Are you a big fan of the hilarious animated movie Madagascar? This 2005 DreamWorks classic follows a group of pampered zoo animals from New York who accidentally find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar. With its witty humor, lovable characters, and heartwarming themes of friendship, it’s no wonder Madagascar was such a huge hit.
If you loved tagging along on the wacky adventures of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo, you’re probably craving more movies with a similar vibe. Well, you’re in luck! I’ve rounded up the 18 best films to watch next if you adored Madagascar.
These picks all share elements that made Madagascar so great – they’re funny, entertaining, feature talking animals, and have themes of friendship and adventure at their core. So grab some popcorn and get ready to laugh and feel good with these awesome animated movies:
1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
First up, we have to talk about the direct sequel, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Released in 2008, this film picks up right where the first one left off. Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those crafty penguins are on their way back to New York when their plane ends up crashing in Africa instead.
Stranded on the continent where their species are from, the zoo crew have some wild new experiences. Alex is reunited with his long-lost parents and struggles to fit in. Marty joins a herd of zebras and questions his individuality. And Gloria attracts the attention of a smooth-talking hippo named Moto Moto.
With the same sharp writing and beloved characters, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a super satisfying and entertaining follow-up. It expands the world and story in really fun ways. If you haven’t seen it yet, this sequel is an absolute must-watch for any Madagascar fan.
2. Ice Age (2002)
You can’t talk about iconic animal adventure comedies without mentioning Ice Age. This 2002 film kicked off the hugely popular Ice Age franchise and it’s easy to see why. Set in the Paleolithic ice age, it features a wholly unique cast of prehistoric mammals embarking on an epic journey.
Our unlikely herd includes Manny, a gruff wooly mammoth, Sid, a wisecracking sloth, and Diego, a sardonic saber-tooth tiger. Despite their differences, this trio has to work together to return a human baby to its tribe. Along the way, they become the best of friends.
Like Madagascar, Ice Age is packed with witty, rapid-fire jokes that will make both kids and adults crack up. The animation is also stunning, bringing the icy environments and ancient creatures to life in impressive detail. Both hilarious and heartfelt, Ice Age is a certified classic.
3. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
For a different take on the “animal friends on an adventure” premise, check out Kung Fu Panda. This 2008 DreamWorks movie is set in ancient China and follows Po, a clumsy panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master.
When Po is unexpectedly chosen as the prophesied Dragon Warrior, he has to train under the skeptical Master Shifu and alongside the legendary Furious Five warriors. Together, this band of misfit animals has to defend their home from the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung.
With its stunning Asian-inspired visuals, awesome martial arts action, and message of believing in yourself, Kung Fu Panda is an inspiring delight. Jack Black is perfectly cast as the excitable Po, and the supporting cast of characters, like the snarky Tigress and wise Oogway, are super endearing. Any animal movie fan is sure to get a kick out of this one.
4. The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
Based on the hit mobile game, 2016’s The Angry Birds Movie brings the feud between birds and pigs to hilarious new heights. On an island populated entirely by flightless birds, hot-headed outcast Red is sentenced to anger management class. There, he meets the speedy Chuck, the volatile Bomb, and the calm Matilda.
But when a ship of green pigs led by the shifty Leonard arrives on the island, Red is the only one suspicious of their intentions. As the pigs enact their scheme to steal the birds’ eggs, Red and his pals have to step up and save the day.
The Angry Birds Movie is a goofy good time with some seriously funny voice acting from stars like Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, and Danny McBride. The slapstick humor and silly puns are perfect for fans of Madagascar’s style. Who knew a movie about flinging birds at evil pigs could be so much fun?
5. Happy Feet (2006)
For a more musical take on talking animal adventures, waddle on over to Happy Feet. This 2006 film is set in Antarctica and centers on a young emperor penguin named Mumble. In his colony, all penguins must sing a “heartsong” to attract their mate. But poor Mumble is a terrible singer – though he can tap dance like nobody’s business.
After being outcast by his fellow penguins, Mumble sets off on a quest to discover why the fish his colony relies on are disappearing. His journey takes him far from home and requires bravery, determination, and some fancy footwork to complete.
With its mix of poppin’ songs, eco-friendly messages, and themes of accepting yourself and others, Happy Feet is a joy to watch. The snowy Antarctic landscapes are breathtaking, and the dance numbers are impressively choreographed. If you like your animal movies with a side of toe-tapping tunes, Happy Feet can’t be beat.
6. Over the Hedge (2006)
Another DreamWorks offering, Over the Hedge is a clever comedy about woodland creatures colliding with suburbia. When a group of forest animals wakes up from hibernation, they discover a huge hedge has appeared in their midst. On the other side lies a world of manicured lawns, picket fences, and boundless snacks.
Crafty raccoon RJ shows the naive critters – including the anxious turtle Verne, hyperactive squirrel Hammy, and sassy skunk Stella – how to forage from the humans. But RJ is hiding a secret that could put his new friends in danger.
Over the Hedge is stuffed with sly jokes and pop culture references that parents will appreciate along with the kids. The odd couple pairing of natural enemies RJ and Verne makes for a lot of laughs and heart. And the film’s satirical look at consumerism and suburban sprawl gives it a little extra bite.
7. Rio (2011)
For a more tropical adventure, fly down to Rio. This bright and colorful romp follows Blu, a domesticated blue macaw who lives a cozy life with his human owner in Minnesota. When it’s discovered that Blu is the last male of his kind, he’s flown to Rio de Janeiro to mate with a feisty female named Jewel.
But when the two rare birds are kidnapped by animal smugglers, they have to work together to escape. With help from some wisecracking city birds, Blu and Jewel explore the vibrant jungles and streets of Rio while evading their captors.
Boasting a lively samba soundtrack, gorgeous animation, and a sweet central romance, Rio is guaranteed to leave you in a sunny mood. The Brazilian setting pops with color and energy, and the voice cast, including Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, is terrific. You’ll be booking a flight to Rio as soon as the credits roll.
8. Zootopia (2016)
One of Disney’s most ambitious and clever films in recent years, Zootopia takes place in a world entirely populated by anthropomorphic animals. Optimistic bunny Judy Hopps has always dreamed of being a police officer. When she finally gets her badge and moves to the big city of Zootopia, she’s determined to prove herself on the force.
But the only case Judy can get is a missing mammals one that no one else wants to touch. To crack it, she has to partner with sly fox con artist Nick Wilde. Together, this unlikely duo uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the whole city.
Zootopia is a wildly creative and entertaining ride with some surprisingly thoughtful commentary on prejudice and stereotyping. The intricate animal metropolis is a wonder to behold, and Judy and Nick’s buddy cop dynamic is comedy gold. Silly and smart in equal measure, Zootopia is a must-see.
9. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Ever wondered what your pets get up to when you’re not around? The Secret Life of Pets imagines the hilarious possibilities. The story centers on Max, a spoiled terrier who loves his owner Katie. But when Katie brings home a huge, sloppy mongrel named Duke, Max is less than thrilled about sharing his domain.
The rivalry between Max and Duke leads to both of them getting lost in the streets of New York City. To find their way home, they’ll have to survive the urban jungle and a gang of abandoned pets led by the unhinged bunny Snowball.
The Secret Life of Pets is bursting with daffy characters and slapstick antics that will keep you chuckling throughout. The voice cast is stacked with comedy stars like Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart. Pet owners will definitely recognize their own furry friends in these crazy critters.
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar’s aquatic adventure Finding Nemo takes us under the sea for a touching tale about family. When the overprotective clownfish Marlin has his son Nemo abducted by a scuba diver, he sets out on a desperate rescue mission across the ocean. Joining him is Dory, a friendly but forgetful blue tang fish.
As Marlin and Dory navigate dangers like sharks, jellyfish, and hungry seagulls, Nemo plots his escape from a dentist’s fish tank. Along the way, all three learn important lessons about bravery, friendship, and letting go.
Finding Nemo is a visual marvel, bringing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond to dazzling life. The father-son story at its center is deeply moving without being cloying. With memorable characters and quotes galore, Finding Nemo is an unforgettable voyage.
11. Ratatouille (2007)
Another Pixar classic with an animal protagonist, Ratatouille follows Remy, a rat living in Paris who dreams of becoming a chef. By chance, Remy ends up in the kitchen of a once-great restaurant and forms a partnership with the bumbling garbage boy Linguini. Remy hides under Linguini’s toque and guides him in cooking delicious dishes, leading to rave reviews.
But Remy’s double life can’t last forever, especially with the suspicious head chef Skinner snooping around. As Remy risks exposure, he has to decide if he should return to his colony or keep pursuing his passion.
Ratatouille is a delectable gourmet feast of a film. The food looks so good you’ll be craving French cuisine immediately. But beyond the culinary delights, the film also serves up a sweet story about being true to yourself and your art. Remy is impossible not to root for.
12. Bolt (2008)
For a more action-packed animal adventure, check out Disney’s Bolt. The titular character is a white German Shepherd who stars on a hit TV show where he plays a genetically enhanced super dog. The only problem is, Bolt believes his powers are real. So when he accidentally gets shipped across the country, he assumes it’s a mission.
Bolt teams up with a jaded alley cat named Mittens and a hyperactive hamster named Rhino to make his way back to Hollywood. But as his “powers” fail to work in the real world, Bolt has to grapple with his identity crisis and learn how to be a normal dog.
Bolt is a fun, zippy ride with slick animation and a heartwarming message about being your authentic self. The voice work from John Travolta and Susie Essman is excellent, bringing Bolt and Mittens’ antagonistic odd couple dynamic to life. It’s perfect for fans of superhero spoofs.
13. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
One of Disney’s most underrated films, The Emperor’s New Groove is a hilarious buddy comedy set in a fictional Incan empire. The story revolves around the selfish young Emperor Kuzco, who is accidentally transformed into a llama by his scheming advisor Yzma and her dim-witted lackey Kronk.
Stranded in the jungle, Kuzco reluctantly joins forces with the gentle villager Pacha, whose home he had planned to destroy to make room for a vacation house. Together, the mismatched pair has to return to the palace so Kuzco can reclaim his throne and human form.
With a irreverent sense of humor and wacky cartoon aesthetic, The Emperor’s New Groove is a refreshing change of pace from typical Disney fare. The rapid-fire jokes and fourth wall breaks are cleverly absurd. And the arrogant Kuzco’s gradual change of heart is surprisingly poignant. Groove on over to this offbeat gem.
14. Chicken Run (2000)
Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace and Gromit, brings their signature clay animation and British wit to Chicken Run. Set on a Yorkshire chicken farm in the 1950s, the film focuses on a group of hens doomed to the chopping block. But one plucky hen named Ginger is determined to escape to freedom.
When a charming American rooster named Rocky crash lands in the coop, Ginger sees an opportunity. She strikes a deal: if Rocky can teach her and the other hens to fly, they’ll hide him from the circus he’s fleeing. But with the nefarious farmers Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy closing in, time is of the essence.
Chicken Run is a delightful caper filled with colorful characters, egg-cellent puns, and genuine suspense. The stop-motion animation is endlessly impressive, and the voice cast, led by Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha, is top notch. You’ll never look at chickens the same way again.
15. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Acclaimed director Wes Anderson brings his signature style and dry humor to the stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. George Clooney voices the titular character, a sly fox who can’t resist returning to his thieving chicken-stealing ways to the chagrin of his wife Felicity.
When Mr. Fox’s raids provoke three mean farmers – Boggis, Bunce, and Bean – to take revenge, he has to use all his wiles to protect his family and animal friends. This kicks off an escalating battle of man against beast as the farmers resort to more extreme measures to catch the crafty Mr. Fox.
With its autumnal color palette, immaculate set design, and quirky characters, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a visual treat. The script is full of Anderson’s trademark witticisms but still maintains the spirit of Dahl’s twisted tale. It’s an unusual, unforgettable little film that’s like nothing else out there.
16. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Speaking of Aardman, they scored another stop-motion winner with Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Eccentric inventor Wallace and his long-suffering dog Gromit run a humane pest control service called Anti-Pesto. With the annual giant vegetable competition approaching, they have their hands full keeping produce-loving rabbits at bay.
But Anti-Pesto’s methods are put to the test when a mysterious giant were-rabbit begins terrorizing the town’s gardens. As Wallace and Gromit investigate, they uncover a shocking secret that could spell doom for the competition and the duo themselves.
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is quintessentially British in its humor, from the clever wordplay to the genre riffs on classic horror films. But the silly sight gags and slapstick set pieces have a universal appeal. The film also has a lot of heart, with the loyal friendship between Wallace and Gromit at the center.
17. The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012)
Aardman set sail for The Pirates! Band of Misfits, a giddy high-seas adventure. Hugh Grant voices the Pirate Captain, an enthusiastic but incompetent buccaneer who dreams of winning the Pirate of the Year Award. To prove his worth, the Captain leads his ragtag crew on a series of wild schemes.
This includes attempting to plunder Charles Darwin’s ship, the Beagle. But when Darwin recognizes the crew’s “parrot” as the last living dodo, he convinces the Captain to enter the bird in a scientific competition. Hilarity ensues as the pirates navigate the posh world of Victorian London.
The Pirates! is a deliriously silly romp packed with gags that come at a furious pace. The incredible stop-motion animation brings the madcap action to life, from slapstick on the high seas to a dodo disguise at a fancy party. It’s Aardman at their most unhinged and delightful.
18. The Croods (2013)
Finally, we’ll end our list with DreamWorks’ prehistoric family sitcom The Croods. Emma Stone voices Eep, a rebellious cavegirl who yearns to break free from the overprotective clutches of her father Grug. Grug believes in never leaving the safety of their cave, but Eep longs to explore the dangerous world outside.
Everything changes when Eep meets Guy, a clever young nomad who warns that the end of the world is coming. As their land begins to crumble, the Croods have no choice but to set out on a journey to find a new home. Along the way, Grug and Guy clash as they navigate treacherous terrain and bizarre creatures.
The Croods is a vibrant, energetic comedy that’s perfect for the whole family. The stunning primeval landscapes are like nothing you’ve seen before, and the creature designs are wildly inventive. With a talented voice cast and heartfelt message about embracing change, The Croods is a rip-roaring good time.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – the 18 best movies to watch if you loved Madagascar! Whether you’re in the mood for more witty talking animals, heartwarming friendships, zany adventures, or all of the above, these picks have you covered.
From other DreamWorks classics like Kung Fu Panda to Pixar favorites like Finding Nemo, there’s something for every Madagascar fan on this list. And don’t forget to check out unique offerings like Chicken Run and Fantastic Mr. Fox for a slightly different take on anthropomorphic animal antics.
All of these movies combine gorgeous animation, memorable characters, and laugh-out-loud humor to create endlessly rewatchable adventures the whole family can enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Grab some friends, some popcorn, and get ready for a wild movie marathon!
Thanks for reading, and let me know in the comments what your favorite movies like Madagascar are. Happy watching!
