Is The Great Mouse Detective Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Great Mouse Detective is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 74 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Great Mouse Detective Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1986, The Great Mouse Detective emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Family, Adventure, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When the diabolical Professor Ratigan kidnaps London's master toymaker, the brilliant master of disguise Basil of Baker Street and his trusted sidekick Dawson try to elude the ultimate trap and foil the perfect crime. Unlike standard genre fare, The Great Mouse Detective attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Great Mouse Detective features a noteworthy lineup led by Barrie Ingham . Supported by the likes of Vincent Price and Val Bettin , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Great Mouse Detective (1986) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Great Mouse Detective Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Great Mouse Detective is a Animation, Family, Adventure, Mystery film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. When the diabolical Professor Ratigan kidnaps London's master toymaker, the brilliant master of disguise Basil of Baker Street and his trusted sidekick Dawson try to elude the ultimate trap and foil the perfect crime. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film 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. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Great Mouse Detective Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Great Mouse Detective resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Great Mouse Detective reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Great Mouse Detective?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Great Mouse Detective Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $38.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Great Mouse Detective Budget
The estimated production budget for The Great Mouse Detective is $14.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Great Mouse Detective
- Barrie Ingham – Basil of Baker Street / Bartholomew (voice)
- Vincent Price – Professor Ratigan (voice)
- Val Bettin – Dr. David Q. Dawson / Thug Guard (voice)
- Susanne Pollatschek – Olivia Flaversham (voice)
- Candy Candido – Fidget (voice)
Top Highlights
Barrie InghamBasil of Baker Street / Bartholomew (voice)
Vincent PriceProfessor Ratigan (voice)
Val BettinDr. David Q. Dawson / Thug Guard (voice)
Susanne PollatschekOlivia Flaversham (voice)
Candy CandidoFidget (voice)
Diana ChesneyMrs. Judson (voice)
Eve BrennerThe Mouse Queen (voice)
Alan YoungMr. Flaversham (voice)
Basil RathboneSherlock Holmes (voice)
Ellen FitzhughBar Maid (voice)
Where to Watch The Great Mouse Detective Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Disney Plus🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Great Mouse Detective is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Great Mouse Detective stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1986 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Mouse Detective movie hit or flop?
The Great Mouse Detective is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Animation, Family, Adventure movies.
Is The Great Mouse Detective worth watching?
Yes, The Great Mouse Detective is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Animation, Family, Adventure cinema.
Where can I watch The Great Mouse Detective online?
The Great Mouse Detective is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Disney Plus depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Great Mouse Detective
The "Moriarty" inspired "Ratigan" is a nasty piece of work! He kidnaps a toy-maker with a view to making toy that will embody this evil genius with the power to dominate the world! Needless to say, this piques the interest of the formidable sleuthing team that is "Basil" and "Dawson" and so in best "Holmes/Watson" tradition they must examine every detail and follow every trail if they are to find and thwart their nemesis. I did quite enjoy this. It develops a sense of menacing mischief quite engagingly over seventy five minutes with some wittily crafted scripting and some clues for all of us to follow as the future of "Mousedom" is at stake. The whole Victorian scenario allows the animators to capitalise on the costumes, the enquiring scientific minds of the day and, of course, the whole sense of Empire, decency and loyalty. The precarious denouement at Big Ben tops off an enjoyable adventure film that focusses much more on character and story than endless special effects and CGI - and it's entertaining!
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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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