If you enjoyed the 2011 comedy Zookeeper starring Kevin James as a kindhearted zookeeper who gets romantic advice from the talking animals in his care, you’ll likely enjoy these other funny, heartwarming family films with similar themes and tones. From stories about unlikely human-animal friendships to tales of unlucky-in-love underdogs, these 15 movies capture the same lighthearted, feel-good spirit as Zookeeper.
1. Bedtime Stories (2008)
Bedtime Stories stars Adam Sandler as Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman who discovers the tall tales he tells his niece and nephew magically come true the next day. Like Zookeeper, it blends live-action with CGI talking animals and features a kindhearted but down-on-his-luck protagonist whose life changes in unexpected ways.
The star-studded cast includes Keri Russell, Guy Pearce, Russell Brand, Richard Griffiths, and Courteney Cox. Directed by Adam Shankman, Bedtime Stories is a sweet, funny fantasy that will delight kids and entertain adults with its creative visuals and heartwarming message about the power of imagination.
2. Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011)
Jim Carrey stars in Mr. Popper’s Penguins as a divorced businessman whose life is turned upside down when he inherits six penguins. As he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland for his new feathered friends, his professional and personal life start to unravel in humorous ways.
Like Zookeeper, the film explores themes of connecting with animals, reexamining one’s priorities, and opening your heart. The CGI penguin antics provide plenty of laughs for kids, while Carrey’s signature style and the supporting cast offer amusement for adults. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a charming, family-friendly comedy with a positive message.
3. Tooth Fairy (2010)
Dwayne Johnson shows off his comedic chops in Tooth Fairy as Derek Thompson, a minor league hockey player whose nickname comes from his habit of knocking out opposing players’ teeth. When Derek tells his girlfriend’s daughter the tooth fairy isn’t real, he’s magically summoned to fairy land and sentenced to serve as a real tooth fairy.
Like Zookeeper‘s Griffin, Derek is a flawed but ultimately goodhearted protagonist who learns valuable lessons through his fantastical experiences and interactions with kids. With a strong supporting cast including Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews, and Billy Crystal, Tooth Fairy is a goofy but endearing family comedy.
4. Night at the Museum (2006)
Ben Stiller stars in Night at the Museum as Larry Daley, a down-on-his-luck dad who takes a job as a night security guard at the American Museum of Natural History. He soon discovers that an ancient Egyptian spell brings the museum exhibits to life each night, leading to a series of wild and hilarious adventures.
Like Zookeeper, the film combines live-action with impressive visual effects to bring its animal characters to life. The talented ensemble cast includes Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, and Ricky Gervais. Directed by Shawn Levy, Night at the Museum is an imaginative, action-packed fantasy comedy the whole family can enjoy.
5. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
For a more dramatic take on the human-animal bond, check out Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Based on a true story, the film stars Richard Gere as a college professor who finds an abandoned Akita puppy and forms a powerful, lifelong connection with the loyal dog.
While not a comedy like Zookeeper, Hachi shares similar themes of friendship and the profound impact animals can have on our lives. With beautiful cinematography and moving performances from Gere and canine actor Chico, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is a heartwarming, emotional journey that will resonate with any animal lover.
6. Evan Almighty (2007)
A sequel to Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty stars Steve Carell as Evan Baxter, a newly elected congressman who is commanded by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ark in preparation for a great flood. Like Zookeeper, it mixes live-action with CGI animals, in this case the various species that arrive in pairs to board Evan’s ark.
Evan Almighty is a lighthearted, family-friendly comedy that offers plenty of slapstick humor and sight gags while also touching on themes of faith, family, and environmental stewardship. The strong cast includes Lauren Graham, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes, and Jonah Hill.
7. Marley & Me (2008)
Based on the bestselling memoir by John Grogan, Marley & Me stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as a couple who adopt a mischievous Labrador retriever puppy named Marley. As Marley grows into a rambunctious adult dog, he teaches his owners valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and living life to the fullest.
Like Zookeeper, Marley & Me celebrates the unique bond between humans and animals, showing how pets can bring joy, comfort, and personal growth to our lives. With equal parts humor and heartwarming drama, the film is a touching tribute to the enduring power of man’s best friend.
8. Doctor Dolittle (1998)
Eddie Murphy brings his comedic talents to the role of Dr. John Dolittle, a physician who rediscovers his childhood ability to communicate with animals. As he embraces his gift and starts treating animal patients, Dr. Dolittle’s life and career take a series of wild, hilarious turns.
Like Zookeeper, Doctor Dolittle imagines a world where humans and animals can talk to each other, leading to plenty of funny misunderstandings and silly sight gags. The film’s menagerie of CGI creature characters and celebrity voice cast make it a lively, entertaining adventure for the whole family.
9. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Jim Carrey shot to stardom with his iconic performance in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective as the eccentric, animal-loving sleuth who specializes in solving cases involving missing or stolen pets. When the Miami Dolphins’ mascot is kidnapped, Ace embarks on a wild investigation filled with his signature brand of manic comedy.
Like Zookeeper‘s Griffin, Ace has an affinity for animals that helps him navigate the human world and solve problems in unconventional ways. With quotable catchphrases, memorable sight gags, and a menagerie of animal co-stars, Ace Ventura is a beloved comedy classic that showcases Carrey’s unique talents.
10. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
Kevin James plays the title character in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, a mild-mannered security guard who must step up to protect his mall and its shoppers when a gang of criminals takes over on Black Friday. Like Zookeeper, it’s a family-friendly comedy that relies on James’ everyman likability and gift for physical humor.
While Paul Blart doesn’t feature talking animals, it shares Zookeeper‘s underdog theme and heartwarming message about being true to yourself. With slapstick action, silly gags, and an endearingly awkward hero, Paul Blart: Mall Cop is a fun, lighthearted comedy that will entertain kids and adults alike.
11. Jungle 2 Jungle (1997)
Tim Allen stars in Jungle 2 Jungle as a commodities trader who discovers he has a 13-year-old son named Mimi-Siku (Sam Huntington) living in the Amazon rainforest. When Mimi-Siku visits his father in New York City, comedic culture clashes and heartwarming bonding ensue.
Like Zookeeper, Jungle 2 Jungle fish-out-of-water premise allows for plenty of humorous misunderstandings and silly sight gags. But at its core, it’s a sweet, family-friendly story about an estranged father and son learning to connect and appreciate each other’s worlds.
12. The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Tim Allen stars in this remake of the 1959 classic as Dave Douglas, a workaholic lawyer who is turned into a sheepdog by an ancient curse. As he navigates his job and family life in canine form, Dave gains a new perspective on what really matters.
Like Zookeeper, The Shaggy Dog uses a fantastical premise to explore themes of empathy, loyalty, and being true to oneself. With a mix of live-action and CGI, slapstick humor, and heartwarming moments, it’s a fun, family-friendly comedy that will delight dog lovers of all ages.
13. Dunston Checks In (1996)
Jason Alexander stars in Dunston Checks In as Robert Grant, the manager of a posh hotel that has been chosen to host a high-society wedding. When an orangutan named Dunston escapes from a cruel animal act and takes refuge in the hotel, comedic chaos ensues as Robert tries to keep the wedding on track and protect Dunston from his abusive owner.
Like Zookeeper, Dunston Checks In features a primate character who forms an unlikely bond with the human protagonist and helps him reevaluate his priorities. With plenty of slapstick humor, silly sight gags, and a heartwarming message about compassion and standing up for what’s right, it’s a delightful family comedy.
14. Marmaduke (2010)
Based on the long-running comic strip, Marmaduke is a live-action/CGI comedy that follows the misadventures of a mischievous Great Dane named Marmaduke (voiced by Owen Wilson) as he adjusts to life in a new city and navigates the complex social hierarchy at the local dog park.
Like Zookeeper, Marmaduke anthropomorphizes animal characters and gives them human personalities and concerns. With a star-studded voice cast, plenty of silly canine antics, and themes of fitting in and being true to yourself, Marmaduke is a fun, family-friendly comedy that will appeal to dog lovers of all ages.
15. Racing Stripes (2005)
Racing Stripes tells the story of Stripes, a zebra who is raised by a farmer and his daughter alongside their horses. Believing he is a racehorse, Stripes dreams of competing in the Kentucky Open with the help of his barnyard friends and a teenage jockey named Channing Walsh (Hayden Panettiere).
Like Zookeeper, Racing Stripes features a mix of live-action and CGI animal characters who talk and interact with humans. With themes of chasing your dreams, defying expectations, and the power of friendship, it’s an inspiring, heartwarming comedy that the whole family can enjoy together.
These 15 movies share Zookeeper‘s lighthearted tone, themes of human-animal connection, and heartwarming messages. Whether you’re looking for more talking animal antics, silly slapstick humor, or inspiring underdog stories, these films are sure to delight fans of Zookeeper and anyone who loves a good family-friendly comedy.
