The Madagascar franchise is back in a big way with Madagascar 4: The Wildest Adventure Yet (2025), promising an exciting new chapter filled with heart, humor, and the beloved chaos that fans have come to love from Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe. Directed by Eric Darnell, who has been at the helm of the series since the first film, this latest installment pushes the animals—and their antics—into uncharted territory, both literally and figuratively.

Plot Overview

After their last thrilling journey, the group of animals who originally hailed from New York City are once again on the move, but this time they find themselves facing the most challenging adventure of their lives. In the wake of their unexpected return to Africa (in Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted), they’re finally ready to put down roots—until they receive a mysterious invitation to join a secret animal expedition.

A high-stakes competition organized by a global wildlife conservation organization pulls Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and their trusty sidekicks (the Penguins and King Julien) into a race across the world. The animals are given the chance to explore the most exotic and dangerous corners of the Earth in a quest for a legendary, fabled oasis of unparalleled beauty and ecological harmony.

However, things take a wild turn when they find themselves caught in a whirlwind of unexpected events, from tropical jungles and icy tundras to vast deserts and volcanic islands. Along the way, they must contend with treacherous terrain, unpredictable weather, and a group of eccentric animal adventurers who are as competitive as they are unpredictable.

But the real challenge lies within the group itself—old friendships will be tested, egos will clash, and the animals will have to rely on each other more than ever before to make it to the finish line. At the same time, they’ll have to grapple with the true meaning of home and family, discovering that sometimes, the greatest adventures are those we take together.