An American Tail
An American Tail Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Movie Overview: An American Tail
| Movie | An American Tail |
| Release Year | 1986 |
| Director | Don Bluth |
| Genre | Animation / Comedy / Adventure / Drama / Family |
| Runtime | 80 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is An American Tail (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in An American Tail are led by Phillip Glasser . The supporting cast, including Erica Yohn and Nehemiah Persoff , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
An American Tail stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Animation narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, An American Tail has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: An American Tail
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, An American Tail is a Animation, Comedy, Adventure, Drama, Family film directed by Don Bluth. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Phillip Glasser.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A young mouse named Fievel and his family decide to migrate to America, a "land without cats," at the turn of the 20th century. But somehow, Fievel ends up in the New World alone and must fend off not only the felines he never thought he'd have to deal with again but also the loneliness of being away from home. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Phillip Glasser's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: An American Tail
An American Tail Ending Explained: Directed by Don Bluth, An American Tail wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core animation themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Phillip Glasser. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the animation themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of An American Tail reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch An American Tail?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Phillip Glasser or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: An American Tail
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $84.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
An American Tail Budget
The estimated production budget for An American Tail is $9.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: An American Tail
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch An American Tail Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoAn American Tail Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about An American Tail age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of An American Tail is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, An American Tail is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An American Tail worth watching?
An American Tail is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find An American Tail parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for An American Tail identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of An American Tail?
The total duration of An American Tail is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.
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Critic Reviews for An American Tail
I love An American Tail, I used to have an copy of this film and watching it! Better than The Emoji Movie! I wish to rewatch this film.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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