrian. Go to Full Review
Malcolm L. Johnson Hartford Courant 06/06/2018
A pleasing, sweet primer in caring for our flora and fauna. Go to Full Review
Quentin Curtis Independent on Sunday 12/07/2017
For all the feeling the drawing instills in the figures, it might be termed inanimation. Go to Full Review
Candice Russell South Florida Sun-Sentinel 06/17/2014
3.5/4
From the first moments of Once Upon a Forest, there is evidence of high artistic standards. The backgrounds are beautifully detailed, right down to the shading and contours of a tree trunk. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Blair T @RT23352333 2d I haven’t seen this movie since I was a kid, I’m about to be 31 and this movie comes to my mind so often. I definitely am ordering it off of Amazon! I would like to say whoever gave it such a low rating clearly doesn’t understand the significance this movie has to millennials. I just think the rating was unjust to be quite honest. This was such a heartwarming movie. I still talk about it with my family asking if they remember it. I say it’s a 10/10 movie! They don’t make movies like that anymore. See more Hailey L @RT64904671 Oct 22 My childhood! Love this movie and watch it over and over. ❤️ See more Stephen C @bob25009 06/14/2025 Success in 1 1/3 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $6,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Emily C @RT36854055 06/02/2025 No matter how “technically” imperfect critics will say this movie, it is faultless in awakening a lasting emotional impact that will stay with you for years. I watched this movie many times as a child, and I’ll never forget the way it made me feel. The soundtrack, particularly the creeping music surrounding the smog, has a way of staying with you. Probably 25 years on since I first saw the movie, and though I cant remember the notes, I vividly remember the feelings that the soundtrack, coupled by the creepy animation, evoked in me. Not only that, but the voice acting is unique and well characterised - I still remember Michelle’s little voice and how she broke my heart. The story is thought provoking and definitely still relevant 30 years on, as a way to make children stop and think about the effect of pollution on the world and its fauna and flora. It *will* stay with them. See more Bobby B @RT43764831 03/09/2025 I can't even honestly review this coz, you know, nostalgia. So u dont get a review. See more Maryah V @RT47860914 03/04/2025 This was one of my absolute favorites growing up. Adults just suck. But for kids? Absolutely wonderful film. I even named my youngest son Russell! (Maybe not specifically after the character in this film but it's where I got the idea for the name.) See more Read all reviews
Once Upon a Forest

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this animated tale, a toxic spill from an encroaching construction site threatens the life of a badger (Elisabeth Moss), so three woodland creatures -- wood mouse Abigail (Ellen Blain), mole Edgar (Ben Gregory) and hedgehog Russell (Paige Gosney) -- must brave a treacherous journey to find a cure. As the threat of the destructive humans looms ever closer, the animals are in a race against time as their remaining family and friends struggle to survive in the face of disaster.
Director
Charles Grosvenor, David Michener
Producer
David Kirschner, Jerry Mills
Screenwriter
Rae Lambert, Kelly Ward, Mark Young
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Harlech Television, Hanna-Barbera Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 18, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.1M
Runtime
1h 20m
Sound Mix
Surround