The Rats (1997) movie backdrop
The Rats (1997) movie poster
199797 minDrama
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

The Rats

The Rats Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:The Rats is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama genre.

Is The Rats Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, The Rats is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.01 votes
97Minutes
1997Release Year
Visual Story
Advertisement

The Rats Review

Last updated: January 12, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1997, The Rats enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on In the mid-fifties, El Nini lives in the poorest and most forgotten rural Castile (Spain). Under the direction of Antonio Giménez-Rico, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Álvaro Monje. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, The Rats offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, The Rats resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, The Rats is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of The Rats centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. In the mid-fifties, El Nini lives in the poorest and most forgotten rural Castile (Spain). He is a child with no more knowledge than those provided by nature. El Nini lives with his father in a cave, and with him he devotes himself to the hunting of water rats, the only means of subsistence they know. But when they are tried to deprive them of their roof and their livelihood, violence will erupt uncontrollably. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1997 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of The Rats has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Rats sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for The Rats (1997): with an audience rating of 5/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
The Rats has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, The Rats stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Rats movie hit or flop?

The Rats has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Rats worth watching?

The Rats is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Rats online?

The Rats may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.0
The Rats
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-rats-186898" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Rats</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Álvaro Monje

View full filmography

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is The Rats movie hit or flop?

The Rats has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Rats worth watching?

The Rats is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Rats online?

The Rats may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of The Rats?

The Rats is a Drama movie that follows: In the mid-fifties, El Nini lives in the poorest and most forgotten rural Castile (Spain). He is a child with no more knowledge than those provided by nature. El Nini lives with his father in a cave, ...

Is The Rats family friendly?

The Rats is classified as Drama. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is The Rats available in?

The Rats is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

In the mid-fifties, El Nini lives in the poorest and most forgotten rural Castile (Spain). He is a child with no more knowledge than those provided by nature. El Nini lives with his father in a cave, and with him he devotes himself to the hunting of water rats, the only means of subsistence they know. But when they are tried to deprive them of their roof and their livelihood, violence will erupt uncontrollably.

Critic Reviews

No reviews found for this filter.