In May 2025, the cult animated film Madagascar turned 20. Its 2005 premiere divided opinions: critics praised the vibrant visuals and charming characters but criticized the simplistic plot and jokes.
However, audiences immediately fell in love with the madcap quartet — Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo. Their adventures from a New York zoo to a wild island won the hearts of millions.
Today, Madagascar is more than just a cartoon — it’s a full-blown franchise with sequels and spin-offs. But it’s the first film that remains in memory as a sparkling comedy.
The Madagascar Franchise
Madagascar unexpectedly became a box office hit in 2005, earning nearly $557 million on a modest $75 million budget. This animated comedy gave birth to an entire universe — two sequels, a penguin spin-off, a series, and even theme park attractions.
Now, the first viewers, having grown up, revisit the adventures of Alex and the gang with nostalgia, discovering dozens of hidden references to popular films. The creators cleverly wove Easter eggs into the story, making the viewing even more fun — from obvious quotes to subtle cinematic nods.
References in Madagascar
Madagascar is a real treasure trove of movie references. Alex’s exaggerated facial stretch is an exact copy of Ben Stiller’s gesture in Zoolander, and his signature walk through New York mimics John Travolta’s strut in Saturday Night Fever.
When the characters set fire to the Statue of Liberty, it’s a nod to Planet of the Apes, and Alex’s dreams of falling steaks parody the famous petal scene from American Beauty. Even the penguins get their moment — their line "We’ve been set up, boys" directly quotes Jack Nicholson’s Joker.
Marty surfs like in Hawaii Five-0, Melman mimics dance moves from Napoleon Dynamite, and Gloria transforms into a perfect replica of the green fairy from Moulin Rouge!.
