Madagascar

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Madagascar

PG

2005

1h 26m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

55%

Tomatometer

192 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends -- Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo -- have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape -- with the help of some prodigious penguins -- to explore the world.

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Critics Consensus

Though its story is problematic in spots and its humor is hit-or-miss for the adult crowd, Madagascar boasts impressive visuals and enough spunky charm to keep children entertained.

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Derek Adams

Time Out

Nov 16, 2011

Boring and bedraggled.

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Erin Clements

Time Out

Sep 20, 2008

Lame scatalogical gags and worn pop-culture parodies abound, but the CGI animation romp is somewhat redeemed by the scene-stealing appearances of several supporting characters.

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Empire Magazine

Jan 7, 2006

3/5

Doesn't really live up to the promise that the idea and voice talent deserve. But it's still spirited, amiable, featherweight summer fun.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Mar 9, 2024

1/4

Not only is the film forgettable, it’s gallingly despicable.

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Olly Richards

Sunday Times (UK)

Sep 19, 2022

The voice cast — Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, David Schwimmer, Sacha Baron Cohen — is inspired and the jokes are absolutely packed in.

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Mat Brunet

AniMat's Review (YouTube)

Sep 9, 2022

9/10

Madagascar is a fantastic animated feature that is a great example of DreamWorks Animation during the peak of their early years.

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Ben W

Feb 11, 2026

It’s a classic Dreamworks movie, but definitely not great once the nostalgia wears off. Still fun for kids.

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Madadave

Jan 19, 2026

I love this movie it was so funny

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GlammaHG

Jan 19, 2026

We love it no matter how many times we see it!! A perfect activity to take my grandson to being out of school on Dr MLK Day!

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David B

Jan 18, 2026

I really like to move it move it

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Sean

Jan 17, 2026

A very funny movie and a great movie to see in theaters for the first time or on a rewatch!

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Jax

Jan 17, 2026

Perfect way to start the weekend

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Eric Darnell

Director

Tom McGrath

Director

Ben Stiller

Alex the Lion

Chris Rock

Marty the Zebra

David Schwimmer

Melman the Giraffe

Jada Pinkett Smith

Gloria the Hippo

Madagascar: Official Clip - Penguin Boat Takeover

2:53

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Madagascar: Official Clip - Caught in Grand Central Station

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Madagascar: Official Clip - A Toast to Alex

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Madagascar: Official Clip - Alex Goes Crazy

0:00

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Madagascar: Official Clip - Penguins to the Rescue

3:13

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Madagascar: Official Clip - I Like to Move It Move It

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Madagascar: Official Clip - Shipped to Africa

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Madagascar: Official Clip - What a Wonderful World

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Madagascar: Official Clip - On the Beach

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Madagascar: Official Clip - Crying Mort

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Synopsis

Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends -- Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo -- have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape -- with the help of some prodigious penguins -- to explore the world.

Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath
Producer: Teresa Cheng, Mireille Soria
Screenwriter: Mark Burton, Billy Frolick, Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath
Distributor: DreamWorks SKG
Production Co: DreamWorks SKG
Rating: PG (Mild Language|Crude Humor|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 27, 2005, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jan 16, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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