Top 10 Shrinking Scenes in Movies

Walking on the moon is one thing, but traveling inside a human body is literally one small step for man. In this 1966 sci-fi classic, a submarine crew is enlisted to mend a dying scientist’s brain. To get there, however, the team and their vessel must be reduced to microscopic size. This tense, slow-paced scene is just one of the many impressive set pieces in the film, utilizing the best special effects and art design the ‘60s had to offer. Once the Proteus is injected into Benes’ body, it’s a race against time as our heroes attempt to complete their mission before sprouting back up.
 

This entire movie is essentially a shrinking scene stretched to feature length. Through some totally illogical movie science, Scott Carey finds that he’s getting smaller and will inevitably decrease into oblivion. For a film that came out in the ‘50s, the special effects here still hold up pretty darn well. The use of giant props and blue screen technology make for several seamless moments, including showdowns with a cat and spider. Of course, “The Incredible Shrinking Man” is more than a visual marvel. It also addresses the tragic nature of its protagonist. If you want a more lighthearted approach to this story, though, you can always check out “The Incredible Shrinking Woman.”  

“Innerspace” is basically the slapstick equivalent of “Fantastic Voyage.” This Joe Dante film follows Lt. Tuck Pendleton, who volunteers to be miniaturized and injected inside a rabbit. The buildup here makes the audience feel like they’re standing in line for a theme park attraction. Then when Pendleton and his pod spiral down to a teeny, little speck, it’s as if we’ve been sent on an exhilarating rollercoaster. While the shrinking portion of the experiment goes off without a hitch, Pendleton misses his target and winds up in the body of a grocery store clerk. With an equal blend of sharply written humor and over-the-top physical comedy, big laughs naturally ensue. 
 

Although the title might lead you to believe otherwise, “Epic” actually takes place on a very small scale. Venturing into the woods as strong winds kick in, teenager M.K. stumbles upon the tiny queen of the forest. Before perishing, the queen uses her magic to bring M.K. down to her level. Entrusted with a magical pod, this ordinary girl is introduced to a secret world populated by little Leafmen. Everything goes by so quickly that it actually takes M.K. a minute to fully comprehend that she’s been miniaturized, adding a bit of comedy to the heavy drama. Elevated by striking animation and rich atmosphere, the computer-animated fantasy whisks the audience away on an adventure that encompasses Mother Nature in all its beauty.

Just over two decades before “Epic,” another environmentally conscious animated feature about a little society hit the big screen. When a human lumberjack named Zak is nearly squashed by a tree, Crysta uses her powers to try and save him, but accidently shrinks him down to her size. Zak quickly discovers that the rainforest is inhabited by fairies, as well as talking bats and singing lizards. Crysta attempts to restore Zak to normal, but her aim falls short. By getting a closer look at FernGully, though, Zak just might come to appreciate the trees. The same can be said about the audience, as we’re sucked in by the film’s lovely imagery and sense of adventure. 
 

Early on in “Beetlejuice,” our characters encounter a ghost with a shrunken head sitting in the afterlife waiting room. While that alone is a great visual gag, it comes full circle at the end of the film. In an attempt to move up the waiting list, our mischievous title character switches numbers with a voodoo man. The witch doctor catches onto his tricks and retaliates by shrinking Beetlejuice’s head. As always, Michael Keaton hits it out of the park with pitch perfect comedic timing while director Tim Burton demonstrates his knack for gothic comedy. Considering that Beetlejuice isn’t exactly of sound mind, he could actually use a good shrink anyway.

Of all the characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man was probably among the hardest to bring to life. Through some first-rate visuals and lots of imagination, however, the filmmakers managed to do a somewhat obscure superhero justice. Trying on the Ant-Man suit for the first time, Scott Lang gets a first-hand glimpse at a bug’s life. In a whimsical sequence, our miniature protagonist is almost killed by everything he comes in contact with, from water to dance shoes and even a rat. Like the rest of the film, the scene is fun, humorous, and overflowing with creativity. There’s also a true sense of danger, though, as Scott can be crushed like an insect at any time.
 

Like most of the other children that score a trip to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, Mike Teevee gets his just desserts in the end. Through the wonder of Wonkavision, a giant chocolate bar is transported inside a tiny TV before their eyes. Seeing this technology, Mike gets the bright idea to send himself into the television. Mr. Wonka doesn’t exactly make much of an effort to stop him. Thus, Mike goes from being a little brat to an even littler brat. As funny as it is creative, this scene wouldn’t be complete without an Oompa Loompa song. The 2005 remake would also put a unique spin on Mike’s television trip, but the original simply has the golden ticket.  

Following the White Rabbit, Alice hits a roadblock when she encounters a talking doorknob. In order to fit through the pintsized door, she drinks from a bottle that suddenly appears on a table. After just a couple of gulps, Alice shrinks down tremendously, but the doorknob neglected to tell her that he’s locked. With the key out of reach, she eats a treat, but bites off a little more than she can chew. Now taking up all the space in the room, Alice cries herself up a storm and shrinks one more time. Exemplifying some of Disney’s most colorful and trippy animation, this scene is a wondrous trip down the rabbit hole and through the keyhole.
  
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Little Big Planet
“The Phantom Planet” (1961)

- Moon Heist
“Despicable Me” (2010)

- Playtime
“Attack of the Puppet People” (1958)

- Smaller than a Beatle
“Help!” (1965)
 

When people think of shrinking scenes, this quirky family adventure typically comes to mind. Although Wayne Szalinski’s shrink ray seems like a failed endeavor at first, it turns out that his invention does indeed work. The ray gun not only shrinks Wayne’s own children by mistake, but also reduces the neighbor boys as well. Now virtually anything can crush these kids, including a broom. Taken out with the trash, our characters venture through the hazardous backyard, which is overrun with giant bugs, sprinklers, and cookies. This setup makes leeway for plenty of inventive scenarios, which range from goofy to surprisingly intense, but always fun. Additionally showcasing stellar effects and sets, it’s one of Disney’s best live-action outings.