Movies with Rabbits
Have you ever noticed the recurring appearances of rabbits in movies? There’s a hidden code in Hollywood that only a select few know about. While I can’t reveal all its secrets here, I can tell you it begins with uncovering every movie featuring rabbits. I have a list to help you start, but you’ll need to venture down the rabbit hole yourself to learn the whole truth. Are you ready to unravel the mystery?
Think about it: why rabbits, of all creatures, consistently popping up in scenes from different decades, genres, and studios? It’s not a mere coincidence, nor is it a whimsical artistic choice. Some believe there is a clandestine network of producers, directors, and powerful financiers who understand the deeper symbolism these animals carry. The bunny, in their coded language, represents something far beyond a child’s bedtime story—something that hints at ancient rituals, secret societies, and the subtle manipulation of our collective subconscious. One must look closely, pausing at every frame, reading between the lines of dialogue, and listening carefully to the musical cues when these elusive animals appear. Only then can you begin to decode the carefully veiled message.
You see, Hollywood is not just a machine for churning out entertainment; it is a factory of dreams, carefully designed to shape your beliefs, guide your desires, and influence the very fabric of culture. Within this grand tapestry of scripted realities, rabbits are the threads that bind together otherwise disconnected films. Their presence is like an inside joke shared among the initiated, a subtle wink that goes unnoticed by the masses. Sometimes they surface prominently—a looming rabbit costume or a symbolic plush toy—other times they slip by almost imperceptibly: a painting on a wall, a whispered reference in the dialogue, a quick cut to a rabbit’s foot keychain. Each occurrence is a clue, a hint meant to reward those patient enough to connect the dots.
Ultimately, the question you must ask yourself is not just why rabbits appear, but who placed them there and what they intend to achieve. Is it a warning, a test of perception, or perhaps a quiet form of rebellion by the few who know the truth? Regardless of the motive, the pattern is too consistent to ignore. What you choose to do next—whether you follow the trail or dismiss it as mere paranoia—will determine whether you become part of the enlightened few who understand Hollywood’s strange, rabbit-laden cryptogram. The choice, as always, is yours.
Cliffhanger (1993) - In this Sylvester Stallone action thriller, there's a tense and memorable moment involving a rabbit. The villain, Travers, places a tracking device on a rabbit, intending to locate the stolen money cases. When the device leads them astray, and Travers realizes that the bunny has thrown off their pursuit, it sends him into a rage. The rabbit’s presence here is small but pivotal, as it’s a final aggravation that pushes Travers over the edge.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - Thor repeatedly refers to Rocket—who is actually a genetically enhanced raccoon—as “Rabbit” throughout their scenes together. Thor’s misunderstanding is played for laughs, highlighting his unfamiliarity with Earth’s fauna and adding a bit of levity to the otherwise intense narrative. Although Rocket is not a rabbit at all, this recurring gag ensures “Rabbit” is brought up numerous times, giving rabbits a curious honorary cameo in a blockbuster superhero film.
Alice in Wonderland (1951) – The White Rabbit is the catalyst for Alice’s entire adventure and appears multiple times throughout the story. He’s a nervous, anxious character, always concerned about being “late for a very important date.” While he never becomes the film’s central focus, each of his appearances spurs Alice forward, guiding her deeper into Wonderland’s nonsensical world.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993) – The Easter Bunny makes an extremely brief and incidental appearance when Lock, Shock, and Barrel accidentally kidnap the wrong holiday figure. He’s on screen only momentarily, serving as a humorous, if fleeting, cameo.
Harvey (1950) - A kind-hearted eccentric, Elwood P. Dowd, befriends an invisible, human-sized rabbit named Harvey. Though no one else sees Harvey, his presence looms large, gently undermining social norms. The rabbit’s elusive reality tests the patience of Elwood’s family and perplexes doctors at a sanitarium, prompting everyone to question what constitutes genuine kindness, sanity, and companionship.
Fatal Attraction (1987) - In a shocking domestic scene, a once-innocent family pet—a white rabbit—is boiled on a stovetop by a spurned lover. Its presence is brief but forceful, crystallizing the film’s tension and exposing the raw, escalating violence beneath a seemingly ordinary suburban life. The rabbit’s cruel fate signals the moment fantasies of reconciliation give way to chilling reality.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - When Lock, Shock, and Barrel attempt to kidnap “Sandy Claws” for Jack Skellington, they mistakenly snatch the Easter Bunny. This brief, flustered cameo by the gentle creature underscores the film’s playful intermingling of holiday realms. The rabbit never speaks, yet its startled confusion contrasts sharply with Halloween Town’s spooky residents, emphasizing the movie’s theme of embracing differences.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) - In the Spanish Civil War’s tense countryside, a pair of rabbits—hunted by farmers—appear at a roadside checkpoint. When the farmers are fatally mistaken for rebels, the discovery of the rabbits they carried becomes a grim punctuation mark. These small, vulnerable creatures symbolize simple survival amid brutal violence, quietly intensifying the film’s already fraught atmosphere.
A Christmas Story (1983) - Young Ralphie’s delight in Christmas gifts sours when he’s forced to wear pink bunny pajamas from a well-meaning aunt. This plush, ridiculous outfit—far from his coveted Red Ryder BB gun—embodies childhood humiliation and familial expectation. The bunny suit’s brief cameo secures its place as a nostalgic moment of awkward tenderness and good-humored familial teasing.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - Within Elliot’s cluttered bedroom, a plush rabbit toy sits quietly among other stuffed animals. Though it never moves or speaks, its presence grounds the film’s more fantastical elements. The rabbit becomes a comforting symbol of normal childhood life, softly highlighting the extraordinary nature of E.T.’s arrival without overshadowing the movie’s warm, human core.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - Gollum proudly presents two freshly caught rabbits—referred to as “coneys”—to Frodo and Sam. Initially intended as raw fare, they become a makeshift stew under Sam’s culinary care. These small creatures, prepared and eaten in a desolate land, lend gritty realism to the epic journey, illustrating the lengths companions must go to sustain hope and life.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - Among a gentle assembly of forest creatures, rabbits peer shyly from behind foliage, hop alongside Snow White, and watch her every move. They never speak or interfere, yet their soft presence underscores the film’s innocence and natural harmony, adding small touches of sweetness and trust to a story rooted in kindness and love.
Sleeping Beauty (1959) - In the peaceful forest that Princess Aurora wanders, rabbits appear as silent observers, their large eyes reflecting the realm’s serenity. They help set a dreamy mood as Aurora’s voice floats among trees. Though they do not shape the plot, their subtle presence enhances the film’s aura of enchantment and pastoral bliss.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) - Knights on a sacred quest encounter what appears to be a gentle white rabbit guarding a cave. Rather than a harmless woodland creature, it’s a vicious, unexpectedly lethal foe that swiftly dispatches armored men. The rabbit’s ferocious defiance twists expectations, turning a seemingly quaint detail into one of the film’s most iconic and absurdly humorous set pieces.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - Roger Rabbit, a manic toon star with boundless energy and heart, is framed for murder in a world where cartoons and humans coexist. Frightened yet ever hopeful, he teams up with a hard-boiled detective to clear his name. Roger’s rabbit identity is more than just a species label—it defines his frantic movement, wide-eyed innocence, and the fundamental zaniness that makes him impossible to ignore.
Donnie Darko (2001) - A sinister rabbit figure named Frank appears as a towering, nightmarish vision to troubled teen Donnie. Sporting a skeletal rabbit mask and cryptic warnings, Frank’s appearances are unsettling and ambiguous, blending psychological horror with metaphysical puzzles. The rabbit’s form intensifies the film’s eerie mood, leaving viewers to question what’s real and what lurks in the darkness of Donnie’s mind.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) - A vegetable-loving village is terrorized by a monstrous, bunny-like creature every full moon. Wallace and his loyal dog Gromit, humane pest controllers, track down the “were-rabbit,” discovering an unintentional and comedic twist close to home. The rabbits, whether wild or transformed, bring a gentle, garden-variety mischief that escalates into a delightfully claymated mystery.
Zootopia (2016) - Judy Hopps, an optimistic rabbit from a farming family, becomes the city’s first bunny police officer. She’s small but tenacious, proving that even a soft-footed lagomorph can break species expectations. Through Judy’s earnest service, the film uses a rabbit to challenge prejudice and illuminate the strength of empathy, perseverance, and moral courage.
Peter Rabbit (2018) - A mischievous young rabbit named Peter leads his siblings into daily conflicts with a grumpy gardener over prized vegetables. While undeniably playful and impulsive, Peter’s bunny identity blends cleverness with vulnerability, as he learns about respect, forgiveness, and balancing freedom with responsibility. The rabbit’s mischievous exploits energize the story, rooted in both whimsy and heartfelt lessons.
Hop (2011) - E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, resents his expected destiny and instead dreams of becoming a drummer. His reluctant journey takes him from a candy-colored Easter Island warren to Hollywood. This rabbit’s struggle to find himself, blending family duty with personal ambition, transforms a simple bunny tale into a commentary on individuality and following one’s true passion.
Watership Down (1978) - A band of wild rabbits embarks on a perilous journey to find a new home after escaping their threatened warren. Each rabbit’s personality and courage shape a survival epic tinged with danger, loyalty, and sacrifice. Far from being harmless background creatures, these rabbits drive the story’s emotional core, elevating them into symbols of perseverance and hope against hostile odds.
Rise of the Guardians (2012) - The Easter Bunny here is a formidable, boomerang-wielding guardian of children’s belief. Tall, athletic, and proudly Australian, he oversees lush, floral Easter worlds. Though whimsical and gentle at heart, this rabbit’s fierce protectiveness shows that even the gentlest symbol of spring can stand strong against darkness, safeguarding imagination with both kindness and courage.
Bambi (1942) - Thumper, a playful young rabbit, hops alongside Bambi through the forest’s changing seasons. Though never the central figure, he provides crucial warmth and moral lessons—gently prompting Bambi to speak, listen, and grow. Thumper’s easy laughter and wide-eyed curiosity offset nature’s harsher realities, making him an enduring symbol of friendship and innocence.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) - Rabbit, a fussily organized gardener in the Hundred Acre Wood, frets over his vegetables and wrestles with Pooh’s honey-stealing antics. His presence is small but steady, illustrating how a slight, carrot-loving figure can offer both exasperation and neighborly care. In this gentle tale, Rabbit’s meticulous nature and cautious heart add a subtle layer of community and calm.
Robin Hood (1973) - Among the forest outlaws and royal rogues, a family of rabbits ekes out a humble life in Nottingham’s oppressive shadow. Little Skippy Rabbit, wide-eyed and hopeful, dares to dream of heroism after meeting Robin Hood. Their brief appearances—small, vulnerable figures caught in a harsh world—embody the everyday subjects that the noble fox and his allies fight to protect.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016) - Snowball, a deceptively adorable white rabbit, leads a ragtag army of abandoned animals beneath the city’s streets. He’s tiny but intense, shifting from fluffy cuteness to manic fervor in an instant. Through his grand schemes and comic rants, this bunny’s presence injects chaos and mischief into the tapestry of hidden pet lives, challenging our assumptions about who’s truly harmless.
Hoodwinked! (2005) - Boingo, a seemingly sweet, wide-eyed bunny, skulks in the background of this fractured fairy tale. Initially appearing as a timid, candy-loving side character, he later emerges as a cunning mastermind behind the story’s tangled crimes. The rabbit’s shift from harmless helper to calculating villain is a clever twist, proving that even the smallest, cutest creature can conceal big surprises.
The Velveteen Rabbit (2009) - A simple plush bunny sits quietly in a young boy’s nursery, yearning to become “real” through the power of love. As he’s hugged, forgotten, and rediscovered, the rabbit’s soft, unassuming presence embodies tenderness and hope. His gentle transformation, fueled by a child’s affection, speaks to the magic lurking in everyday objects—and the quiet resilience of a patient heart.
Sing (2016) - A lively trio of bunny singers hop onto the stage with contagious pep during the audition scene. Though their act lasts mere moments, these pink-eared performers burst with cheerful energy, showing that even background competitors can charm an audience. Their brief, upbeat cameo helps fill the talent show’s world with a kaleidoscope of personality and sound.
Space Jam (1996) & Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) - Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny shine on the Looney Tunes’ basketball team, countering alien threats and superstar rivals with wry humor and cool confidence. Their iconic ears and quick thinking help unify a scrappy, slapstick crew. Whether outwitting opponents with carrot-fueled cunning or shooting hoops with effortless style, these rabbits prove that skill and wit sometimes come in small, furry packages.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) - Bean Bunny appears as a gentle soul caught in a wintry London scene, his little frame bundled against the cold. Though not the story’s focus, his simple longing and honest innocence emphasize the film’s central theme of kindness. Bean’s presence quietly enriches the holiday atmosphere, reminding viewers that compassion extends to even the smallest, softest voice in the crowd.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) - In Wes Anderson’s stop-motion world, a courteous rabbit quietly supports the wily Mr. Fox and his neighbors. Polite and mild-mannered, this rabbit stands apart from the film’s more daring and cunning personalities. His earnest presence contributes a gentle note to the ensemble’s otherwise high-stakes hijinks, confirming that courage and loyalty take many forms—even timid, long-eared ones.
Song of the South (1946) - Brer Rabbit bounds through the animated folklore sequences, outwitting larger, tougher foes by relying on quick thinking and clever tricks. He’s no grand hero—just a small, resourceful figure who stays one step ahead of trouble. His playful cunning and effortless escapes have left a lasting imprint on storytelling, proving that wit can prevail where brawn falls short.
Miss Potter (2006) - Peter Rabbit exists here only as ink and watercolor on a budding author’s page, yet he’s the heart of Beatrix Potter’s imaginative world. His mischievous grin and woodland adventures inspire a quiet revolution in children’s literature. Though never hopping in physical form, Peter’s illustrated presence resonates through Beatrix’s personal journey, reflecting how a single rabbit character can kindle a timeless creative legacy.
The Matrix (1999) - A subtle yet pivotal rabbit reference appears early on when Neo’s online contact tells him to “follow the white rabbit.” Moments later, a woman at his door reveals a small, white rabbit tattoo inked on her shoulder. Though no literal rabbit appears, this brief, visual nod becomes a symbolic key, prompting Neo to venture into the unknown. The inked rabbit, silent but unmistakable, quietly guides him toward Morpheus and the truth lurking beneath his everyday reality.
Night of the Lepus (1972) - In this B-movie horror romp, a scientific experiment gone wrong turns ordinary rabbits into colossal, rampaging beasts. Swarming through rural landscapes and overwhelming local authorities, these supersized bunnies bring chaos with their stampede of twitching noses and gnashing teeth. Unexpectedly lethal and undeniably odd, these mutant rabbits anchor a cautionary tale about meddling with nature.
Jojo Rabbit (2019) - A young boy, nicknamed “Jojo Rabbit,” faces a cruel rite of passage when older Hitler Youth members demand he kill a rabbit. His inability to harm the gentle creature highlights his innocence amid war’s savage ideologies. Though the rabbit itself is only present briefly, that tender moment—Jojo’s failure to commit an act of cruelty—shapes his moral awakening in a world gone mad.
Christopher Robin (2018) - In a quieter, grown-up world, Rabbit returns as one of Winnie-the-Pooh’s cherished friends lingering in the Hundred Acre Wood. Fussy and organized, he attempts to maintain order as Christopher Robin rediscovers the simple wonders of his childhood. The rabbit’s measured perspective and small acts of caretaking help anchor the film’s gentle message: even as adult worries loom, comfort and friendship can still thrive.
The Favourite (2018) - In Queen Anne’s opulent chambers, a cluster of pet rabbits scampers softly through candlelit rooms. Each bunny represents a child the Queen has lost, their presence quiet but profound. Without uttering a sound, these rabbits embody grief, memory, and tenderness in a court defined by manipulation and ambition. Their stillness contrasts sharply with the tumult of palace intrigue.
Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo (2004) - As Easter approaches, Rabbit’s fastidiousness nearly drains the holiday of its joy. Surrounded by Pooh, Tigger, and Roo’s bright enthusiasm, Rabbit eventually learns that strict order and rigid expectations must soften in the face of friendship. His bunny character, though grumpy at first, undergoes a gentle transformation. By film’s end, Rabbit’s careful nature blends with warmth, proving even a fussy gardener can embrace the spirit of renewal and fun.
Rabbits (2002) by David Lynch (Short Film/Series) - For something truly off the beaten path, Rabbits is a surreal series of short vignettes directed by David Lynch. It features human actors in rabbit head masks, inhabiting a strange, dimly lit living room and delivering cryptic dialogue and eerie non-sequiturs. Though not a conventional narrative film, it’s a disturbing, hypnotic exploration of mood, mystery, and the uncanny. Definitely not family-friendly, but it’s a striking deep cut for anyone curious about rabbits used as surreal artistic symbols.
