Parents' Guide to Madagascar

Movie 2005 PG 80 minutes
Madagascar movie poster: A group of animals look happy on the beach

Common Sense Media Review

By Cynthia Fuchs , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 7+

Cute animal story with some crude humor and innuendo.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

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  • Madagascar Movie: Hippo, zebra, lion, and giraffe peer through the leaves on a beach
  • Madagascar Movie: Two penguins look at each other, one looking mischievous, at Central Park Zoo
  • Madagascar Movie: A zebra holds his hoof out in front of a bar-like sign saying "Marty's" with a wooden cup in front

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 31 parent reviews

Parents say that the movie is a mix of humor and appealing animation, with standout minor characters like the penguins often stealing the show. While many enjoy it for family entertainment, some express concerns about adult humor and elements that may not be suitable for younger children, suggesting it might not hold the same charm upon rewatching as adults might hope.funny momentssuitable for familiesadult humormixed reviewsmemorable characters
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age 7+

Based on 87 kid reviews

Kids say this animated comedy is a colorful, fast-paced adventure filled with humor that's suitable for family audiences, though it contains some mild language and crude jokes that may not be suitable for very young children. Many viewers praise its entertaining characters, lessons about friendship, and humorous moments, though some critics argue that it includes inappropriate themes for younger kids and that the animation hasn't aged well.family-friendlyhumormild languagecrude jokesentertaining characters
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What's the Story?

In MADAGASCAR, unhappy Central Park Zoo zebra Marty (voiced by Chris Rock) yearns for open spaces and herds of other zebras, but his zoo friends—Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer)—are content. Still, when Marty makes a break for it one night, they all follow to rescue him but end up getting caught by human authorities who decide to ship the animals off. When their ship sinks and the animals wash up on the island of Madagascar, they must find community in a tribe of lemurs and avoid the lemur-eating "fossas." But when Alex goes too long without eating meat, everyone becomes possible prey. Will the adventurous animals make it home in one piece? What's for sure is that there will be many jungle-fueled hurdles trying to stop them along the way.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 31 ):
Kids say ( 87 ):

This adventure comedy doesn't have a particularly compelling journey, but the voice actors are decent, and it's fun and has a cute premise. Madagascar's subplot involving a group of almost maniacal penguins is especially entertaining. They provide a spy-themed adventure that moves the plot when it lulls in other places. Bottom line? Even if it doesn't always feel fresh or new, viewers will likely laugh at the physical gags and Rock's kid-friendly material and enjoy a few moments with cuddly animals.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Madagascar's portrayals of friendship and how friends can deal with their companions' different personalities. Did you relate to any of the friendships portrayed here?

  • Discuss the film's use of clichés and stereotypes as jokes (the "island" music that characterizes the lemur community, the whiny hypochondriac, the fey lemur king). Why do movies often fall back on stereotypes? At what point do stereotypes do harm?

  • When Alex gets hungry, he begins to act differently. Has there ever been a time you changed for the worse? How do you have compassion for others when they aren't quite themselves?

  • How does the team of animals work together? Does anyone emerge as a leader? What qualities does each animal offer to the team?

Movie Details

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Madagascar movie poster: A group of animals look happy on the beach

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