One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

101 Dalmatians (1961) is a lively, family-friendly animated adventure about two loving dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, whose 15 adorable puppies are kidnapped by the notorious Cruella de Vil, a fashion-obsessed villain determined to turn their spots into a fur coat. When the police come up short, the parents—and an unlikely coalition of London’s animals led by the resolute Colonel and the clever cat Sergeant Tibbs—set off on a daring cross-country rescue that blends suspense, humor, and heart. Watching the film, you’ll experience classic hand-drawn Disney animation, brisk comic timing, and memorable characters: the bumbling henchmen, the lovably ordinary owners Roger and Anita, and Cruella’s outrageous, over-the-top presence. The story moves from warm domestic scenes to tense, resourceful sleuthing, using the “twilight bark” network of dogs and countryside allies to mount a clever, community-driven rescue. The tone balances genuine peril and emotional stakes with lighthearted gags and charm, making the danger feel dramatic but never overwhelming for younger viewers. Overall, 101 Dalmatians is an entertaining mix of suspense, humor, and warmth—ideal for families—offering both edge-of-your-seat moments during the rescue and satisfying, uplifting resolution. If you watch it, expect to laugh, feel anxious for the puppies, and come away with a fond appreciation for clever teamwork and classic animation.

Actors: Rod Taylor, Betty Lou Gerson, J. Pat O'Malley

Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman

Runtime: 79 min

Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy

83 /100 7.3 /10 7.8 /10