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Scott Bakula, Jasmine Guy, Natalie Cole, Ashley Peldon, John Rhys-Davies ... see more see more... , Lindsay Rideway , Kathy Najimy , Rene Auberjonois , Betty Lou Gerson , Hal Holbrook , George Kennedy , Don Knotts , Mark Dindal , David Johansen , Frank Welker , Mathew Herried

This animated comedy for the family, which gently parodies the movie musicals of the '30s and '40s, follows Danny (voice of Scott Bakula), a cat from Kokomo, Indiana, who loves to sing and dance and l... read more read more...ongs to be in show business. One day, Danny decides to do something about his ambitions instead of just wishing, so he heads for Hollywood, convinced that he can become a star in a week. However, Danny quickly becomes aware of the species barrier in Tinseltown; the studios don't much care for animals, even ones with star quality, and the best Danny's agent can get for him is a tiny role in a movie with adorable child star Darla Dimple (voice of Ashley Peldon), who turns out to be a mean-spirited brat who loathes animals as soon as the camera is turned off. Danny soon makes the acquaintance of several other animal performers stuck in the same bind as himself, including Sawyer (voice of Jasmine Guy), a pretty but cynical cat; Woolie (voice of John Rhys-Davies), a piano-playing elephant; Tillie (voice of Kathy Najimy), a singing hippo; and Pudge (voice of Mathew Herried), a performing penguin. Together, the critters struggle for acceptance and a chance to show the world what they can do. Sawyer's singing voice for the musical numbers was provided by Natalie Cole; Randy Newman wrote several original songs for the film, and Gene Kelly was a consultant for the character's choreography. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

72% liked it

10,474 ratings

Critics

69% liked it

16 critics

G, 1 hr. 15 min.

Directed by: Mark Dindal

Release Date: March 28, 1997

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DVD Release Date: September 3, 2002

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Stats: 646 reviews

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Danny and Pudge Cats Don't Here's your partner Danny on his way I hear you're a natural Cats Don't Dance
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Flixster Reviews (646)

  • skeletonking101
    September 17, 2011
    skeletonking101
    An underrated Gem in the animated world. This film is one of the greatest films ever created, and when I was little I never liked this film, but now I consider it one of my favorite movies. The music is fantastic, the animation is top-notch, the plot is decent, and characters and... read more acting are wonderful. Randy Newman may have written some songs that aren't that impressive but these songs are some of his best songs, and they are all sung fantastically by the characters, they're either emotional songs, or energetic and fun songs, and combine that with the great animation and you have one heck of an awesome animated film.
  • ajv2688
    August 11, 2011
    ajv2688
    I wasn't that impressed with this movie as a kid, but now that I've seen musicals of the 30s and 40s, I want to see it again, as it's supposed to parody them.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    August 2, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    I liked the concept and the animation.
  • ManifestPanda
    July 21, 2011
    ManifestPanda
    the little girl is so fucking infuriating and creepy.
  • kylemydude
    April 13, 2010
    kylemydude
    A underappreciated fun gem of animation.
  • cpherson
    January 26, 2012
    cpherson
    I don't know what brought me back to watching this on January 26, 2012...considering I grew up watching it as a youngun on the Disney Channel...but after I did I remembered why. This is not only one of those underrated animated movies, but it's one of those feel-good movies about... read more never giving up on your dreams, no matter what barriers may stand in your way. Or maybe it's the fact that the main character's from Indiana (okay, that's one of many reasons). Nevertheless, you can't HELP but root for Danny the moment you meet him. I hate to say it, but HE IS SO DARN LOVABLE. I rarely find a movie where I can relate to a character, but I can relate to Danny in so many different ways. There have been times in my life where I've faced an uphill battle, but with faith, friends and family by your side there's nothing you can't do. The rollercoaster ride this movie takes you through - from rah-rah when Danny arrives in Hollywood, to sympathy when he doesn't get a chance to truly shine, to almost sadness when he almost goes back home but then has second thoughts, to victorious when he and his animal crew finally break through - it's so heart-tugging that it is brilliant. Danny, you not only taught us that cats CAN dance (and sing), but you taught us that anything is possible if you put your mind, heart and soul to it. Bravo!!!
  • ajslim07
    April 11, 2009
    ajslim07
    I adored this movie as a kid and I still do. It has great jazzy music that has a lot of soul. The characters are beautifully drawn and will make you laugh and cry. Not like any other animated movie I have seen.
  • timkin294
    September 6, 2008
    timkin294
    This is one of those classic movies that when I watch it, I know all of the songs, and I start crying because it reminds me of simpler times
  • NobleKnight
    August 14, 2008
    NobleKnight
    I love musicals. I even like Singin' in the Rain. This movie has both in it. A cartoon cat that is trying to make it big in Hollywood, and to do this he has to go through song and dance to make his new friends believe in themselves and in their dreams of stardum. Wonderful songs,... read more interesting plot, memerable characters. Even the kids at home would love to sing along with this cool cat!
  • quoththeravennevermore
    June 15, 2008
    quoththeravennevermore
    hey, i LOVE this film (a cartoon i actually like). i remember singing the songs when i was a kid...fun film. about animals in show biz wanting more than just toto in wizard of oz and stuff.

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Critic Reviews

Mike Clark
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today

Cats Don't Dance, nor do they enchant.

Nell Minow
December 22, 2010
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

Very cute animation with Randy Newman music. Full Review

Staci Layne Wilson
January 28, 2005
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com

Cute kid-flick, and a must-see for Scott Bakula fans. Full Review

Karina Montgomery
October 24, 2001
Karina Montgomery, Cinerina

For you fuddy duddies out there who think cartoons are for kids, I don't know when the last time you saw a cartoon was, but movie cartoons have never been for kids.

Todd McCarthy
March 26, 2009
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Lawrence Van Gelder
May 20, 2003
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times

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April 12, 2002
Globe and Mail

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Jack Mathews
February 14, 2001
Jack Mathews, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

Click to read the article Full Review

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

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Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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  • movie that is full of animals espiacally animals that act  Answer »
  • In the animated movie "Cat's Don't Dance," what is the name of the cynical, female cat?  Answer »
  • What movie did animals in Hollywood become famous for their song and dance routine.   Answer »
  • Who was the voice of Pudge the Penguin in 1997's "Cats Don't Dance"?  Answer »
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