Madagascar (franchise)

{{short description|DreamWorks Animation media franchise}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}

{{Italic title}}

{{Infobox media franchise

| title = Madagascar

| image = Madagascar logo.png

| creator = Mark Burton
Billy Frolick
Tom McGrath
Eric Darnell

| origin = Madagascar (2005)

| owner = DreamWorks Animation
(Universal Pictures)

| years = 2005–present

| films = {{Plainlist|

Spin-off film(s): {{Plainlist|

| shorts = {{Plainlist|

}}

| atv = {{Plainlist|

}}

| tv_specials = Merry Madagascar (2009)

| plays = {{Plainlist|

}}

| musicals = Madagascar: The Musical (2018)

| vgs = {{Plainlist|

}}

| soundtracks = {{Plainlist|

}}

Spin-off film soundtrack(s): {{Plainlist|

}}

| attractions = {{Plainlist|

}}

| website = https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/madagascar

| footnotes =

| caption = Franchise title as seen in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

}}

Madagascar is a media franchise owned and produced by DreamWorks Animation. The voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith are featured in the films. It began with the 2005 film Madagascar, the 2008 sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and the third film Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted in 2012. A spin-off film featuring the penguins, titled Penguins of Madagascar, was released in 2014. A fourth main film, Madagascar 4, was announced for 2018, but has since been removed from its schedule indefinitely due to the studio's restructuring.

The overall plot through the series follows the adventures of four anthropomorphic Central Park Zoo animals who have spent their lives in blissful captivity and are unexpectedly shipped back to Africa initially but get shipwrecked to Madagascar. Now they must struggle to survive while attempting to return to New York City with the help of a crafty cadre of chinstrap penguins and with many other characters along the way. The franchise's films have received mixed-to-positive critical reviews.

Films

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
scope="col" | Film

! scope="col" | U.S. release date

! scope="col" | Directors

! scope="col" | Screenwriters

! scope="col" | Producer(s)

scope="col" colspan="5" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | Main series
scope="row" | Madagascar

| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2005|05|27}}

| rowspan="2" | Tom McGrath & Eric Darnell

| Tom McGrath, Mark Burton, Eric Darnell & Billy Frolick

| Mireille Soria

scope="row" | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2008|11|07}}

| Etan Cohen, Tom McGrath & Eric Darnell

| rowspan="2" | Mark Swift & Mireille Soria

scope="row" | Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2012|06|08}}

| Tom McGrath, Eric Darnell & Conrad Vernon

| Eric Darnell & Noah Baumbach

scope="col" colspan="5" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | Spin-off
scope="row" | Penguins of Madagascar

| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2014|11|26}}

| Eric Darnell & Simon J. Smith

| John Aboud, Brandon Sawyer & Michael Colton (screenplay)
John Aboud, Brent Simons, Michael Colton & Alan Schoolcraft (story)

| Lara Breay & Mark Swift

=Main films=

==''Madagascar'' (2005)==

Madagascar is a 2005 animated comedy film and the first film in the series. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, the film tells the story of four Central Park Zoo animals: Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) and Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith). These animals have spent their lives in comfortable captivity and are unexpectedly shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $532 million worldwide.

==''Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa'' (2008)==

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a 2008 animated comedy/adventure film and the sequel to the 2005 film Madagascar. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, the film continues the adventures of Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria, who try to fly back to New York, but they crash-land in Africa, where Alex is reunited with his parents Zuba (Bernie Mac) and Florrie (Sherri Shepherd). However, Zuba's rival Makunga (Alec Baldwin) is plotting to overthrow Zuba as alpha lion of his pride.

The film grossed over $603 million worldwide, which is higher than its predecessor.

==''Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted'' (2012)==

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is a 2012 animated comedy film, and the third installment in the series, directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, along with Conrad Vernon. Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are still struggling to get home to New York. This time, their journey takes them to Europe where they purchase a failing traveling circus as they become close friends with the staff like Stefano the sea lion (Martin Short), Vitaly the tiger (Bryan Cranston), Gia the jaguar (Jessica Chastain) and Sonya the bear (Frank Welker), King Julien's (Sacha Baron Cohen) true love. Together, they spectacularly revitalize the business even as the fanatical Monaco Animal Control officer Captain Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand) relentlessly pursues them. In the end, the zoo animals finally get back to New York, only to find that they have grown too much in spirit to return to captivity and decide to stay with the circus instead.

The film grossed over $746 million worldwide, and was the highest-grossing film in the series.

==Future==

Then-DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg stated in December 2010 that there was likely to be a fourth installment in the franchise stating: "Ultimately they will come back to New York, and they will come to terms with that, which they will do in this next chapter. Because of the way that movie concludes there’s probably one more for them."{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2010 |title=Katzenberg Talks DreamWorks Sequels |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/katzenberg-talks-dreamworks-sequels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231053350/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/katzenberg-talks-dreamworks-sequels/ |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=October 14, 2019 |website=Empire}} However, in June 2012, DreamWorks Animation's head of worldwide marketing, Anne Globe, said, "It's too early to tell. There hasn't been a lot of discussion about that."{{Cite news |title='Madagascar 3' beats 'Prometheus" for box office win |url=http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/10/12151823-madagascar-3-beats-prometheus-for-box-office-win?lite |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613181800/http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/10/12151823-madagascar-3-beats-prometheus-for-box-office-win?lite |archive-date=June 13, 2012 |access-date=June 10, 2012 |work=MSNBC}} A month later, Eric Darnell, who co-directed all three films, spoke about the possibility of the fourth film, noting, "Two things have to happen. One is that the world has to want Madagascar 4, because if they don't want it, it doesn't matter what we do. And the other thing is even if the world wants Madagascar 4, we have to make sure that we have an idea that is incredible, that is great, that is unexpected. If the audience wants it and we have a great idea, we will see – maybe."{{Cite news |last=Harada |first=Kai |title='Madagascar' director Darnell returns to complete his trilogy |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ff20120727a4.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801064625/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ff20120727a4.html |archive-date=August 1, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |work=The Japan Times}} In June 2014, Madagascar 4 was scheduled to be released on May 18, 2018.{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2014 |title=DreamWorks Animation Release Dates Include Madagascar 4 |url=https://collider.com/madagascar-4-release-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615042435/http://collider.com/madagascar-4-release-date |archive-date=June 15, 2014 |access-date=June 12, 2014 |publisher=Collider.com}} In January 2015, the film was removed from the release schedule following a corporate restructuring and DreamWorks Animation's new policy to release two films a year.{{Cite web |title=New Dates & Changes |url=https://boxofficemojo.com:80/schedule/?view=changes&p=.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127074138/http://boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=changes&p=.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2015 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}{{Cite news |last=Lieberman |first=David |title=DreamWorks Animation Restructuring To Cut 500 Jobs With $290M Charge |url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/dreamworks-animation-restructuring-to-cut-500-jobs-with-290m-charge-1201355918/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125032539/https://deadline.com/2015/01/dreamworks-animation-restructuring-to-cut-500-jobs-with-290m-charge-1201355918/ |archive-date=January 25, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2015 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} In April 2017, Tom McGrath said about the film: "There are things in the works, nothing is announced yet, but I think they'll show their faces once more..."{{Cite web |last=Phelan |first=Zehra |date=April 3, 2017 |title=Exclusive: Director Tom McGrath confirms Madagascar 4 is in the works |url=http://www.heyuguys.com/madagascar-4-is-in-the-works/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404024042/http://www.heyuguys.com/madagascar-4-is-in-the-works/ |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=April 4, 2017 |publisher=HeyUGuys}}

=Spin-off film=

==''Penguins of Madagascar'' (2014)==

{{main|Penguins of Madagascar}}

A spin-off film featuring the penguins had been in the works since 2005, when the first Madagascar film had been released, with a release date planned for 2009.{{Cite news |last=Fritz |first=Ben |title=D'Works will rely on animal instinct |url=https://variety.com/2005/digital/features/d-works-will-rely-on-animal-instinct-1117929100/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109022420/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117929100 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2011 |work=Variety}} In March 2011, it was announced that the penguin characters would be given their own feature film, similar to the 2011 Puss in Boots movie,{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |title=DreamWorks Developing 'Madagascar' Penguins Spinoff Movie (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-developing-madagascar-penguins-spinoff-172353 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429160225/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-developing-madagascar-penguins-spinoff-172353 |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2011 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} to be directed by Simon J. Smith (the co-director of Bee Movie), produced by Lara Breay and written by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons (the writers of DreamWorks' Megamind).{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |title='Madagascar' Spin-Off to Be Helmed by 'Bee Movie' Co-Director (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/madagascar-spin-be-helmed-by-222257 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402173418/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/madagascar-spin-be-helmed-by-222257 |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} In July 2012, at Comic-Con, it was announced that the film, titled The Penguins of Madagascar, would be released in 2015.{{Cite magazine |last=B. Vary |first=Adam |title=DreamWorks Animation Comic-Con panel: Caveman families and penguin movies! |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/07/12/dreamworks-animation-comic-con-panel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006082325/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/07/12/dreamworks-animation-comic-con-panel/ |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2012 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Robert Schooley, one of the producers of The Penguins series, said that the film will be unrelated to the TV series of the same name, but he did say that could always change.{{Cite news |title=Email Interview With Robert Schooley |url=http://www.totalmediabridge.com/email-interview-with-robert-schooley/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323074815/http://www.totalmediabridge.com/email-interview-with-robert-schooley/ |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |work=Total Media Bridge}} In September 2012, 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Animation announced the release date for March 27, 2015, and a new pair of writers, Michael Colton and John Aboud.{{Cite news |title=New Distributor Twentieth Century Fox Unveils DreamWorks Animation's Release Slate Through 2016 |url=http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=705761 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131012035253/http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=705761 |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2012 |publisher=DreamWorks Animation}} In August 2013, it was reported that Benedict Cumberbatch would voice Agent Classified from the North Wind and John Malkovich the film's charming villain, Dr. Octavius Brine/Dave.{{Cite news |last=Sneider |first=Jeff |title=Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich Join 'Penguins of Madagascar' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/benedict-cumberbatch-john-malkovich-join-penguins-madagascar-exclusive-108591 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220121242/http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/benedict-cumberbatch-john-malkovich-join-penguins-madagascar-exclusive-108591 |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |access-date=August 6, 2013 |work=The Wrap}} On May 20, 2014, the film's release date was moved up to November 26, 2014, switching places with DreamWorks Animation's other film Home.{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2014 |title=DreamWorks Animation Moves Up 'Penguins Of Madagascar' Bow, Bumps 'Home' To 2015 |url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/the-penguins-of-madagascar-release-date-home-dreamworks-animation-733688/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612073306/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/the-penguins-of-madagascar-release-date-home-dreamworks-animation/ |archive-date=June 12, 2014 |access-date=May 20, 2014 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

Television series

{{Series overview

| network = y

| multiseries = {{Series overview

| series = The Penguins of Madagascar

| color1 = #00B8F5

| link1 = List of The Penguins of Madagascar episodes#Season 1 (2008–2010)

| episodes1 = 48

| start1 = {{Start date|2008|11|28}}

| end1 = {{End date|2010|02|15}}

| network1 = Nickelodeon

| color2 = #FBEC5D

| link2 = List of The Penguins of Madagascar episodes#Season 2 (2010–2012)

| episodes2 = 68

| start2 = {{Start date|2010|3|13}}

| end2 = {{End date|2012|03|31}}

| color3 = #3CB371

| link3 = List of The Penguins of Madagascar episodes#Season 3 (2012–2015)

| episodes3 = 33

| episodes3A = 26

| start3A = {{Start date|2012|4|16}}

| end3A = {{End date|2012|11|10}}

| episodes3B = 7

| start3B = {{Start date|2013|12|24}}

| end3B = {{Start date|2015|12|19}}

| network3B = Nicktoons

}}

{{Series overview

| series = All Hail King Julien

| color1 = #00B8F5

| link1 = List of All Hail King Julien episodes#Season 1 (2014–2015)

| episodes1 = 10

| released1A = {{Start date|2014|12|19}}

| episodes1A = 5

| network1A = Netflix

| released1B = {{Start date|2015|04|03}}

| episodes1B = 5

| color2 = #FBEC5D

| link2 = List of All Hail King Julien episodes#Season 2 (2015)

| episodes2 = 16

| released2 = {{Start date|2015|10|16}}

| color3 = #3CB371

| link3 = List of All Hail King Julien episodes#Season 3 (2016)

| episodes3 = 13

| released3 = {{Start date|2016|06|17}}

| color4 = #730180

| link4 = List of All Hail King Julien episodes#Season 4 (2016)

| episodes4 = 13

| released4 = {{Start date|2016|11|11}}

| color4S = #B10300

| link4S = List of All Hail King Julien episodes#Season "Exiled" (2017)

| linkT4S = Exiled

| episodes4S = 13

| released4S = {{Start date|2017|05|12}}

| color5 = #F66B0F

| link5 = List of All Hail King Julien episodes#Season 5 (2017)

| episodes5 = 13

| released5 = {{Start date|2017|12|01}}

}}

{{Series overview

| series = Madagascar: A Little Wild

| color1 = #00B8F5

| link1 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes1 = 6

| released1 = {{Start date|2020|09|07}}

| network1 = Hulu / Peacock

| color2 = #A4DFAD

| link2 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes2 = 6

| released2 = {{Start date|2020|12|11}}

| color3 = #FCC0F7

| link3 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes3 = 7

| released3 = {{Start date|2021|05|27}}

| color4 = #1CA9C9

| link4 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes4 = 6

| released4 = {{Start date|2021|08|06}}

| color5 = #E09540

| link5 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes5 = 6

| released5 = {{Start date|2021|11|11}}

| color6 = #A50021

| link6 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes6 = 6

| released6 = {{Start date|2022|01|13}}

| color7 = #FED403

| link7 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes7 = 6

| released7 = {{Start date|2022|04|04}}

| color8 = #006600

| link8 = Madagascar: A Little Wild#Episodes

| episodes8 = 7

| released8 = {{Start date|2022|06|30}}

}}

}}

=''The Penguins of Madagascar'' (2008–2015)=

The Penguins of Madagascar is an animated spin-off television series that aired on Nickelodeon. The series follows the adventures of the four penguins: Skipper (the leader of the group), Kowalski (the smartest), Rico (the craziest) and Private (the youngest) after the events of the second film in New York City's Central Park Zoo. The penguins rule the roost at their Central Park habitat, carrying out secret missions in the heart of the city. At times, their missions beckon them to venture outside the zoo. King Julien is also a resident of the zoo (though it is unknown how he, Maurice, and Mort got there) and the penguins must compete against him to maintain order in the zoo. While Tom McGrath, John DiMaggio, Conrad Vernon and Andy Richter reprised their roles as Skipper, Rico, Mason and Mort respectively, Jeff Bennett replaced Chris Miller as Kowalski, James Patrick Stuart replaced Christopher Knights as Private, Danny Jacobs replaced Sacha Baron Cohen as Julien and Kevin Michael Richardson replaced Cedric the Entertainer as Maurice. The series also features a new character, Marlene, an otter voiced by Nicole Sullivan.

=''All Hail King Julien'' (2014–2017)=

All Hail King Julien is the second animated spin-off television series. It stars King Julien and set before the events of the first film.{{Cite web |title=King Julien |url=http://madagascar.dreamworks.com/tv/all-hail-king-julien |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916035934/http://madagascar.dreamworks.com/tv/all-hail-king-julien |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |access-date=September 26, 2014 |publisher=DreamWorks}} The series debuted on December 19, 2014, on Netflix, when the first five 22-minute episodes were released.{{Cite press release |title=The Wildest Party Ever Hits the Jungle When the Netflix Original Series ALL HAIL KING JULIEN Debuts Dec. 19 |date=November 3, 2014 |publisher=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-wildest-party-ever-hits-the-jungle-when-the-netflix-original-series-all-hail-king-julien-debuts-dec-19-281274061.html |access-date=November 3, 2014 |author1=DreamWorks Animation}} The series features the voices of Danny Jacobs (replacing Sacha Baron Cohen and reprising his role from The Penguins of Madagascar) as King Julien; Henry Winkler as Julien's regal predecessor, Uncle King Julien; Andy Richter as Mort; Kevin Michael Richardson (replacing Cedric the Entertainer and reprising his role from The Penguins of Madagascar) as Maurice; and India de Beaufort as Clover, the king's special-ops expert.

=''Madagascar: A Little Wild'' (2020–2022)=

Madagascar: A Little Wild is the third animated television series that premiered on Hulu and Peacock on September 7, 2020. It's the second prequel in the franchise, centering on the younger versions of the four main characters that first appeared in Madagascar (2005), and the first television series in the franchise starring them (though Alex has made one-off appearances in previous series).{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2020 |title=Hulu Unveils Animation Slate at TCA |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/hulu-unveils-animation-slate-at-tca/}}{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Peacock Programming: List of NBCUniversal Streaming Service's Series, Films, Sports, News & More |url=https://deadline.com/feature/peacock-tv-nbc-universal-streaming-service-1202832718/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117023637/https://deadline.com/feature/peacock-tv-nbc-universal-streaming-service-1202832718/ |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2020}}

Short films

=''The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper'' (2005)=

The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper is an animated short film, which premiered in theaters on October 7, 2005, with the stop-motion film, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. The short was directed by animation veteran Gary Trousdale, produced by Teresa Cheng, and written by Michael Lachance. Set on Christmas Eve, the 12-minute film features four penguins from Central Park Zoo who discover that one of them has gone missing.

=''Madly Madagascar'' (2013)=

Madly Madagascar is a direct-to-DVD Valentine's Day-themed short film{{Cite web |title=Madagascar 3 |url=http://www.cplg.com/properties/view/202 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208120115/http://www.cplg.com/properties/view/202 |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=February 13, 2012 |website=Copyright Promotions Licensing Group}} released on January 29, 2013,{{Cite web |title=Madly Madagascar (2013) |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALMNCLQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620185026/http://www.amazon.com/Madly-Madagascar/dp/B00ALMNCLQ |archive-date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |website=Amazon}} starring all the main characters from the Madagascar film series. The story appears to take place sometime between the second and third films. It featured many of the same voice actors as the films, including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith. However, voice actor Danny Jacobs once again replaced Sacha Baron Cohen as the voice of the character King Julien. It's plot centers around King Julien who finds a love potion and starts selling it to members of the watering hole, including Marty who instantly becomes attractive to all the females. Skipper and the penguins organize a rescue mission for his doll girlfriend and Melman tries to make his first Valentines Day with Gloria special.

=''All Hail King Julien: New Year's Eve Countdown'' (2017)=

All Hail King Julien: New Year's Eve Countdown is a three-minute animated film about celebrating the new year in Madagascar.{{Cite web |title=All Hail King Julien: New Year's Eve Countdown {{!}} Netflix Official Site |url=https://www.netflix.com/title/80203946 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405085958/https://www.netflix.com/title/80203946 |archive-date=April 5, 2020 |access-date=April 25, 2020 |website=www.netflix.com |language=en}}

=''All Hail King Julien: Happy Birthday to You'' (2017)=

All Hail King Julien: Happy Birthday to You is a one-minute animated special.{{Cite web |title=All Hail King Julien: Happy Birthday to You! {{!}} Netflix |url=https://www.netflix.com/title/80191512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904140024/https://www.netflix.com/title/80191512 |archive-date=September 4, 2021 |access-date=April 25, 2020 |website=www.netflix.com |language=en}}

Television special

=''Merry Madagascar'' (2009)=

Merry Madagascar is a Christmas special first broadcast on NBC in November 2009, which starred the characters from the Madagascar film series. The story appears to take place sometime between the first and second films. It featured many of the same voice actors as the films, including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith. However, voice actor Danny Jacobs replaced Sacha Baron Cohen as the voice of the character King Julien. Carl Reiner provided the voice of Santa Claus. Santa Claus crash lands in his sleigh on Madagascar and loses his memory after Alex shoots him down, leaving him, Marty, Gloria and Melman to be Santa for the night. King Julien realizes that Christmas is about giving and not receiving.

Cast and characters

{{For|a full list|List of Madagascar (franchise) characters}}

{{Cast indicator|A|Y}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:99%;"
rowspan="2" width="10%" | Characters

! colspan="3" | Main films

! colspan="2" | Short films

! colspan="3" | Television series

! Television special

! Spin-off film

align="center" width="10%" | Madagascar

! align="center" width="10%" | Madagascar:
Escape 2 Africa

! align="center" width="10%" | Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

! align="center" width="10%" | The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper

! align="center" width="10%" | Madly Madagascar

! align="center" width="10%" | The Penguins of Madagascar

! align="center" width="10%" | All Hail King Julien

! align="center" width="10%" | Madagascar: A Little Wild

! align="center" width="10%" | Merry Madagascar

! align="center" width="10%" | Penguins of Madagascar

Alex

| Ben Stiller

| Ben Stiller


{{small|Quinn Dempsey Stiller}}{{ref|young|Y}}
{{small|Declan Swift}}{{ref|young|Y}}

| colspan="3" | Ben Stiller

| Wally Wingert

| Crispin Freeman

| Tucker Chandler

| Ben Stiller

| {{N/A|Ben Stiller}}{{ref|archive|A}}

Marty

| Chris Rock

| Chris Rock


{{small|Thomas Stanley}}{{ref|young|Y}}

| Chris Rock

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| Chris Rock

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Amir O'Neil

| Chris Rock

| {{N/A|Chris Rock}}{{ref|archive|A}}

Melman Mankiewicz

| David Schwimmer

| David Schwimmer


{{small|Zachary Gordon}}{{ref|young|Y}}

| David Schwimmer

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| David Schwimmer

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Luke Lowe

| David Schwimmer

| {{N/A|David Schwimmer}}{{ref|archive|A}}

Gloria

| Jada Pinkett Smith

| Jada Pinkett Smith


{{small|Willow Smith}}{{ref|young|Y}}

| Jada Pinkett Smith

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| Jada Pinkett Smith

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Shaylin Becton

| Jada Pinkett Smith

| {{N/A|Jada Pinkett Smith}}{{ref|archive|A}}

King Julien XIII

| colspan="3" | Sacha Baron Cohen

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| colspan="3" | Danny Jacobs

| {{cEmpty}}

| colspan="2" | Danny Jacobs

Skipper

| colspan="6" | Tom McGrath

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| colspan="2" | Tom McGrath

Kowalski

| colspan="5" | Chris Miller

| Jeff Bennett

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| colspan="2" | Chris Miller

Rico

| Jeffrey Katzenberg

| colspan="3" | John DiMaggio

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| John DiMaggio

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| Conrad Vernon

Private

| colspan="5" | Christopher Knights

| James Patrick Stuart

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| colspan="2" | Christopher Knights

Maurice

| colspan="3" | Cedric the Entertainer

| {{cEmpty}}

| Cedric the Entertainer

| colspan="2" | Kevin Michael Richardson

| {{cEmpty}}

| Cedric the Entertainer

| {{cEmpty}}

Mort

| colspan="3" | Andy Richter

| {{cEmpty}}

| colspan="3" | Andy Richter

| {{N/A|Cameo}}

| colspan="2" | Andy Richter

Mason

| colspan="3" | Conrad Vernon

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| colspan="2" | Conrad Vernon

| colspan="4" {{cEmpty}}

Phil

| colspan="3" {{N/A|Character is mute, uses sign language}}

| {{N/A|Silent cameo}}

| colspan="2" {{N/A|Character is mute, uses sign language}}

| colspan="4" {{cEmpty}}

Nana

| colspan="2" | Elisa Gabrielli

| {{cEmpty}}

| Elisa Gabrielli

| colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

The Fossa

| Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell

| colspan="4" {{cEmpty}}

| Dee Bradley Baker

| {{N/A|Various voices}}

| colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Willie

|Cody Cameron

| colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Jeff Bennett

| colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Zuba

| {{cEmpty}}

| Bernie Mac

| colspan="8" {{cEmpty}}

Florrie

| {{cEmpty}}

| Sherri Shepherd

| colspan="8" {{cEmpty}}

Makunga

| {{cEmpty}}

| Alec Baldwin

| colspan="8" {{cEmpty}}

Moto Moto

| {{cEmpty}}

| will.i.am

| colspan="8" {{cEmpty}}

Captain Chantel DuBois

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Frances McDormand

| colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

Vitaly

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Bryan Cranston

| colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

| {{N/A|Photograph}}

Gia

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Jessica Chastain

| colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

Stefano

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Martin Short

| colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

Sonya

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Frank Welker

| colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

Ted

| colspan=“3” {{N/A|Silent cameo}}

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Bill Fagerbakke

| {{cEmpty}}

| {{N/A|Silent}}

| colspan="4" {{cEmpty}}

Marlene

| colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

| Nicole Sullivan


Dee Bradley Baker{{efn|Baker provides the voice of Marlene when she is in her Wild form. A form she takes when is outside of the New York Zoo.}}

| colspan="4" {{cEmpty}}

Alice

| colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

| Mary Scheer

| colspan="4" {{cEmpty}}

Santa Claus

| colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

| Carl Reiner

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

| Carl Reiner

| {{cEmpty}}

Todd

| colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

| Kevin Michael Richardson

| JP Karliak

| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Cupid

| colspan="8" {{cEmpty}}

| Nina Dobrev

| {{cEmpty}}

Donner

| colspan="8" {{cEmpty}}

| Jim Cummings

| {{cEmpty}}

Dave / Dr. Octavius Brine

| colspan="9" {{cEmpty}}

| John Malkovich

Classified

| colspan="9" {{cEmpty}}

| Benedict Cumberbatch

Short Fuse

| colspan="9" {{cEmpty}}

| Ken Jeong

Eva

| colspan="9" {{cEmpty}}

| Annet Mahendru

Corporal

| colspan="9" {{cEmpty}}

| Peter Stormare

Clover

| colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

| India De Beaufort

| colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Xixi

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Betsy Sodaro

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Masikura

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Debra Wilson

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

King Julien XII

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Henry Winkler

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Karl

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Dwight Schultz

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Timo

|Chris Miller

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|David Krumholtz

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Babak/Sage Moondancer

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Jeff Bennett

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Ted (lemur)

|Conrad Vernon

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Andy Richter

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Pancho

|David P. Smith

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Danny Jacobs

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Dorothy

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Sarah Thyre

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Hector

|Eric Darnell

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Jeff Bennett

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Horst

|Eric Darnell

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Jeff Bennett

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Abner

|Jeffrey Katzenberg

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Diedrich Bader

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Becca

|David P. Smith

|colspan="5" {{cEmpty}}

|Sarah Thyre

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Todd (lemur)

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Kevin Michael Richardson

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

King Koto

|colspan="6" {{cEmpty}}

|Maurice LaMarche

|colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}

Ant'ney

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Eric Petersen

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Pickles

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|rowspan="2"|Candace Kozak{{efn|They communicate using sign language}}

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Dave

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Kate

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Jasmine Gatewood

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Murray

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Charlie Adler

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Mille

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Johanna Stein

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Carlos

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Eric Lopez

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Ranger Hoof

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Da'Vine Joy Randolph

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Lucia

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Myrna Velasco

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

Lala

|colspan="7" {{cEmpty}}

|Grace Lu

|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}

=Notes=

{{Notelist}}

Crew

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:100%"
scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:8%;" | Crew/detail

! scope="col" colspan="3" | Main films

! Spin-off film

scope="col" style="width:23%;" | Madagascar

! scope="col" style="width:23%;" | Madagascar:
Escape 2 Africa

! scope="col" style="width:23%;" | Madagascar 3:
Europe's Most Wanted

! scope="col" style="width:23%;" | Penguins of Madagascar

Director(s)

| colspan="2" | Eric Darnell
Tom McGrath

| Eric Darnell
Conrad Vernon
Tom McGrath

| Eric Darnell
Simon J. Smith

Producer(s)

| Mireille Soria

| colspan="2" | Mireille Soria
Mark Swift

| Lara Breay
Mark Swift

Writer(s)

| Mark Burton
Billy Frolick
Eric Darnell
Tom McGrath

| Etan Cohen
Eric Darnell
Tom McGrath

| Eric Darnell
Noah Baumbach

| {{small|Screenplay by:}}
Michael Colton
John Aboud
Brandon Sawyer


{{small|Story by:}}
Alan J. Schoolcraft
Brent Simons
Michael Colton
John Aboud
Composer(s)

| Hans Zimmer

| Hans Zimmer
will.i.am

| Hans Zimmer

| Lorne Balfe

Editor(s)

| colspan="2" | H. Lee Peterson

| Nick Fletcher

| Nick Kenway

Distributor(s)

| colspan= | DreamWorks Pictures

| colspan="2" | Paramount Pictures

| colspan= | 20th Century Fox

Reception

=Box office performance=

The film series has grossed over $2.2 billion, making it the ninth highest-grossing animated franchise and the third highest-grossing DreamWorks Animation franchise (behind Shrek and Kung Fu Panda).

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"

! rowspan="2" | Film

! rowspan="2" | Release date

! colspan="3" | Revenue

! colspan="2" | All-time rank

! rowspan="2" | Budget

! rowspan="2" | Reference

North America

! Other territories

! Worldwide

! Domestic

! Worldwide

Madagascar

| {{dts|2005|5|27}}

| $193,595,521

| $348,468,325

| $542,063,846

| #247

| #219

| $75 million

| {{Cite web |title=Madagascar (2005) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=madagascar.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301184751/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=madagascar.htm |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}{{Cite web |title=Madagascar |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2005/MADGS.php |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=The Numbers}}

Escape 2 Africa

| {{dts|2008|11|7}}

| $180,010,950

| $423,889,404

| $603,900,354

| #287

| #189

| $150 million

| {{Cite web |title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=madagascar2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301193720/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=madagascar2.htm |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}

Europe's Most Wanted

| {{dts|2012|6|8}}

| $216,391,482

| $530,529,792

| $746,921,274

| #199

| #129

| $145 million

| {{Cite web |title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2011) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=madagascar3.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723173244/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=madagascar3.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}

colspan=2 align="center"|Madagascar trilogy

! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:193595521+180010950+216391482}}}}

! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:348468325+423889404+530529792}}}}

! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:542063846+603900354+746921274}}}}

! colspan=2 |

! $370 million

! {{Cite web |title=Madagascar Moviesat the Box Office |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=madagascar.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712203712/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=madagascar.htm |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}{{Cite web |title=Madagascar Franchise Box Office History |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Madagascar |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=The Numbers}}

Penguins of Madagascar

| {{dts|2014|11|26}}

| $83,850,911

| $289,664,710

| $373,515,621

| #997

| #400

| $132 million

| {{Cite web |title=Penguins of Madagascar |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=penguinsofmadagascar.htm |access-date=November 27, 2014 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2014 |title=DreamWorks Animation SKG's (DWA) CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg on Q3 2014 Results – Earnings Call Transcript |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/2613945-dreamworks-animation-skgs-dwa-ceo-jeffrey-katzenberg-on-q3-2014-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=single |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418103712/http://seekingalpha.com/article/2613945-dreamworks-animation-skgs-dwa-ceo-jeffrey-katzenberg-on-q3-2014-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=single |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |publisher=Seeking Alpha |quote=...our next 2 movies, Penguins of Madagascar and Home, have production budgets of $132 million each, excluding incentive-based compensation.}}

colspan=2 align="center"| Total

! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:193595521+180010950+216391482+83850911}}}}

! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:348468325+423889404+530529792+289664710}}}}

! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:542063846+603900354+746921274+373515621}}}}

! #25

! #24

! $502 million

! {{Cite web |title=Franchise Index |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/?view=Franchise&sort=sumgross&order=DESC&p=.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316033613/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/?view=Franchise&sort=sumgross&order=DESC&p=.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |publisher=Box Office Mojo}}{{Cite web |title=Movie Franchises |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchises/ |access-date=December 25, 2014 |publisher=The Numbers}}

=Critical and public response=

The series is notable for its steadily improving critical reception{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}, with each mainline film receiving better reviews than the last. Its reception among audiences has remained consistently positive throughout its run.

{{Hatnote|Each film is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article.}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align: center;"

|+ {{Screen reader-only|Critical and public response of Madagascar films}}

! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Film

! scope="col" colspan="2" | Critical

! scope="col" | Public

scope="col" | Rotten Tomatoes

! scope="col" | Metacritic

! scope="col" | CinemaScore

! scope="row" | Madagascar

| {{RT data|table

title=Madagascar (2005_film)}}{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y|title=Madagascar (2005_film)}}|title=Madagascar |type=m |access-date={{RT data|access date|title=Madagascar (2005_film)}}}}{{cbignore}}{{RT data|edit|title=Madagascar (2005_film)}}

| 57 (36 reviews){{Cite Metacritic |id=madagascar |title=Madagascar |type=m |access-date=June 4, 2022}}

| {{sort grade|A−}}

! scope="row" | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

| {{RT data|table

title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa}}{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y|title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa}} |title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa |type=m |access-date={{RT data|access date|title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa}}}}{{cbignore}}{{RT data|edit|title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa}}

| 61 (25 reviews){{Cite Metacritic |id=madagascar-escape-2-africa |title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa |type=m |access-date=June 4, 2022}}

| {{sort grade|A−}}{{Cite web |title=Cinemascore :: Movie Title Search |url=https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809062201/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=August 9, 2019 |website=CinemaScore}}

! scope="row" | Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

| {{RT data|table

title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted}}{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y|title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted}} |title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted |type=m |access-date={{RT data|access date|title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted}}}}{{cbignore}}{{RT data|edit|title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted}}

| 60 (26 reviews){{Cite Metacritic |id=madagascar-3-europes-most-wanted |title=Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted |type=m |access-date=June 4, 2022}}

| {{sort grade|A}}{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |date=June 10, 2012 |title=HOT WEEKEND! Both 'Madagascar 3' And 'Prometheus' On Fire For $59.6M/$49.5M |url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/prometheus-box-office-weekend-fox-283586/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706132245/https://deadline.com/2012/06/prometheus-box-office-weekend-fox-283586/ |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

! scope="row" | Penguins of Madagascar

| {{RT data|table

title=Penguins of Madagascar}}{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y|title=Penguins of Madagascar}} |title=Penguins of Madagascar|type=m |access-date={{RT data|access date|title=Penguins of Madagascar}}}}{{cbignore}}{{RT data|edit|title=Penguins of Madagascar}}

| 53 (31 reviews){{Cite Metacritic |id=penguins-of-madagascar |title=Penguins of Madagascar |type=m |access-date=June 4, 2022}}

| {{sort grade|A−}}{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 1, 2014 |title='Mockingjay' Up In Actuals, 'Penguins', 'Bosses' A Bit Softer — Weekend B.O. |url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/hunger-games-box-office-thanksgiving-penguins-of-madgascar-horrible-bosses-2-1201301187/ |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

=Critics' Choice Movie Awards=

class="wikitable"
Category

! Madagascar

! Escape 2 Africa

! Europe's Most Wanted

Best Animated Feature

| {{nom}}

| {{nom}}

| {{nom}}

Video games

  • Madagascar video game was an adaptation of the first film, released in 2005 by Toys for Bob on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, and GameCube consoles.
  • Madagascar was released in 2005 by Vicarious Visions on the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.
  • Madagascar: Operation Penguin was released in 2005 for Game Boy Advance by Activision.
  • Madagascar: Animal Trivia DVD Game is an interactive DVD game based on the first film. It was released in 2005 by the b Equal Company. The DVD features over 1,600 questions about animals. The DVD also features Dynamic Leveling which automatically adjusts the difficulty of the questions to each player's knowledge levels. The three levels are Scout Level for 6–9 years, Explorer Levels for 10–13 years and Navigator Level for 14–106 years.{{Cite press release |title=New MADAGASCAR ANIMAL TRIVIA DVD GAME From b EQUAL Is A Great Alternative to Traditional Family Games |date=May 18, 2005 |publisher=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-madagascar-animal-trivia-dvd-game-from-b-equal-is-a-great-alternative-to-traditional-family-games-54433772.html |access-date=January 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427083902/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-madagascar-animal-trivia-dvd-game-from-b-equal-is-a-great-alternative-to-traditional-family-games-54433772.html |archive-date=April 27, 2012 |author1=The b EQUAL Company}}
  • Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa was an adaptation of the second film and was made for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo DS and released on November 4, 2008, in North America.{{Cite news |date=November 4, 2008 |title=Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa™ and Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors™ Now Available at Retailers Nationwide |url=http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540447 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709062908/http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540447 |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |publisher=DreamWorks Animation }}
  • Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa was released for the Nintendo DS and released on November 4, 2008, in North America by Griptonite Games.
  • Madagascar Kartz was released on October 27, 2009, for the Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo DS.
  • The Penguins of Madagascar was released on November 2, 2010, for Nintendo DS.{{Cite press release |title=The Penguins of Madagascar Available Today |date=November 2, 2010 |publisher=THQ |url=http://www.thq.com/us/news/show/13127 |access-date=August 2, 2011}}
  • The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns – Again! was released on September 6, 2011, for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo DS.{{Cite press release |title=Only Team Penguin Can Save the World From Dolphin Domination in THQ'S The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns – Again! |date=July 21, 2011 |publisher=THQ |url=http://www.thq.com/us/go/article/view/247819/only_team_penguin_can_save_the_world_from_dolphin_domination_in_thq%E2%80%99s_the_penguins_of_madagascar:_dr._blowhole_returns_%E2%80%93_again! |access-date=September 21, 2011}}
  • DreamWorks Super Star Kartz was released by Activision on November 15, 2011,{{Cite web |title=DreamWorks Super Star Kartz |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamworks-super-star-kartz/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |access-date=October 28, 2011 |website=Metacritic}} for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS. The game features 14 different characters from the four DreamWorks' films – Madagascar, Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and Monsters vs. Aliens.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=September 8, 2011 |title=DreamWorks Super Star Kartz announced |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/70085/dreamworks-super-star-kartz-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011445/http://www.shacknews.com/article/70085/dreamworks-super-star-kartz-announced |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |access-date=October 28, 2011 |work=Shacknews}}
  • Madagascar: Join the Circus!, a mobile video game, was released on June 4, 2012, for iPhone and iPad.{{Cite news |last=DreamWorks Animation |date=June 4, 2012 |title=Madagascar: Join the Circus! App for iPad Now Available on the App Store |url=http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20120604005303/en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191552/http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20120604005303/en |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |work=Business Wire}}{{Cite web |title=Madagascar – Join the Circus! |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/madagascar-join-the-circus!/id518748978?ls=1&mt=8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109103639/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/madagascar-join-the-circus!/id518748978?ls=1&mt=8 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |publisher=iTunes}}
  • Madagascar 3: The Video Game was released on June 5, 2012, for Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.{{Cite news |date=March 20, 2012 |title=D3PUBLISHER REVEALS PRODUCT NEWS FOR THE UPCOMING MADAGASCAR 3: THE VIDEO GAME |url=http://www.d3publisher.us/PressDetails.asp?ID=267 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823030551/http://www.d3publisher.us/PressDetails.asp?ID=267 |archive-date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=March 23, 2012 |work=D3 Publisher }}
  • Madagascar Online, a virtual online world within the JumpStart universe, was released on October 4, 2012.{{Cite news |date=October 4, 2012 |title=Leading Kids Educational Game Company Launches Online & Mobile Learning Adventures Featuring DreamWorks Animation Franchises |url=http://ir.dreamworks.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=711221 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121204056/http://ir.dreamworks.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=711221 |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |publisher=DreamWorks Animation}}
  • Madagascar Preschool Surf n' Slide, a mobile learning game, was released by JumpStart on October 4, 2012, on iOS and Android platforms.
  • Penguins of Madagascar, a video game based on the film of the same name, was published by Little Orbit and released on November 25, 2014, for Nintendo 3DS, Wii, and Wii U.{{Cite press release |title=Smile and Wave, Boys! Little Orbit Announces Penguins of Madagascar Video Game |date=September 8, 2014 |publisher=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smile-and-wave-boys-little-orbit-announces-penguins-of-madagascar-video-game-274336461.html |access-date=September 11, 2014}}
  • DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing is a racing video game that is published by GameMill Entertainment, and includes Alex and King Julien as playable racers. The video game was released on November 3, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Xbox One.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=July 25, 2023 |title=DreamWorks' new kart racer puts Shrek back in the driver's seat |url=https://www.polygon.com/23805645/dreamworks-all-star-kart-racing-shrek-puss-in-boots-trolls |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}

''Madagascar Live!''

There have been multiple live shows based on the franchise.

=''Madagascar Live!'' (2011)=

Madagascar Live! is a 90-minute theatre show based on the Madagascar film.{{Cite news |last=Broadway.com Staff |date=October 19, 2010 |title=Madagascar Live to Hit the Road, with Stop at Radio City Music Hall |url=http://www.broadway.com/shows/madagascar-live/buzz/153969/madagascar-live-to-hit-the-road-with-stop-at-radio-city-music-hall/ |access-date=July 30, 2011 |publisher=Broadway.com}} Produced by DreamWorks Theatricals and Broadway Across America, it was directed by Gip Hoppe as the DreamWorks Animation's second stage production after Shrek the Musical. The tour started on January 28, 2011, in York, Pennsylvania, and was expected to visit more than 70 cities across the United States.{{Cite press release |title=Tickets On-Sale Now for "MADAGASCAR LIVE" |date=January 5, 2011 |publisher=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110105005716/en/Tickets-On-Sale-%E2%80%9CMADAGASCAR-LIVE%E2%80%9D |access-date=July 21, 2014 |author1=DreamWorks Theatricals}} After a show in New York's Radio City Music Hall, on April 24, 2011, Madagascar Live! was cancelled in the United States, citing "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason.{{Cite news |date=March 29, 2011 |title=Madagascar Live! cancelled in Toronto |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/963516--madagascar-live-cancelled-in-toronto |access-date=July 30, 2011 |work=Toronto Star}} Madagascar Live! then toured the United Kingdom, visiting nine cities between January 2013 and March 2013.{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2012 |title=DreamWorks' Madagascar Live! tours UK arenas next year |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/10-2012/dreamworks-madagascar-live-tours-uk-arenas-next-ye_2435.html |access-date=February 9, 2013 |work=WhatsOnStage.com}}

=''Madagascar Live! Prepare to Party'' (2012)=

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Madagascar Live! Prepare to Party is a 20-minute live stage show featuring Alex, King Julien, Gloria, Mort and The Penguins as they each present their special party games while dancing and singing. The show premiered in 2012 in an Africa area at the UK theme park Chessington World of Adventures,{{Cite web |title=Madagascar LIVE! Prepare to Party – New for 2012 |url=http://www.chessington.com/plan-your-trip/madagascar-live.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522104843/http://www.chessington.com/plan-your-trip/madagascar-live.aspx |archive-date=May 22, 2012 |access-date=April 14, 2012 |publisher=Chessington World of Adventures}} and in DreamWorks Experience at the Australian theme park Dreamworld.{{Cite web |title=DREAMWORKS MADAGASCAR LIVE! PREPARE TO PARTY – DAILY SHOWS |url=http://www.dreamworld.com.au/Attractions/Madagascar-Live/Madagascar-Live---Prepare-to-Party.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426100355/http://www.dreamworld.com.au/Attractions/Madagascar-Live/Madagascar-Live---Prepare-to-Party.aspx |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=April 14, 2012 |publisher=Dreamworld}} The show closed at Chessington in 2014 and at Dreamworld when DreamWorks Experience was rethemed as Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland in 2023.

=''Madagascar Live! It's Circus Time'' (2012)=

Madagascar Live! It's Circus Time is a 30-minute live show, based on the film Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. The story follows the characters of Madagascar to a circus, where they try to avoid being captured by the animal control officer Captain Dubois by blending among its artists, performing stunts, singing and dancing. The show opened in 2012, in Everland Resort, in South Korea,{{Cite web |title=Madagascar Live! |url=http://www.everland.com/web/multi/english/everland/entertainment/1204556_11129.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818151845/http://www.everland.com/web/multi/english/everland/entertainment/1204556_11129.html |archive-date=August 18, 2013 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |publisher=Everland}}{{Cite web |last=HumanSlinky |date=September 14, 2012 |title=Madagascar Live! ~ Everland Adventure Park |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xtlemd_madagascar-live-everland-adventure-park_creation |access-date=August 18, 2013 |publisher=Dailymotion}}{{Cite news |date=July 20, 2012 |title=에버랜드 뮤지컬 쇼「마다가스카 라이브」오픈 |url=http://www.samsung.co.kr/article.do?cmd=view&contentId=127447&searchCategory=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130818153807/http://www.samsung.co.kr/article.do?cmd=view&contentId=127447&searchCategory=1 |archive-date=August 18, 2013 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |work=Samsung Group}} and in 2013 in Heide Park, Germany,{{Cite web |title=Madagascar LIVE! It's circus time. |url=https://www.heide-park.de/en/heide-park/park/attractions/land-der-vergessenen/madagascar-live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130803174840/https://www.heide-park.de/en/heide-park/park/attractions/land-der-vergessenen/madagascar-live/ |archive-date=August 3, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |publisher=Heide Park}} and in Gardaland, Italy.{{Cite news |date=April 3, 2013 |title=Madagascar Live! – It's Circus Time at Gardaland |url=http://www.parkscout.com/magazine/madagascar-live-its-circus-time-at-gardaland/new-show |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130803174920/http://www.parkscout.com/magazine/madagascar-live-its-circus-time-at-gardaland/new-show |archive-date=August 3, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |work=Park Scout}}

=''Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation'' (2013)=

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation is a 20-minute live stage show featuring Alex, Gloria, King Julien, Mort and The Penguins along with live singers, a live band and dancers. The show opened in 2013 at Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld San Diego.{{Cite press release |title=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Launches "Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation" at California and Florida Parks |date=February 12, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-parks--entertainment-launches-madagascar-live-operation-vacation-at-california-and-florida-parks-190913551.html |access-date=August 3, 2013 |author=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment}} The show closed at SeaWorld in January 2015 and at Busch Gardens in September 2015.

=''Madagascar: The Musical'' (2018)=

In 2018, a stage musical titled Madagascar The Musical debuted in the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |title=Madagascar The Musical UK Tour Official Website |url=http://madagascarthemusical.co.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607093059/http://madagascarthemusical.co.uk/ |archive-date=June 7, 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=Madagascar UK Tour |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Alex |date=July 25, 2018 |title=Review: Madagascar the Musical UK tour (New Wimbledon Theatre) |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/madagascar-musical-new-wimbledon-matt-terry_47204.html |access-date=April 18, 2021 |publisher=WhatsOnStage}} Since then, it also played in Malaysia,{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2019 |title=8 reasons why you should watch Madagascar The Musical this December 2019! |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/11/15/8-reasons-why-you-should-watch-madagascar-the-musical-this-december-2019 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=The Star}} Hong Kong,{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Rachel |date=September 13, 2019 |title=BWW Review: MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL at HKAPA |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/hong-kong/article/BWW-Review-MADAGASCAR-THE-MUSICAL-at-HKAPA-20190913 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |publisher=Broadway World}} and New Zealand.{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2021 |title=Madagascar – The Musical: Move It! Move It! This Winter |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2103/S00051/madagascar-the-musical-move-it-move-it-this-winter.htm |access-date=April 18, 2021 |publisher=Scoop}}

Attractions

Madagascar Madness was one of the three areas at the DreamWorks Experience themed land which was part of Australian theme park Dreamworld. It consisted of suspended roller coaster Escape from Madagascar, a show stage King Julien's Theatre in the Wild, a ball play area MAD Jungle Jam and a merchandise shop Madagascar Cargo Hold. The area was replaced by a section of Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland in early 2023.{{Cite web |title=The Future of Dreamworld |url=https://www.dreamworld.com.au/news/the-future-of-dreamworld/ |access-date=July 30, 2023 |publisher=Dreamworld}}

A Madagascar-themed tower called Madagascar Rain Forest with 15 water slides opened at DreamWorks Water Park on October 1, 2020.{{Cite web |last=NJ.com |first=Allison Pries {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |date=September 30, 2020 |title=American Dream mall reopens Thursday – including 80+ stores. We got a look inside. |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2020/09/we-got-a-look-inside-the-american-dream-before-its-reopening-heres-what-you-can-expect.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001053227/https://www.nj.com/news/2020/09/we-got-a-look-inside-the-american-dream-before-its-reopening-heres-what-you-can-expect.html |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |website=nj}}

Madagascar was one of the seven themed lands in Universal Studios Singapore, and it featured lush tropical jungles as well as a water ride Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and a carousel King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round. It closed on March 27, 2022, to make room for Minion Land (containing Despicable Me Minion Mayhem) and Super Nintendo World.{{Cite web |last=Niles, Robert |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Madagascar gets 'One Last Boogie' at Universal Singapore |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202202/8788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220074408/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202202/8788/ |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |access-date=July 29, 2023 |publisher=Theme Park Insider}}

Music

The 1993 music track "I Like to Move It", performed by Reel 2 Real, is featured prominently in the film series.{{Cite web |last=Dick |first=Jeremy |date=September 1, 2020 |title=Erick Morillo Dies, I Like to Move It DJ Was 49 |url=https://movieweb.com/erick-morillo-dead-i-like-to-move-it-dj/ |access-date=April 18, 2021 |publisher=Movieweb}} The first film used a version recorded by Sacha Baron Cohen in character as King Julien. Other versions of the song have been used throughout the franchise, with the lyrics changed or altered to match with each film's plot and the film's subject matter. The original version also appeared in the first and last episode of the Madagascar Netflix series All Hail King Julien and the "Afro Circus/I Like to Move It" tune was played near the start of the Madagascar spin-off film Penguins of Madagascar. The song was also included in the stage adaptation, again sung by King Julien.

References

{{Reflist}}