RATING★ 7.4/10
VERDICT HIT
The Secret of NIMH (1982) movie backdrop
The Secret of NIMH (1982) movie poster

The Secret of NIMH Hit or Flop?

Rating
7.4/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

The Secret of NIMH

The Secret of NIMH Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:The Secret of NIMH is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.4/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Family, Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery genre.

Is The Secret of NIMH Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Secret of NIMH is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.

It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.4/10 910 votes
83Minutes
1982Release Year
Visual Story
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The Secret of NIMH Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, The Secret of NIMH emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A widowed field mouse must move her family -- including an ailing son -- to escape a farmer's plow. Unlike standard genre fare, The Secret of NIMH attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Secret of NIMH features a noteworthy lineup led by Elizabeth Hartman . Supported by the likes of Derek Jacobi and Arthur Malet , 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 Secret of NIMH (1982) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.

The Secret of NIMH Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: The Secret of NIMH is a Family, Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. 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. A widowed field mouse must move her family -- including an ailing son -- to escape a farmer's plow. Aided by a crow and a pack of superintelligent, escaped lab rats, the brave mother struggles to transplant her home to firmer ground. 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 Secret of NIMH Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: The Secret of NIMH resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to family 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 family themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Secret of NIMH reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Secret of NIMH?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

The Secret of NIMH Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $7.0M
Worldwide Gross $14.7M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

The Secret of NIMH Budget

The estimated production budget for The Secret of NIMH is $7.0M. 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 Secret of NIMH

  • Elizabeth Hartman – Mrs. Brisby (voice)
  • Derek Jacobi – Nicodemus (voice)
  • Arthur Malet – Mr. Ages (voice)
  • Dom DeLuise – Jeremy (voice)
  • Hermione Baddeley – Auntie Shrew (voice)

Top Highlights

Elizabeth Hartman
Elizabeth HartmanMrs. Brisby (voice)
Derek Jacobi
Derek JacobiNicodemus (voice)
Arthur Malet
Arthur MaletMr. Ages (voice)
Dom DeLuise
Dom DeLuiseJeremy (voice)
Hermione Baddeley
Hermione BaddeleyAuntie Shrew (voice)
Shannen Doherty
Shannen DohertyTeresa (voice)
Wil Wheaton
Wil WheatonMartin (voice)
Jodi Hicks
Jodi HicksCynthia (voice)
Ina Fried
Ina FriedTimothy (voice)
John Carradine
John CarradineGreat Owl (voice)

Where to Watch The Secret of NIMH Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

MGM Plus Amazon ChannelMGM Plus Amazon Channel

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TVApple TV
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TVApple TV

Parents Guide & Age Rating

G
The Secret of NIMH is rated G.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Secret of NIMH stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Secret of NIMH movie hit or flop?

The Secret of NIMH is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Family, Animation, Fantasy movies.

Is The Secret of NIMH worth watching?

Yes, The Secret of NIMH is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Family, Animation, Fantasy cinema.

Where can I watch The Secret of NIMH online?

The Secret of NIMH is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.

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How The Secret of NIMH Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Secret of NIMH

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movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.4
The Secret of NIMH
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