Arthur and the Invisibles

Ten-year-old Arthur is juggling a family in trouble: his parents away, his grandfather missing for years, and his grandmother trying to hold the house together as the bank plans to foreclose in just a couple of days. If papers aren’t signed and debts are settled, the estate will be replaced by flats. Arthur learns that the path to saving his home lies in a small-scale adventure beneath the old garden, where the world of the Minimoys thrives. The tiny residents, no bigger than a tooth, guide him toward a treasure of rubies hidden among their ranks. A dangerous foe and a hint of romance complicate the mission, testing Arthur’s courage. Arthur's wit and resolve push him through danger and risk.

Directed by Luc Besson and released in 2006, this hybrid animation blends live action and CGI to tell a fast moving family saga. It adapts Arthur et les Minimoys books, morphing a familiar backyard into a glittering miniature world.

With a production budget of about 86 million, the film earned roughly 108.6 million worldwide, delivering a solid return for a mid budget family title. The box office performance helped justify sequels and continued the Minimoys adventures for global audiences.

Arthur and the Invisibles introduced a vivid miniature world that felt tangible on screen, a concept later echoed in other family fantasies. Freddie Highmore's lead performance and the film's pioneering 3D sequences left audiences with memorable visuals, character dynamics, and a template for later animated crossovers. Its world building lingers.

Critics praised the film for its inventive premise and striking visuals, though many found the narrative thin for a feature. The story centers on family, resourcefulness, and courage as Arthur helps his grandmother keep the home. It treats greed, loyalty, and teamwork with kid friendly clarity, delivering a hopeful message.