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Madagascar Roars Into Theaters for 20th Anniversary
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to “Move It, Move It” all over again! Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have officially announced that the beloved animated classic Madagascar is returning to the big screen to celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary.
Starting January 16, 2026, fans across the nation will have the chance to relive the wild adventures of the Central Park Zoo’s most famous residents in a special limited theatrical engagement.
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A Global Phenomenon Returns
Originally released on May 27, 2005, Madagascar didn’t just capture hearts—it launched a massive $1 billion franchise. The film’s unique blend of “Looney Tunes” style physical comedy and modern computer-animated savvy made it the sixth highest-grossing film of its release year, earning over $193 million in North America alone.
Critics at the time, including the Los Angeles Times’ Kenneth Turan, praised the film for its pure sense of fun, noting that it “simply wants you to crack a smile.” Two decades later, that mission remains unchanged, as the film continues to delight audiences with its infectious energy and lack of “heavy moral lessons.”
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The Story That Started It All
The rollicking tale kicks off with Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller) enjoying his best life as the pampered “King of New York.” Alongside him are his best friends: the irrepressible Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), the sassy Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and the hypochondriacal Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer).
When Marty experiences an existential crisis and escapes the zoo to find “the wild,” his friends follow him to Grand Central Station, leading to a series of mishaps that lands the quartet on the shores of Madagascar. There, they encounter the funky King Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen) and his loyal assistant Maurice (Cedric the Entertainer). While Marty embraces his new surroundings, Alex’s growing hunger for steak starts to test the limits of their friendship, forcing the group to rely on their instincts to survive.
A Lasting Legacy
The impact of Madagascar extends far beyond its initial box office run. The film’s success spawned two blockbuster sequels—Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)—as well as the 2014 spin-off Penguins of Madagascar, featuring the scene-stealing marine birds who also led their own hit Nickelodeon series.
The film’s soundtrack remains one of the most popular of the 2000s, featuring a score by two-time Academy Award® winner Hans Zimmer and the propulsive dance anthem “I Like to Move It,” which became a permanent fixture of the franchise’s identity.
Catch the Wild Action
This re-release is a limited engagement, and with the film’s history of industry acclaim—including Annie Award and Critics Choice nominations—theaters are expected to fill up fast.
- Release Date: January 16, 2026
- Tickets: Advance tickets are on sale now at major theater outlets.
Whether you grew up watching the penguins’ mischievous antics or you want to introduce your kids to the “King of New York” for the first time, this theatrical event is the perfect way to kick off 2026 with a laugh.
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