2022 releases like the recent Ice Age series is no different, returning to screen through The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild and Scrat Tales.
The latter was especially well-received by fans, not only for its short and easily consumed content but for bringing back the unsung hero of the Ice Age series: Scrat. Despite not being a part of the main narratives, Scrat became one of the franchise's favorite characters thanks to his memorable subplots and acorn-obsessed ways. From causing the Continental Drift to dooming Scratlantis, he had many hilarious moments throughout the film series.
His Introduction
Ice Age
Right from his first appearance on screen, it's clear that Scrat is going to be a hilarious character. From his futile attempts at getting the acorn into the ice to his amusing little sounds and erratic mannerisms, he successfully sets the tone for the hilarity of the first film while also establishing himself as a chaotic secondary character.
The scene is full of great timing and classic Scrat comedy as he lets his love for the acorn put his life at risk, only to be stomped out at the end.
Scrat Vs. The UFO's Automatic Door
Ice Age: Collision Course
Having finally (again) reunited with his acorn, Scrat has it again taken away from him thanks to an automatic door that seems to be determined to keep them apart.
With the scene's repetition, the door switching its closing direction, Scrat's trademark silly faces and noises, and the all too unfortunate ending, it's easily one of his most hilarious scenes. Plus, its entertainment factor proves the validity of Ice Age as a long-running animated franchise that continues to release new content.
Scrat Vs. The Sirens
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Not only is the best Blue Sky Studies movies, but it also features some of Scrat's funniest moments, such as how he handles being seduced by the sirens.
Scrat's amusing response to the Scratte callback, the way he casually fights a siren by mistaking it for his acorn, and his iconic scream echoing as he tries to drive his ice ball away from the sea monsters all make it one of his best and most hilarious scenes.
Trying To Stop The Meltdown
Ice Age: The Meltdown
Just as he did in the first film, Scrat starts off the franchise's sequel by again causing a crack in the giant ice glacier, but this time global warming leads it to become something more since the start of the meltdown.
Scrat is seen scaling the giant ice structure, getting his tongue stuck but still heroically making it to his acorn. When he manages to remove it, the ice starts to spew water, and his ensuing attempts to try and contain it (effectively turning himself into a water balloon in the process) are hilarious to watch and classic Scrat.
Continuing The Cycle With A Coconut
Ice Age
The end of the first Ice Age depicted a frozen Scrat slowly thawing next to his acorn 20,000 years later. While his acorn is carried away by a wave before he defrosts, Scrat finds a coconut to love instead.
Scrat lets his new fixation lead him to the exact same situation as the start of the film, only this time causing a volcanic eruption instead. Not only does the scene bring his comedy back full circle, but it also assures viewers that Scrat's silly ways will remain a staple of the series who was a shining highlight of one of the funniest animated movies ever.
Causing The Continental Drift
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Despite Scrat not being one of the main of the Ice Age crew, his subplot adventures are shown to often influence the films' storylines, often thanks to him causing catastrophic events such as being responsible for the Continental Drift.
Not only is this scene one of his funniest due to its sheer impracticality and ridiculousness of it, but it features some of Scrat's most unfortunate mishaps, from journeying to the Earth's core to his losing the acorn yet again. Not to mention his hilarious apparent contributions to some of the wonders of the world.
Scrat Chooses Love
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs
Although the acorn was shown as the one true love of Scrat's life, that changes in Dawn of the Dinosaurs when he meets Scratte.
While the two initially rivaled over the acorn, even their animosity was riddled with tension, chemistry, and unabashed flirting, with their romance coming to its head when Scrat finally abandons the acorn in order to be with his new love. Scrat's initial hesitation, the over-dramatic moments with Scratte, and him kicking away the acorn he was so obsessed with all help make it one of his funniest (and surprisingly cute) scenes.
Sid Brings Him Back To Life
Ice Age: The Meltdown
While it may not be considered a perfect masterpiece of an animated movie, the second Ice Age film has plenty of redeeming moments, especially given its many amusing Scrat scenes.
Among them, Sid reviving a dead Scrat is undoubtedly the funniest. Having reached the afterlife, Scrat is finally exposed to all the acorns he can imagine - the one true paradise he's wanted - only to be rudely revived by Sid. Scrat's reaction upon seeing all the acorns, the soft swelling music in the background, his abrupt realization of being alive again, and his attack on a confused Sid are all elements that showcase the best of Scrat's comedic talents.
Leaving Scratte For The Acorn
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Despite seemingly finding love with Scratte earlier in the film, Scrat eventually grows tired of their life as a couple and once again finds himself going for the acorn, much to Scratte's chagrin.
Scratte's hilarious mannerisms, Scrat's failed attempt at being discreet, and the joy on his face at rediscovering his lost ion for the acorn are comedic treats for viewers. Plus, it sets Scrat's narrative back on track, with his obsession with the acorn being his one defining and constant characteristic.
Destroying Scratlantis
Ice Age: Continental Drift
By far the funniest Scrat scene from the original Ice Age series gets awarded to when he accidentally destroys Scratlantis in the fourth film. From the moment he is approached by "Ariscratle" to greedily snatching every acorn in sight, the scene is one big laugh-inducing moment.
What makes it especially funnier is when the others in Scratlantis try to urge Scrat to "rise above this base desire and be more than a rodent," he takes a momentary pause only to abruptly change course and ruin it all. It's a perfect depiction of all that makes Scrat so loved and a hilarious highlight of the franchise.
