Madagascar (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Four animal friends get a taste of the wild life when they break out of captivity at the Central Park Zoo and wash ashore on the island of Madagascar.
Rated PG • 2005 • 1h 26m
This film's PG rating is for mild cartoon violence, thematic elements, and some scary moments. The story of four zoo animals stranded in the wild contains frequent slapstick peril, including characters being shot with tranquilizer darts and attacked by predators. The central conflict involves a lion struggling with his predatory instincts, which culminates in a frightening scene where he loses control and bites his zebra friend. While… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Madagascar appropriate for kids?
This film's PG rating is for mild cartoon violence, thematic elements, and some scary moments. The story of four zoo animals stranded in the wild contains frequent slapstick peril, including characters being shot with tranquilizer darts and attacked by predators. The central… Read more — free account
Content severity in Madagascar
What happens in Madagascar, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
- 0:21 🍷 Substances 4/10
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Madagascar
Content is very light. The lemur king, Julien, performs some suggestive dance moves (e.g., shaking his rear end at the camera) which are played entirely for comedy. There is no romantic or sexual content otherwise.
Violence and gore in Madagascar
Contains moderate cartoon and slapstick violence without blood or serious injury. In Grand Central Station, an old woman repeatedly beats Alex with her purse, and the main characters are shot with tranquilizer darts. On the island, the predatory fossa are shown as menacing and attack the lemurs and main characters in a few scenes. In a key scene driven by hunger, Alex hallucinates his friends as steaks and bites Marty on the rear end; the moment is played as both scary and pivotal to the plot. The final battle…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Madagascar
Language is very mild. It consists of some light name-calling like 'smarty-pants' and words like 'butt'.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Madagascar
Substance use is mild and mostly played for laughs or plot purposes. The main characters are shot with tranquilizer darts to subdue them. Melman the giraffe is a hypochondriac and is briefly shown with a thermometer and a cabinet full of pills. At the end, Alex is given raw fish (sushi) to satisfy his carnivorous cravings, which he finds he enjoys.
Mature themes in Madagascar
The main theme involves Alex the lion grappling with his natural predatory instincts versus his civilized friendships, which could be intense for younger viewers. This culminates in him turning 'savage,' hallucinating, and accidentally hurting his best friend. Other themes include peril (being lost at sea during a storm, stranded in the wild), friendship being tested by fear and anger, and the concept of 'wild' vs. 'civilized' life. A character also comically believes he is dying and digs his own grave.
Scary moments in Madagascar
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Madagascar yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madagascar appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Madagascar is best for ages 6+. It's rated PG. This film's PG rating is for mild cartoon violence, thematic elements, and some scary moments. The story of four zoo animals stranded in the wild contains frequent slapstick peril, including characters being shot with…
What age rating does Madagascar have?
Madagascar is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 6+.
What is Madagascar about?
This film's PG rating is for mild cartoon violence, thematic elements, and some scary moments. The story of four zoo animals stranded in the wild contains frequent slapstick peril, including characters being shot with tranquilizer darts and attacked by predators. The central conflict involves a lion struggling with…
Is there sex or nudity in Madagascar?
Content is very light. The lemur king, Julien, performs some suggestive dance moves (e.g., shaking his rear end at the camera) which are played entirely for comedy. There is no romantic or sexual content otherwise.
How violent is Madagascar?
Contains moderate cartoon and slapstick violence without blood or serious injury. In Grand Central Station, an old woman repeatedly beats Alex with her purse, and the main characters are shot with tranquilizer darts. On the island, the predatory fossa are…
Is the language in Madagascar appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. It consists of some light name-calling like 'smarty-pants' and words like 'butt'.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Madagascar?
Substance use is mild and mostly played for laughs or plot purposes. The main characters are shot with tranquilizer darts to subdue them. Melman the giraffe is a hypochondriac and is briefly shown with a thermometer and a cabinet full of pills. At the end…
What mature themes appear in Madagascar?
The main theme involves Alex the lion grappling with his natural predatory instincts versus his civilized friendships, which could be intense for younger viewers. This culminates in him turning 'savage,' hallucinating, and accidentally hurting his best…
How long is Madagascar?
Madagascar runs 86 minutes, directed by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, released in 2005.
Where can I read the full Madagascar parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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