Balto

His story became a legend. His adventure is one you'll never forget.

1995 • 78 min • Adventure · Animation · Drama · Family

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Synopsis

An outcast half-wolf risks his life to prevent a deadly epidemic from ravaging Nome, Alaska.

Our family guide

Best from age 5

Movie Knight Score

2241 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 51%
73 Audience · 2240 · 49%

An outcast half-wolf, Balto, embarks on a perilous journey across the Alaskan wilderness to deliver life-saving medicine to the children of Nome during a diphtheria outbreak. This animated adventure showcases bravery, selflessness, and the power of believing in oneself.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 4/10

Heads up

Some intense scenes with natural perils like blizzards and ice.
A bear attack sequence could be frightening for very young viewers.
Brief moments of peril for the dog team, including falling off a cliff.

What it models well

Courage and heroism
Overcoming prejudice
Teamwork and friendship
Self-acceptance

Talk about it after

Why is Balto an outcast at first, and how does he prove himself?
What does it mean to be a true hero?
Discuss how Balto and Jenna's friendship helps them through difficult times.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Balto. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

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Top billed cast

Director: Simon Wells • Crew: Elana Lesser, Roger S.H. Schulman, Elana Lesser, David Steven Cohen, Cliff Ruby, Cliff Ruby

Trailers & clips

Theatrical Trailer [4K]

Trailer

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Balto is an a underrated treasure with memorable characters, endearing moments, howling humor, and canine villainy/heroism that rivals movies from Disney's golden-age. You'll be rooting for the literal underdog throughout while all of the supporting characters add to the charm. It's a top-tier family movie that has zero foul language and zero religious slurs, with the only near-miss being when one character says...
FleshWound, TMDB Community