The Indian in the Cupboard.

Name: The Indian in the Cupboard
Genre: Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Released: 1995-07-14
Duration: 96 min
Cast: Hal Scardino, Litefoot, Lindsay Crouse, Richard Jenkins, Rishi Bhat

A tiny door to a much bigger responsibility.

A birthday cupboard brings Omri's toy figure to life as Little Bear, a real person with a history of his own. Omri must learn that having power over someone is very different from being their friend.

70%Tomatometer23 critics · Rotten Tomatoes

Checked Oct 21, 2026. About these scores

Why it’s a little special

The miniature effects give a quiet story about empathy and responsibility something tangible to explore together.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

Parental guidance suggested

US film rating

Injury, death, gunfire and peril involving tiny people. Its dated title and stereotyped portrayals of Indigenous people invite discussion.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Frank Oz
Starring: Hal Scardino, Litefoot, Lindsay Crouse, Richard Jenkins, Rishi Bhat, David Keith, Steve Coogan, Vincent Kartheiser
Written by: Lynne Reid Banks, Melissa Mathison
Produced by: Marty Keltz, Bernard Williams, Deborah A. Forte, Jane Startz, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Robert Harris
Release date: July 14, 1995
Runtime: 96 minutes
Genre: Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Language: English