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The Wild

The Wild

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200682 minGMidcredits score: 16th percentile of all films
Director
Steve 'Spaz' Williams
Starring
Kiefer Sutherland, Jim Belushi, Eddie Izzard, Janeane Garofalo

An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Wild?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Wild streaming on Disney+ and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Wild?

The Wild earns 4 badges, led by Overhyped and Preferred by Non-US Viewers.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Wild worth watching?

The Wild's Midcredits score is the 16th percentile of all films, from 105K ratings across 6 sources. 26% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

16th percentile

Better received than 16% of films

6th percentile among Animation16th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)19th
Approval (how many liked it)17th

51 /100

19th percentile of all films

8th percentile among Animation19th percentile among 2000s

Critics 47 · Audience 51

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

26% liked it

17th percentile of all films

7th percentile among Animation15th percentile among 2000s
26% rated it 7–1074% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

95th percentile

105K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Animation91st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 31% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$80M
Opening weekend$9.7M
Domestic gross$37M
Worldwide gross$102M

Returned 1.3× its budget — 86th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a visually polished but thoroughly unoriginal zoo-animals-go-to-Africa story that borrows heavily from earlier animated hits.

Fans praised

  • voice cast Eddie Izzard and Jim Belushi as standout comic relief
  • gorgeous realistic CGI fur textures and lush environments
  • father-son emotional arc with messages about honesty and self-acceptance

Detractors panned

  • slavishly derivative of Madagascar, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King
  • lifeless characters, weak script, and humor that falls flat
  • tonally inconsistent – jarring shifts from slapstick to scary and dark

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive75

detailed realistic textures and rich color palettes in jungle and New York

ActingDivisive72

Eddie Izzard and Jim Belushi singled out as scene-stealers; critics find Sutherland miscast

DialogueDivisive45

some witty one-liners from Nigel the koala but overall script called clunky

Emotional impactDivisive45

father-son bond has earnest moments but undercut by derivative plotting

CharactersDivisive38

supporting animals praised for quirkiness but main lions called flat and clichéd

HumorDivisive35

relies on slapstick and juvenile gags; koala's antics get mixed reactions

Plot and storyDivisive30

derivative mashup of father-rescues-son and zoo-animals-escape premises

OriginalityDivisive15

widely condemned as a shameless rip-off of multiple earlier animated films

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Wild like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulJoyfulThrilling
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its adventure and family-bonding story straight, with earnest emotion and gentle humor, never undercutting its sentimental moments.
The rideThe mood is generally light and optimistic, with mild tension during the journey.
StructureThe story follows a linear, conventional beginning-middle-end structure as the animals leave the zoo, journey to Africa, and confront dangers.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a comforting sense of family bonds and the fun of a wild animal adventure, without any lingering weight.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA lion and his zoo friends travel to Africa to rescue his cub, who was accidentally shipped away, and survive the wild together.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe story revolves around a father's bond with his son and the friends who help reunite them.
StanceThe film celebrates family bonds and the loyalty of friends on a rescue mission.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Alan Silvestri
SettingA zoo and various wild locations the animals travel through.
MusicSilvestri's score provides upbeat and adventurous accompaniment to the journey.

Content guide

Is The Wild okay for kids?

G

The Wild is rated G. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (36/100), sexual content at mild (29/100), language at mild (23/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (8/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Overall it is heavier than 52% of G-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceU
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium9
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway9
  • PolandAL
  • ROAP
  • Russia0+
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 10% of all filmsHeavier than 52% of G-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 58%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a G-rated film
heavier than 78%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 73%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a G-rated film
heavier than 18%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 46%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 46% of G-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Wild have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Wild?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kiefer Sutherland
as Samson
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jim Belushi
as Benny
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eddie Izzard
as Nigel
Janeane Garofalo
as Bridget
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
William Shatner
as Kazar
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Kind
as Larry
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Greg Cipes
as Ryan
Colin Hay
as Fergus Flamingo
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Miles Marsico
as Duke
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jack De Sena
as Eze
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Wild?

Movies like The Wild include Tarzan (1999), Madagascar (2005) and Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, most are family adventures, and most are films set in Africa.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its world: wilderness. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Wild?

578 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: animal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.