Is The Wild Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Wild is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Wild Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2006, The Wild emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Animation domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Unlike standard genre fare, The Wild attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Wild features a noteworthy lineup led by Kiefer Sutherland . Supported by the likes of Jim Belushi and Eddie Izzard , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Wild (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Wild Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Wild is a Family, Animation film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Wild Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Wild attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Wild reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Wild?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Family films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Wild Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $102.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wild Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wild is $80.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Wild
- Kiefer Sutherland – Samson (voice)
- Jim Belushi – Benny (voice)
- Eddie Izzard – Nigel (voice)
- Janeane Garofalo – Bridget (voice)
- William Shatner – Kazar (voice)
Top Highlights
Kiefer SutherlandSamson (voice)
Jim BelushiBenny (voice)
Eddie IzzardNigel (voice)
Janeane GarofaloBridget (voice)
William ShatnerKazar (voice)
Richard KindLarry (voice)
Greg CipesRyan (voice)
Colin HayFergus Flamingo (voice)
Miles MarsicoDuke (voice)
Jack De SenaEze (voice)
Where to Watch The Wild Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Disney Plus🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Wild is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Wild stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wild movie hit or flop?
The Wild has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Wild worth watching?
The Wild is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Animation movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Wild online?
The Wild is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Disney Plus depending on your region.
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How The Wild Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Wild
Very poor. I couldn't tell you one thing I enjoyed about this. To be ultra fair, there isn't anything truly diabolical about it either - hence the (generous?) rating. It's just so basic and limp that it struggles to entertain at all, I'd even question if the younger audience would even like it. The elephant in the room is also that's practically a rip-off of DreamWorks' 'Madagascar', which was released roughly one year prior. If we're comparing the two, 'The Wild' is weaker in every area - and I'm not even a massive fan of that 2005 film. Animation-wise it's disappointing, it's not just dull but also quite jarring in parts. The cast aren't much better, I wouldn't say any of them are bad but none of them are memorable one bit - if you force me to pick a noteworthy member, it would be Eddie Izzard's koala. Kiefer Sutherland (Samson) and William Shatner (Kazar) should standout, but simply do not. The story is shallow, predictable and boringly by the numbers. I expect much more from Disney, it's safe to say. Up until this point in time, it's definitely their worst animated release that isn't a sequel/spin-off. Not even the short run time could save this. Shame.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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