Sewer Rats To Heroes: A Look At The ‘Flushed Away’ Characters

When it comes to animated movies that captivate both kids and parents, Flushed Away is one that often flies under the radar. Released in 2006 by Aardman Animations and DreamWorks, this delightful film is full of humor, adventure, and heart. But what makes Flushed Away truly stand out is its cast of unforgettable characters—especially the quirky and courageous rats who go from living in the sewers to becoming unlikely heroes. If you haven’t introduced your kids to the world of Flushed Away, you’re in for a treat.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the characters that make Flushed Away so special, with a particular focus on the Flushed Away rats who transform from sewer dwellers into the stars of their own heroic journey.

Roddy St. James: The Upper-Class Pet Rat

Roddy St. James is the first of the Flushed Away rats to capture our hearts. Voiced by Hugh Jackman, Roddy is an aristocratic pet rat living a life of luxury in a posh Kensington flat. He’s used to gourmet cheese, designer clothes, and the finer things in life. However, Roddy’s world is turned upside down when he’s unceremoniously flushed down the toilet and finds himself in the bustling underworld of Ratropolis, a city built entirely by sewer rats.

Roddy’s journey from a pampered pet to a resourceful hero is one of the most compelling aspects of Flushed Away. Initially out of his depth in the dirty, chaotic world of the sewer, Roddy soon learns that true bravery and heroism come not from wealth or status, but from heart and determination. As moms, we can appreciate the message here: sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones and facing challenges head-on is the best way to grow and thrive.

Rita Malone: The Fearless Sewer Rat

Enter Rita Malone, one of the most beloved Flushed Away rats. Voiced by Kate Winslet, Rita is a street-smart, resourceful rat who knows the sewers like the back of her paw. Unlike Roddy, who’s new to this underworld, Rita has spent her entire life navigating the dangers and thrills of Ratropolis. She’s fearless, quick-witted, and fiercely independent—qualities that make her a fantastic role model for young girls (and a character that moms can definitely get behind).

Rita’s partnership with Roddy starts off rocky, but as the two face challenges together, they develop a deep bond of friendship and mutual respect. Rita teaches Roddy how to survive in the sewers, while Roddy helps Rita see the value of trust and companionship. Their dynamic is a reminder that even the most unlikely alliances can lead to great things. For us moms, this can be a great talking point with our kids about the importance of teamwork and the strength found in diverse friendships.

The Toad: The Villainous Amphibian

No discussion of Flushed Away would be complete without mentioning The Toad, the film’s main antagonist. Although not one of the Flushed Away rats, The Toad plays a crucial role in the story. Voiced by Ian McKellen, The Toad is a pompous, power-hungry amphibian who rules the underworld with an iron fist—or, rather, an iron tongue.

The Toad has a particular disdain for rats, whom he sees as filthy creatures undeserving of the sewers he wishes to control. His plan to wipe out all of Ratropolis’ rat population sets the stage for the movie’s central conflict. As a villain, The Toad is both menacing and comically over-the-top, making him a memorable foe for Roddy and Rita. His presence in the film adds a layer of excitement and tension, keeping both kids and parents engaged as they root for the Flushed Away rats to thwart his evil plans.

Sid: The Sloppy Rat Who Starts It All

Sid is the reason Roddy ends up in the sewer in the first place. This chubby, lazy rat from the streets of London crashes into Roddy’s life and decides to make himself at home in Roddy’s cushy Kensington pad. When Roddy tries to get rid of Sid by flushing him down the toilet, Sid turns the tables and flushes Roddy instead, setting off the entire adventure.

While Sid might not be the most glamorous of the Flushed Away rats, his character serves as a reminder that not all heroes look the part. Sid may be a slob, but his carefree attitude and penchant for mischief bring a lot of humor to the film. For moms watching with their kids, Sid’s antics are a fun way to explore themes of acceptance and understanding different personalities.

Spike and Whitey: The Comic Relief Henchmen

Every great animated movie needs comic relief, and in Flushed Away , that role is filled by Spike and Whitey, two bumbling henchmen working for The Toad. While not the sharpest tools in the shed, these two rats provide plenty of laughs with their constant bickering and incompetence. Spike, voiced by Andy Serkis, is the smaller, more aggressive of the two, while Whitey, voiced by Bill Nighy, is a large, dim-witted rat with a heart of gold.

Though they work for the villain, Spike and Whitey are far from evil. Their loyalty to The Toad is more out of necessity than malice, and their interactions with Roddy and Rita add a layer of humor that lightens the movie’s more intense moments. For moms, Spike and Whitey are a great example of how even the “bad guys” in animated films can be endearing and fun.

Where To Watch The Rats Of Flushed Away

Flushed Away might be an older children’s movie from 2006, but it’s still a gem worth watching with your kids. Since it’s been around for a while, it can be a bit trickier to find on streaming services.

Right now, it’s available to stream on Netflix, so if you’re a subscriber, you’re all set for family movie night. But. if it ever disappears from Netflix’s lineup, don’t worry! DreamWorks, the studio behind the film, also has a deal with Peacock, so it will likely end up there next.

And if all else fails, you can always rent it (or buy it) on Amazon Video or Apple TV. It’s a small price to pay for a cozy night in with the family.

Why Flushed Away is a Must-Watch for Families

At its core, Flushed Away is a story about transformation, friendship, and the unlikely heroes who emerge from the most unexpected places. The Flushed Away rats start their journey as ordinary sewer dwellers but rise to the occasion when their world is threatened. Through humor, adventure, and a lot of heart, the film teaches valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and the power of working together.

For moms looking for a movie that both entertains and offers meaningful messages, Flushed Away is an excellent choice. The film’s charming characters, from Roddy and Rita to the comical Spike and Whitey, provide plenty of laughs and teach important life lessons in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

So, the next time you’re planning a family movie night, consider giving Flushed Away a spot on your list. Not only will your kids fall in love with the Flushed Away rats and their adventures, but you’ll also find yourself appreciating the film’s clever storytelling and heartwarming characters. After all, who knew sewer rats could be so heroic?

Have you watched this movie with your kiddos recently? Let us know what you thought about it in the comments. And, keep coming back for more advice on everything mommy could need (and then some).