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Kevin Bacon, Bob Hoskins, Lola Bates-Campbell, Bridget Fonda, Jim Cummings ... see more see more... , Phil Collins , Miriam Margolyes , Jack Angel , Bill Bailey , Jim Carter , Sandra Dickinson , Brendan Fraser , Garick Hagon , Michael J. Shannon , Donald Sinden , Robbie Rist , Jennifer Blanc , Danny Mann , Juliette Brewer , Christine Cavanaugh , William Roberts

Balto is an animated trifle, based loosely on a true story from the 1920s, that may offer some amusement for young children. A live-action intro and outro set the stage for the story of Balto (voiced ... read more read more...by Kevin Bacon), a stray who's half dog and half wolf, who is shunned as a half-breed outcast by both humans and his own kind. Balto does have some friends, like the goose Boris (Bob Hoskins) and two polar bears named Muk and Luk (Phil Collins), but he is particularly resented by canine pack leader Steele (Jim Cummings), with whom he is competing for the affections of Jenna (Bridget Fonda). He eventually becomes a hero when he guides a medication-carrying sled to a townful of sick kids in the wilds of Alaska. The film features a number of positive messages (subtlety is not its strong point), but it may not feature enough humor or excitement to keep anyone but the very smallest viewers engrossed. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

Flixster Users

66% liked it

69,798 ratings

Critics

50% liked it

12 critics

G, 1 hr. 17 min.

Directed by: Simon Wells

Release Date: December 22, 1995

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DVD Release Date: February 19, 2002

Stats: 1,990 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,990)

  • aquateen2
    August 16, 2011
    aquateen2
    Balto is a hugely under rated animated film. It was released at the same time as Toy Story and therefore overshadowed. But I preffered this film, I enjoyed it because it was funny and Bob Hoskins shows real enthusiasm to his character of the goose who is Balto's sidekick. Balto i... read mores one of the greatest hero's of an animated film and whilst watching you'll care about what he does next. I know you see a lot of animated films with the central character as an outcast but I will say Balto is the best of them all.
  • ajv2688
    June 12, 2011
    ajv2688
    Yet another kids movie about a dog who's an outcast and ends up saving the day. It's not bad, but it's not great either.
  • skeletonking101
    May 1, 2011
    skeletonking101
    A fantastic and very underrated animated film from the 90s with great voice acting, great animation, and some great drama.
  • TomBowler
    July 14, 2010
    TomBowler
    Fun to watch as a kid and still at least slightly fun as an adult. Full review later.
  • stormyweather980
    September 11, 2009
    stormyweather980
    Balto is part dog and part wolf and he lives in a cold area of the world, so as you might expect, he's somewhat of an outcast from the sled dogs. Balto has a MAJOR enemy in a big husky named Steele. However, when something bad happens, Balto has a great chance to be a hero by doi... read moreng something that could possibly save a life. "Balto" has both live action and animated parts to it, but it's mostly a cartoon, and a GREAT one at that! If you don't believe me, then look at a lot of other great movies that you know of. How many other movies or items at all, do you know of that have over 20 reviews and that average 5 full stars?
    I've seen just about all of the Disney masterpieces, and like most of them, "Balto" is a classic. Unfortunately, "Balto" seems to be very underrated because it looks like it hasn't been widely watched like it should be. If you like any other Disney movies, or just great movies in general, do yourself a favor and purchase "Balto" before it's too late! "Balto" has some parts that are suspenseful, especially for a cartoon, it has great animation, and best of all, it's a movie you'll never forget. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. Didn't realize until now that this movie has sequels....I need to watch and review'em!
  • kiriyamakazou
    May 11, 2009
    kiriyamakazou
    Overshadowed by the arrival of Pixar's technologically advanced Toy Story, there wasn't much room for Balto upon it's initial release. Since then it has gained steam on VHS. For the Christmas of 1995 I received many videos but between this and Toy Story, I have seen Balto many mo... read morere times. It's a simple story, but one with excellent characters and a wonderful story. Changed from the true story, this is a film built for drama and action. It gives both equal screentime which keeps a magnificent pace. The animation is also still fantastic after 14 years, displayed by the very effective Bear fight. Balto is certainly a film I will be watching for the rest of my days.
  • dreamfaeries
    December 4, 2008
    dreamfaeries
    It made me cry... so heart-warming.
  • bhobbs1985
    October 7, 2008
    bhobbs1985
    I was re-introduced to this movie while watching my nephew recently and I forgot how good of an animiated movie it was.

    Inspired by a true story the movie gives you the plot of what happend in real life, but throws in some comedy and a little story between the animals of it's ... read moreown to entertain the children while still promoting the importance of the dogs that ran the sled during the winter of 1925-Alaksa to adults and children alike.

    This movie is a classic movie that is historic, fun, and inspiring for under-DOGS.
  • superclerk25
    December 27, 2006
    superclerk25
    Family fun.
  • MissMorganLeee
    September 26, 2006
    MissMorganLeee
    Favirte movie as a little kid, still love it tee hee hee.

View All Balto Reviews

Critic Reviews

Susan Wloszczyna
January 1, 2000
Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today

The love story is pure mush, not helped by the bland voice work done by Kevin Bacon as Balto and Bridget Fonda as dainty husky Jenna.

Nell Minow
September 23, 2010
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

Brave dog saves kids in adequate fact-based film. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 30, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

An Alaskan dog who gets a chance to demonstrate his courage and creativity on a mission of mercy. Full Review

Scott Weinberg
July 26, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Unassuming and enjoyable animated adventure.

Brian Lowry
March 26, 2009
Brian Lowry, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Stephen Holden
May 20, 2003
Stephen Holden, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

David Kronke
August 15, 2002
David Kronke, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Joe Baltake
January 1, 2000
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

Click to read the article Full Review

Peter Stack
January 1, 2000
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

Click to read the article Full Review

Kevin McManus
January 1, 2000
Kevin McManus, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Balto Trivia

  • What movie features these characters: Boris, the Russian snow goose, polar bear cubs Muk and Luk, and lots of dogs?  Answer »
  • What was the name of the female dog that caught Balto's eye in the movie "Balto"?  Answer »
  • what did the 2 polar bears call the goose, boris in Balto?  Answer »
  • What Universal animated movie was based on a Huskie/Wolf on a journey in alaska to get medicine for the people of Nome  Answer »
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