The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Kernel Score: 80% · 3,432 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family
Released: 1981-07-10
Runtime: 82 minutes
Is The Fox and the Hound worth watching?
Worth watching. A fox and a hound grow up as friends, then are pushed apart by their roles. It's gentle and sad, and a Disney film that treats childhood friendship and its end seriously. Expect some tears.
Watch it if you
- like classic Disney animation
- want a gentle story about friendship
- are watching with kids who can handle sadness
Skip it if you
- want a fast, funny adventure
- dislike sad endings or animal peril
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Fox and the Hound
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When a feisty little fox named Tod is adopted into a farm family, he quickly becomes friends with a fun and adorable hound puppy named Copper. Life is full of hilarious adventures until Copper is expected to take on his role as a hunting dog -- and the object of his search is his best friend!
The Fox and the Hound parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Fox and the Hound is a G-rated Disney film about friendship that includes hunting and the loss of a parent.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes hunting scenes and the off-screen death of Tod's mother, mild for the genre.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Fox and the Hound
If you liked The Fox and the Hound, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bambi (1942) — 78%: Classic Disney animal story about growing up and loss.
- The Lion King (1994) — 94%: Disney's emotional story of loss and growing up.
- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022) — 91%: Gentle tale of friendship and kindness.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — 87%: Witty stop-motion fox comedy.
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) — 87%: Animal adventure about freedom and friendship.
- Balto (1995) — 84%: Animal adventure about heroism and loyalty.
Director
Richard Rich
Cast
- Mickey Rooney as Tod (voice)
- Kurt Russell as Copper (voice)
- Pearl Bailey as Big Mama (voice)
- Jack Albertson as Amos Slade (voice)
- Sandy Duncan as Vixey (voice)
- Jeanette Nolan as Widow Tweed (voice)
- Pat Buttram as Chief (voice)
- Richard Bakalyan as Dinky (voice)
- Paul Winchell as Boomer (voice)
- John Fiedler as Porcupine (voice)
The Fox and the Hound FAQ
Is The Fox and the Hound worth watching?
Worth watching. A fox and a hound grow up as friends, then are pushed apart by their roles. It's gentle and sad, and a Disney film that treats childhood friendship and its end seriously. Expect some tears.
Where can I watch The Fox and the Hound?
In the US you can stream The Fox and the Hound on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Fox and the Hound OK for kids?
The Fox and the Hound is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Fox and the Hound is a G-rated Disney film about friendship that includes hunting and the loss of a parent.
What movies are like The Fox and the Hound?
If you liked The Fox and the Hound, try Bambi, The Lion King, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and Fantastic Mr. Fox.