The Happy Microbes (1909): cast, story & where to watch

1909 · Film · ★ 4.5

The Happy Microbes poster

Released in 1909, The Happy Microbes is a comedy and animation film directed by Émile Cohl, running about 4 minutes.

What it’s about. A scientist has acquired a microscope and is showing it off to his friend. He takes various body samples - hair, phlegm, etc. - and puts them under the microscope. The "microbes" coalesce and form different shapes, creating caricatures of various people, such as mothers-in-law and drunks. These animated characters goof around in traditional cartoon fashion.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, The Happy Microbes has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Happy Microbes page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Happy Microbes tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Happy Microbes (1909)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Happy Microbes change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Happy Microbes worth watching?
The Happy Microbes holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy and animation. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was The Happy Microbes released?
The Happy Microbes was released in 1909, with a runtime of about 4 minutes.