Bambi (1942)

Walt Disney's timeless animated classic about a young deer discovering life, love, and loss in the heart of the forest.

Bambi - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Bambi
  • Release Year: 1942
  • Directed by: David Hand
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Animation, Drama, Family
  • Age Rating (US): G
  • Runtime: 1h 10m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 21, 1942 (United States - G), July 25, 1945 (Canada), January 1, 1943 (United Kingdom), December 18, 1950 (Germany - 0), July 15, 1947 (France - TP), July 10, 1943 (New Zealand), April 15, 1943 (Australia), March 10, 1943 (Brazil - L), February 4, 1943 (Mexico), April 12, 1968 (Italy), September 10, 1950 (Spain - APTA)
  • Alternative Titles: Walt Disney's Bambi (US), Бэмби (RU), Μπάμπι (GR), Bambi 1 (CA), 밤비 (KR)
  • Production Companies: Walt Disney Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Bambi - Plot

Bambi's tale unfolds from season to season as the young prince of the forest learns about life, love, and friends.

Bambi - Trailer

Watch the official trailer for this beloved Disney classic:

Love Comes To The Forest Folk . . . and to you, in one of the world's greatest love stories!

Where to Watch Bambi

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Bambi - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • David Hand

Main Cast

  • Donnie Dunagan
  • Peter Behn
  • Stan Alexander
  • Cammie King
  • Will Wright
  • Hardie Albright
  • Ann Gillis
  • Tim Davis
  • Sam Edwards
  • Sterling Holloway

Writers

  • Carl Fallberg
  • Mel Shaw
  • Ralph Wright
  • Perce Pearce
  • Vernon Stallings

Producers

  • Walt Disney

Bambi - FAQs

What is Bambi about?

Bambi follows a young white-tailed deer growing up in the forest, navigating the joys of friendship and first love alongside the harsh realities of nature and loss. The film is celebrated for its emotional depth, breathtaking hand-painted backgrounds, and its unflinching portrayal of mortality in a children's story.

Does Bambi's mother die in the film?

Yes — Bambi's mother is shot by a hunter off-screen, making it one of cinema's most iconic and heartbreaking moments. The scene is deliberately understated, which makes it all the more powerful. It's widely regarded as one of the most emotionally impactful sequences in animation history.

Where can you stream Bambi?

You can stream Bambi on Disney Plus. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.

Is Bambi based on a book?

Bambi is adapted from the 1923 novel Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Austrian author Felix Salten. The original book is notably darker and more philosophical than the Disney film, exploring themes of nature, survival, and the relationship between humans and wildlife in greater depth.

Who are the voice actors in Bambi?

The voice cast includes Donnie Dunagan as Young Bambi, Peter Behn as Young Thumper, Stan Alexander as Young Flower, and Sterling Holloway as Adult Flower. Notably, all the voice actors were uncredited at the time of the film's original release.

Did Bambi win any Academy Awards?

Bambi received three Academy Award nominations in 1943: Best Original Score, Best Original Song for “Love Is a Song,” and Best Sound Recording. While it didn't take home any Oscars, its cultural legacy has far outlasted many films that did win that year.

Is Bambi suitable for young children?

Bambi is rated G, making it appropriate for all ages. That said, the death of Bambi's mother and the forest fire sequence can be emotionally intense for very young viewers. Parents often find it a meaningful opportunity to discuss loss and nature with their children in a gentle, supportive way.

How was Bambi received by critics and audiences?

Bambi holds a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of Disney's greatest achievements. Critics praise its stunning watercolor-inspired animation, emotional storytelling, and its courage in tackling themes of death and nature. It remains a cornerstone of animated cinema more than 80 years after its release.

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