101 Dalmatians
Buena Vista Film Distribution Company | Release Date: January 25, 1961 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
83
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
TimeStaff (Not Credited)
It is the wittiest, most charming, least pretentious cartoon feature Walt Disney has ever made. Read full review
100
EmpireEmma Cochrane
Dog-lovers, in particular, will go ga-ga for this, but this remarkably fresh and funny period tale (set in England, fact fans) has all the ebullience and lovability of its titular characters. Read full review
88
Slant MagazineEric Henderson
Cruella De Vil is so much a tour de force that she single-handedly snatches the movie away from any retroactive comparisons to the likes of The Rescuers or Robin Hood or any of the other post-classical Disney features whose sloppiness is their only saving grace. Read full review
88
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
This was the last Disney animated feature that Uncle Walt lived to see through personally; it can't be a coincidence that it's also the last Disney animated feature of real depth and emotional authenticity. Read full review
80
The DissolveKeith Phipps
However much the film breaks with Disney tradition, it’s still a winning effort that mixes cuteness with dry wit in the service of a fast-paced, emotionally charged adventure tale. Read full review
80
The New York TimesHoward Thompson
A generally cozy and sentimental little yarn about a nice young English couple, their brood of dogs and a lady dognapper who collects Dalmatians to make coats. It's a rather clever idea, if a bit unsettling. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesCharles Solomon
Cruella De Vil dominates the film: With her booming voice (provided by Betty Lou Gerson) and extravagant gestures, she leaves a trail of shattered glass and frazzled nerves wherever she passes. [12 July 1991, p.F12]
75
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
The story, a romance with an interesting detective twist, is combined with exquisite caricatures of both humans and dogs. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
It's an uneven film, with moments of inspiration in a fairly conventional tale of kidnapping and rescue. This is not one of the great Disney classics - it's not in the same league with Snow White or Pinocchio - but it's passable fun, and will entertain its target family audiences. Read full review
70
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
While not as indelibly enchanting or inspired as some of the studio’s most unforgettable animated endeavors, this is nonetheless a painstaking creative effort. Read full review
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