From Sinister Bunnies to Beloved Hares: The 20 Best Rabbit Moments in Film History
Rabbits have hopped their way into cinematic lore, often carrying unexpected and sinister intentions. From classic animations to psychological thrillers, these leporine characters add depth and intrigue. Here are the 20 best rabbit moments in film, curated by Anne Billson.
20. No Surrender (1985)
Alan Bleasdale's razor-sharp farce set in Liverpool features Elvis Costello as a stage musician worried about his rabbit, adding a quirky twist to the chaotic New Year's Eve plot.
19. Fatal Attraction (1987)
Michael Douglas's character learns the hard way about extramarital affairs when Glenn Close's spurned lover boils his daughter's pet rabbit, coining the term "bunny boiler."
18. The Favourite (2018)
Queen Anne's 17 rabbits in Yorgos Lanthimos's historical comedy-drama serve as surrogates for her dead children, blending tyranny with tragedy.
17. Night of the Lepus (1972)
This film warns of killer rabbits, with menacing scenes that challenge how bunnies are perceived, proving they can be quite terrifying.
16. Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991)
In hell, Bill and Ted face a giant Easter bunny among their worst fears, adding a humorous yet eerie element to their ordeal.
15. Us (2019)
Jordan Peele's psychothriller uses caged rabbits in the opening credits and raw rabbit meat as a grim symbol, enhancing the film's unsettling atmosphere.
14. Repulsion (1965)
Roman Polanski's thriller features a rotting rabbit carcass that symbolizes Catherine Deneuve's deteriorating mental state, adding a visceral layer to the horror.
13. Harvey (1950)
James Stewart's character befriends an invisible 6ft-tall rabbit in this amiable comedy, blending whimsy with societal commentary.
12. Donnie Darko (2001)
Jake Gyllenhaal's troubled teen is haunted by Frank, a sinister bunny-suited figure, setting a benchmark for evil rabbits in film.
11. Zootopia (2016)
Disney's animated fable features Judy Hopps, a bunny cop, promoting social tolerance in a clever plot that outshines other rabbit-themed films.
10. Bambi (1942)
Thumper the rabbit provides comic relief in this Disney classic, though the film's dark themes remind us of nature's harsh realities.
9. Celia (1989)
Ann Turner's debut explores a child's trauma during Australia's rabbit cull, blending real-life horrors with nightmarish fantasies.
8. Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003)
Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck star in a meta-filled adventure with Brendan Fraser, featuring a memorable chase through the Louvre.
7. Inland Empire (2006)
David Lynch's experimental drama includes rabbit-headed characters from his web series Rabbits, adding layers of surreal nightmare fuel.
6. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
The killer rabbit of Caerbannog and the Trojan rabbit scene are iconic highlights, blending humor with unexpected violence.
5. The Illusionist (2010)
Sylvain Chomet's animated film features a disgruntled rabbit in a poignant, dialogue-free story set in 1950s Edinburgh.
4. Alice (1988)
Jan Švankmajer's stop-motion film presents a creepy stuffed rabbit that leads Alice on a freaky, threatening journey.
3. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Aardman's stop-motion classic combines puns, sight gags, and a were-rabbit plot in a humorously thrilling adventure.
2. Watership Down (1978)
Martin Rosen's animated adaptation of Richard Adams's novel offers an unsentimental, action-packed view of rabbit survival in rural England.
1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Robert Zemeckis's blend of live-action and animation features Roger Rabbit in a dark film noir plot, with Bob Hoskins delivering an exemplary performance.
These films showcase rabbits as versatile symbols, from menacing forces to beloved characters, enriching cinematic history with their unique presence.
