An American Tail
Performance & Direction: An American Tail Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
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 6.7/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and An American Tail features a noteworthy lineup led by Phillip Glasser . Supported by the likes of Erica Yohn and Nehemiah Persoff , 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?
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
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Don Bluth, An American Tail concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to animation resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Phillip Glasser, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of An American Tail reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
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
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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 6.7/10, 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 6.7/10 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.
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