🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: James Bobin
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 42min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (37K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Dora goes to high school, finds out her parents are missing, and drags a bunch of reluctant teens into the jungle to find them while teaching everyone Spanish… because reasons.
🍿 Dora and the Lost City of Gold: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Dora’s Jungle Childhood
Dora, the daughter of explorer parents Cole and Elena, spends her childhood in the Peruvian jungle, accompanied by her monkey friend Boots and cousin Diego. They embark on imaginary adventures, constantly evading Swiper the fox. As Dora and Diego grow older, Diego moves to Los Angeles, while Dora remains with her parents in pursuit of the lost Inca city of Parapata.

High School and Kidnapping
Ten years later, Dora’s parents discover a clue to Parapata’s location and send her to high school in Los Angeles to live with Diego. Dora struggles to adjust to high school life, facing ridicule for her eccentric behavior. During a school field trip, Dora, Diego, and their classmates Sammy and Randy are kidnapped by mercenaries seeking the location of Parapata and Dora’s parents.

The Jungle Adventure Begins
The mercenaries transport the teens to Peru. They are rescued by Alejandro, who claims to be a friend of Dora’s parents. Alejandro informs them that Dora’s parents are missing and the mercenaries intend to exploit them to find Parapata. Dora, accompanied by Diego, Sammy, and Randy, embarks on a perilous journey through the jungle to rescue her parents and thwart the mercenaries’ plans.

Obstacles and Puzzles
The group faces various challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain, solving ancient Inca puzzles, and evading the mercenaries. Along the way, they encounter Boots and learn more about the dangers and wonders of the jungle. They meet an old woman who warns them about the city being cursed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Dora (Isabela Merced): A resourceful and optimistic teenage explorer who must navigate high school and save her parents from treasure hunters.
- Alejandro (Eugenio Derbez): A seemingly helpful explorer who deceives Dora and her friends to find the lost city of gold.
- Diego (Jeff Wahlberg): Dora’s cousin, who initially feels embarrassed by her enthusiasm but ultimately helps her on her quest.
- Sammy (Madeleine Madden): A competitive and intelligent high schooler who learns to appreciate Dora’s unique skills and becomes her friend.
- Randy (Nicholas Coombe): A nerdy and anxious high schooler who joins Dora’s adventure and provides valuable knowledge.
- Cole (Michael Peña): Dora’s adventurous father and an explorer searching for the lost city of gold.
- Elena (Eva Longoria): Dora’s adventurous mother and an explorer searching for the lost city of gold alongside her husband.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dora: “Can you say delicioso?” – Dora often asks the audience to repeat words, just like in the original cartoon, embracing the fourth-wall-breaking humor.
- Dora: “Swiper no swiping!” – Dora exclaims her iconic line when Swiper attempts to steal something, a recurring gag from the cartoon.
- Dora: “We did it!” – Dora happily shouts her classic phrase when completing a challenge, reinforcing her optimistic personality.
- Dora: “The jungle is not always what it seems. You have to be smart, resourceful, and very, very positive.” – Dora’s advice to her friends as they traverse the treacherous jungle, which encapsulates her character’s spirit.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $49,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $60,477,943
- Worldwide Gross: $120,597,108
💥 Dora and the Lost City of Gold Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I went into this movie expecting a train wreck, but I was genuinely surprised! It was hilarious and self-aware, and Isabela Merced was amazing as Dora. I loved how they poked fun at the original cartoon while still keeping the spirit of adventure alive. The scene with the quicksand and the exploding flowers was especially memorable – I was laughing so hard! If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted movie, this is definitely worth a watch.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Families with young children”
- “Fans of the original Dora the Explorer cartoon”
- “Viewers looking for a lighthearted adventure movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild action violence”
- “Some peril and suspenseful scenes”
- “Brief scenes with quicksand”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “A surprisingly fun and adventurous ride that pokes fun at its source material while still delivering a heartfelt message about friendship and embracing your unique self. Isabela Merced shines as Dora, bringing a perfect blend of earnestness and comedic timing.
- IMDB: “This movie knows what it is and leans into it. Isabela Merced is perfectly cast, and the film manages to be both funny and adventurous. While it may not be for everyone, those who grew up with Dora will find plenty to enjoy. It delivers on the family-friendly adventure, the humor works for the most part and nostalgia kicks in!
- Metacritic: “Dora and the Lost City of Gold is an absurd delight. It embraces its silliness, making it a fun watch for families and those who appreciate a good dose of self-aware humor. The film’s willingness to poke fun at the original cartoon makes the entire experience way more enjoyable.
Audience Reactions
The movie was surprisingly funny and entertaining for both kids and adults.: Many viewers enjoyed the self-aware humor and the way it made fun of the original cartoon.
Isabela Merced’s performance as Dora was praised for her energy and commitment to the role.: Viewers appreciated that she portrayed Dora with genuine enthusiasm and positivity.
Overall Consensus: Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a surprisingly fun and entertaining movie that both kids and adults can enjoy. It’s self-aware humor and adventurous spirit make it a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film includes numerous nods to the original animated series, including Dora breaking the fourth wall and asking the audience for help.”
- “Isabela Merced, who plays Dora, previously voiced Kate in the animated series “Dora and Friends: Into the City!”.”
- “The filmmakers worked with cultural consultants to ensure the film’s portrayal of Inca culture was respectful and accurate.”
🖥️ How to Watch Dora and the Lost City of Gold?
Dora and the Lost City of Gold is available for streaming on Paramount+ and can be rented or purchased through various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Dora and the Lost City of Gold, you might like these similar films:
- Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Shares the adventure and treasure-hunting elements, with a focus on exploring ancient civilizations and dodging traps.
- The Goonies (1985): Features a group of young friends on a quest for treasure, facing perilous situations and solving puzzles along the way.
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017): Modern adventure film with a group of teenagers navigating a dangerous jungle environment, similar to Dora’s adventure.
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001): Highlights the exploration of ancient ruins and the protagonist’s pursuit of valuable artifacts, drawing parallels to Dora’s adventurous spirit.
🛒 Dora and the Lost City of Gold Related Products
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold [Blu-ray]: Own Dora’s big screen adventure in stunning high definition. Includes bonus features such as deleted scenes, bloopers, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Dora the Explorer Plush Backpack: A soft and cuddly Backpack plushie, perfect for kids who want to carry their own adventures. It has a small storage compartment for essentials.
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: Relive the adventure with the movie’s soundtrack. Featuring the iconic theme song and score, perfect for car rides and sing-alongs.
- Nickelodeon Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer and Friends Coloring Book Bundle ~ Assorted Coloring Pages and Stickers Featuring Kids’ Favorite Characters! (6 Books Total): A set of Dora Coloring Books, with stickers.
🎧 Soundtrack
Dora and the Lost City of Gold features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “We Did It!” – performed by Various Artists
- “Backpack Song” – performed by Sasha Toro
- “The Cliff” – performed by The Red Army Choir
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, it is generally considered kid-friendly, offering a lighthearted adventure with comedic elements suitable for families. However, some scenes might be intense for very young children.
Filming primarily took place at Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, Queensland, Australia.
Yes, it is a live-action adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon animated series ‘Dora the Explorer’.
🔥 Bonus Content
Moist Meter | Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Ever wondered if the Dora movie is actually any good? Penguinz0 breaks it down with his signature humor. Honestly, I was surprised by his rating – you might be too!
Quickie: Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Want a super-quick and honest review of the Dora movie? YMS delivers in under six minutes. He’s pretty blunt, so be prepared for some unfiltered opinions, I liked this review.
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