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The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows

TV movie199573 minMidcredits score: 91st percentile of all films
Directors
Dave Unwin, Dennis Abey
Starring
Alan Bennett, Michael Palin, Michael Gambon, Rik Mayall

Jailed for his reckless driving, rambunctious Mr. Toad has to escape from prison when his beloved Toad Hall comes under threat from the wily weasels, who plan to build a dog food factory on the very meadow sold to them by Toad himself.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Wind in the Willows?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list The Wind in the Willows on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Wind in the Willows?

The Wind in the Willows earns 6 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Wind in the Willows worth watching?

The Wind in the Willows' Midcredits score is the 91st percentile of all films, from 4.3K ratings across 4 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

91st percentile

Better received than 91% of films

86th percentile among Animation92nd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)89th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

74 /100

89th percentile of all films

84th percentile among Animation91st percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.8 — solid but not unanimous.

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

85th percentile among Animation90th percentile among 1990s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 0 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

72nd percentile

4.3K ratings across platforms

49th percentile among Animation66th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 26% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The animation is beautiful and the voice acting is strong, but the story's structure is uneven.

Fans praised

  • faithful to the book's spirit and language
  • voice cast perfectly captures each character
  • watercolor-style animation evokes the English countryside

Detractors panned

  • Toad's chaotic antics overwhelm the serene tone
  • loose narrative logic and confusing jumps in story
  • underwhelming atmosphere and pedestrian backgrounds

What stands out

Acting88

voice cast praised as perfect for each character

Cinematography82

watercolor animation like a painting come to life

Characters80

Mole, Rat, Badger endearing; Toad divisive for over-the-top energy

Dialogue75

very close to the book's language

AtmosphereDivisive72

warm elegiac mood but pedestrian backgrounds

Emotional impactDivisive70

nostalgic and charming for fans, less moving for detractors

Plot and storyDivisive45

faithful but disjointed, confusing story progression

PacingDivisive40

uneven rhythm, Toad's exploits overlong

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Wind in the Willows like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmJoyful
Heaviest: late
Slapstick humor
Register
WarmWhimsical · 2% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film plays its pastoral, animal story straight with warmth and affection, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film maintains a gentle, nostalgic atmosphere throughout, with the highest tension during Toad's escape and the final battle for Toad Hall.
StructureThe story unfolds in a classic linear progression from spring to winter, framed by a live-action narrator reading the tale.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodCozy · 2% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe gentle, pastoral adventure leaves a lasting sense of warmth and nostalgia, like a fond childhood memory.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe central drive is the group's mission to rescue Toad from his own follies and reclaim Toad Hall, with Mole's personal growth woven through.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film celebrates the deep bond between the four animal friends, who stand by each other through Toad's reckless behaviour and the fight for their home.
StanceThe film celebrates the power of friendship and loyalty in a small, personal story about protecting home and reforming a restless friend.

The world

Early 20th centuryRuralWildernessDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Colin Towns
Settingidyllic English riverbank and woodland, with the River Thames as the central waterway
MusicThe score is lyrical and evocative, using orchestral themes to accompany the pastoral setting.

Content guide

Is The Wind in the Willows okay for kids?

As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (33/100) and drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • UKU
Overall
Mild · 3 of 5 categories
not ranked
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (4 votes across 3 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Wind in the Willows have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Wind in the Willows?

Cast

Alan Bennett
as Mole
Michael Palin
as Rat
Michael Gambon
as Badger
Rik Mayall
as Toad
Vanessa Redgrave
as Grandmother (live action)
James Villiers
as Magistrate
Emma Chambers
as Gaoler's Daughter
Judy Cornwell
as Barge Woman
Enn Reitel
as Otter
David Sinclair
as Clerk

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Wind in the Willows?

Movies like The Wind in the Willows include The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949), The Care Bears Movie (1985) and James and the Giant Peach (1996). Of the 12 closest matches, most are rescue stories, and most are films about friendship.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its story type: family adventure. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Wind in the Willows?

578 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: animal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.