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Madagascar

Madagascar

They weren't born in the wild... They were shipped there.

200586 minPGMidcredits score: 81st percentile of all films
Directors
Tom McGrath, Eric Darnell
Starring
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith

Four animal friends get a taste of the wild life when they break out of captivity at the Central Park Zoo and wash ashore on the island of Madagascar.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Madagascar?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Madagascar streaming on The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Madagascar?

Madagascar earns 8 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Madagascar worth watching?

Madagascar's Midcredits score is the 81st percentile of all films, from 1.8M ratings across 6 sources. 71% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

81st percentile

Better received than 81% of films

73rd percentile among Animation79th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)80th
Approval (how many liked it)80th

70 /100

80th percentile of all films

71st percentile among Animation80th percentile among 2000s

Critics 57 · Audience 71

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.1 — people broadly agree on this one.

71% liked it

80th percentile of all films

72nd percentile among Animation78th percentile among 2000s
71% rated it 7–1029% rated it 1–6

Critics 55% · Audience 67%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 32 noms overall

99th percentile

1.8M ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 12% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$75M
Opening weekend$47M
Domestic gross$195M
Worldwide gross$543M

Returned 7.2× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a formulaic, family-friendly comedy with a familiar 'zoo animals in the wild' premise, though they differ on whether it's charming or dull.

Fans praised

  • funny, entertaining for kids and adults
  • strong voice cast and character comedy
  • lively visuals and music

Detractors panned

  • weak, formulaic script with poor pacing
  • humor fades and plot loses steam on island
  • unoriginal and derivative of better animated films

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

voice cast praised for charisma, but some find it wasted

CharactersDivisive65

clearly defined archetypes, but underdeveloped arcs

HumorDivisive65

funny for kids, but hit-or-miss for adults

DialogueDivisive60

some witty lines, but not consistent

Sound and musicDivisive50

background music, but unoriginal

Plot and story45

formulaic and unfocused, loses steam on island

Pacing40

slow middle and rushed third act

Originality35

derivative of Pixar and other DreamWorks films

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 17 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Madagascar like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulThrillingContemplative
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with a lighthearted, playful attitude, embracing slapstick and pop-culture jokes even when addressing serious themes like predatory instincts.
The rideBouncy and fun throughout, with mild tension during the Fossa attacks and Alex's predator crisis; the heavy stretch is the third-act conflict and reconciliation.
StructureThe story follows a linear three-act arc: introduction at the zoo, departure to the wild, and resolution on Madagascar.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's high-energy comedy, lively characters, and heartwarming resolution leave the viewer in a cheerful, uplifted mood.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Voyage
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% (this title) · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Fish out of water: Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).

4% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe central plot follows zoo animals stranded on a wild island after a failed escape, driving their journey to adapt and find a way home.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeMarty's search for a life beyond the zoo's routine and Alex's struggle to reconcile his predatory nature with his friendships explore what it means to find one's place.
StanceCelebrates finding purpose and friendship, affirming that home is where your friends are.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanWildernessIn transitStylized realism
Orchestral classicalWorldSupportive music · hybrid · Hans Zimmer
SettingNew York Central Park Zoo and the island of Madagascar
MusicZimmer's score blends orchestral adventure with African-inspired rhythms, and the soundtrack includes pop songs like 'I Like to Move It'.

Content guide

Is Madagascar okay for kids?

PG

Madagascar is rated PG: “Rated PG for mild language, crude humor and some thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (35/100), sexual content at mild (24/100), language at mild (26/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (20/100) and frightening material at mild (35/100). Overall it is heavier than 36% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 28 other countries
  • UKU
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium12
  • BGA
  • CzechiaU
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandS
  • Hong KongI
  • HungaryKN
  • ItalyT
  • LTV
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands6
  • NorwayA
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia0+
  • SpainAPTA
  • SwedenBtl
  • THPG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 10% of all filmsHeavier than 36% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 48%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 54%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 46%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 36%
Frightening / Intense
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 43%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 48% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Madagascar have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Madagascar?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Ben Stiller
as Alex
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Chris Rock
as Marty
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
David Schwimmer
as Melman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jada Pinkett Smith
as Gloria
Sacha Baron Cohen
as Julien
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Cedric The Entertainer
as Maurice
Andy Richter
as Mort
Tom McGrath
as Skipper
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Christopher Knights
as Private
Conrad Vernon
as Mason

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Madagascar?

Movies like Madagascar include Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012) and Penguins of Madagascar (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Eric Darnell, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Mark Burton wrote 4 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Madagascar?

770 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: castaway. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.