Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nature docu explores fascinating world & history of lemurs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Island of Lemurs: Madagascar
What's the Story?
ISLAND OF LEMURS: MADAGASCAR is a 3D IMAX documentary about the African island nation's most celebrated native primates: lemurs. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the 40-minute film explores various species of lemurs, from the teeny tiny mouse lemur (the world's smallest primate) to the extra-large indri lemur (which is prominently featured in Madagascar mythology). In addition to learning about lemurs, the documentary also features renowned primatologist Dr. Patricia Wright, who has dedicated her anthropology career to lemur research and conservation.
Is It Any Good?
With sweeping vistas of the Madgascar landscape, close-ups of the many lemurs, and educational narration, this is an IMAX film the whole family can enjoy. Island of Lemurs: Madagascar follows various kinds of lemurs, sharing information about why they're important or endangered or just plain adorable. Kids will love finding out that the tiny mouse lemur is the teeniest primate and that the indri is considered part of a Madagascar creation story.
At this point in his career, Freeman could narrate Wikipedia pages and make them sound fascinating. But unlike March of the Penguins, this documentary doesn't focus solely on the animals or anthropomorphize them into human-like characters in a relatable feel-good story. The filmmakers also include interviews with lemur expert Dr. Patricia Wright, who explains why the lemurs of Madagascar are unlike any other animal on Earth. Her love of the animals is infectious and makes you see why lemurs are so much more than just the "move it, move it" singers in Madagascar.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of wildlife documentaries like Island of Lemurs: Madagascar. What attracts families to nature films about animals? How are lemur families similar to human families?
Which lemur is your favorite and why? What did you learn about lemurs that you didn't know before?
Who is Dr. Patricia Wright and how did she end up as a lemur expert? What would you like to be an expert in?
What is Morgan Freeman's role in this movie? Do you think he cares about lemurs? Does a narrator need to know anything about the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 4, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : March 31, 2015
- Cast : Morgan Freeman
- Director : David Douglas
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 40 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate