Madagascar (franchise)

Madagascar
Franchise title as seen in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.
Created byMark Burton
Billy Frolick
Tom McGrath
Eric Darnell
Original workMadagascar (2005)
OwnersDreamWorks Animation
(Universal Pictures)
Years2005–present
Films and television
Film(s) Spin-off film(s):
Short film(s)
Animated series
Television special(s)Merry Madagascar (2009)
Theatrical presentations
Play(s)
Musical(s)Madagascar: The Musical (2018)
Games
Video game(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s) Spin-off film soundtrack(s):
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s)
Official website
https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/madagascar

Madagascar is an American 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 (to Madagascar initially). Now they must struggle to survive while attempting to return to New York City with the help of a crafty cadre of penguins and with many other characters along the way. The franchise's films have received mixed-to-positive critical reviews.