🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Cathy Malkasian, Jeff McGrath
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Release year: 2002
- Runtime (length): 1h 25min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (16K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A girl who can talk to animals gets grounded, runs away from boarding school, and then electrocutes some elephants (accidentally, of course).
🍿 The Wild Thornberrys Movie: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Eliza and the Cheetah Cub
The film opens with Eliza Thornberry, a young girl blessed with the ability to talk to animals, enjoying the company of a cheetah family in Africa. Eliza is entrusted with watching the cheetah cubs. However, when one of the cubs, Tally, is captured by poachers, Eliza feels responsible and embarks on a mission to rescue him. This sets the stage for her adventure and the central conflict of the movie.

From Africa to London
Due to her increasingly reckless behavior, Eliza’s grandmother decides to send her to a boarding school in London. Unhappy with this decision and determined to save Tally, Eliza secretly leaves for Africa with her chimpanzee companion, Darwin. This section highlights Eliza’s determination and showcases the beginning of her perilous journey back to the wild.

Uncovering the Poachers’ Plot
Back in Africa, Eliza and Darwin encounter seemingly helpful veterinarians, the Blackburns. However, they soon discover that the Blackburns are actually the poachers responsible for Tally’s capture. Eliza learns that the poachers are planning to harm a large herd of elephants during an upcoming solar eclipse. Eliza’s quest to save a single cheetah cub evolves into a mission to protect an entire elephant population.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Eliza Thornberry (Lacey Chabert): A 12-year-old girl with the ability to talk to animals, striving to protect them from harm.
- Darwin (Tom Kane): Eliza’s chimpanzee companion who accompanies her on her adventures and offers comic relief.
- Nigel Thornberry (Tim Curry): Eliza’s enthusiastic and eccentric father, who hosts a wildlife documentary show.
- Debbie Thornberry (Danielle Harris): Eliza’s teenage sister, longing for a normal life away from her family’s nomadic adventures.
- Sloan Blackburn (Rupert Everett): The deceptive antagonist who poses as a veterinarian but is secretly a ruthless poacher.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Eliza: “I talk to animals. Nobody believes me, but I do.” – Eliza explains her unique ability and sets the stage for her adventures.
- Nigel: “Poaching is simply barbaric!” – Nigel expresses his strong disapproval of poaching when Eliza tells him about the Cheetah Cub being captured.
- Darwin: “Are you crazy?! That’s a helicopter!” – Darwin reacts with alarm when Eliza attempts to climb onto the poachers’ helicopter.
- Eliza: “I can’t just stand by while they get hurt.” – Eliza expresses her determination to protect the elephants from the poachers’ plan.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $40,108,697
- Worldwide Gross: $60,694,737
💥 The Wild Thornberrys Movie Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this movie as a kid, and it was so much fun! Eliza’s ability to talk to animals was always fascinating, and seeing her adventure on the big screen was a real treat. The animation style is unique, and the story has a good balance of humor and heart. When I saw the scene where Eliza loses her ability to talk to animals to save Debbie, it really hit me hard in the feels. Definitely a childhood favorite!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of the original ‘Wild Thornberrys’ TV show”
- “Children who love animals and adventure stories”
- “Families looking for a fun and engaging animated movie”
- “Viewers interested in stories promoting conservation and environmental awareness”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild peril and action sequences”
- “Depiction of animal poaching (though not graphic)”
- “Brief moments of cartoonish violence”
- “Some scenes may be intense for very young children”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While not groundbreaking, ‘The Wild Thornberrys Movie’ is a serviceable and entertaining adventure for younger viewers. It boasts vibrant animation and a positive message about conservation.
- Common Sense Media: “This movie has positive messages about family and protecting wildlife, it’s an exciting adventure with some genuinely funny moments that will appeal to both kids and their parents.
Audience Reactions
Viewers loved the unique animation style and the engaging storyline.: Most agreed that the movie stayed true to the spirit of the original TV series while offering a more expansive and exciting adventure.
Fans enjoyed the soundtrack, especially Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter.”: Many praised the blend of humor and heartwarming moments, making it a great family film.
Overall Consensus: A charming and entertaining adventure that stays true to the spirit of the original series, making it a nostalgic treat for fans and a fun watch for new viewers.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Nigel Thornberry, voiced by Tim Curry, never says his iconic catchphrase ‘Smashing!’ in the entire movie.”
- “The filmmakers consulted with wildlife experts to ensure the accuracy of the animal behaviors and habitats depicted in the film.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Wild Thornberrys Movie?
As of today, finding ‘The Wild Thornberrys Movie’ streaming can be a bit of an adventure! It may be available for purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can sometimes be found through online retailers like Amazon. Keep an eye out for special deals and promotions!

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Wild Thornberrys Movie, you might like these similar films:
- The Rescuers Down Under (1990): Features a young protagonist who befriends animals in the Australian Outback and must save them from a poacher, mirroring the animal-saving theme and adventure elements.
- The Lion King (1994): Set in Africa with a focus on wildlife and the circle of life, offering visually stunning landscapes and a coming-of-age story with environmental undertones.
- Brother Bear (2003): Features a boy that can talk to animals, going on an adventure in the wilderness in order to save animals from a hunter.
🛒 The Wild Thornberrys Movie Related Products
- The Wild Thornberrys: The Complete Series DVD: Relive all the classic adventures of the Thornberry family with the complete series DVD set. This collection lets you binge-watch every episode, from their travels to their encounters with incredible wildlife.
- The Wild Thornberrys: Eliza Thornberry Plush: Bring home your favorite animal-talking adventurer with this detailed Eliza Thornberry plush. Soft and huggable, it’s the perfect companion for any fan.
- Nickelodeon Rugrats & The Wild Thornberrys Movie Double Feature DVD: Double the fun with this classic 2D movie double feature. You get the Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys. Both are sure to keep you smiling.
- Nigel Thornberry “Smashing” Mug: Start your day with a “smashing” cup of coffee in this Nigel Thornberry mug! Featuring his iconic catchphrase, it’s the perfect way for fans to celebrate their favorite dad.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Wild Thornberrys Movie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Father and Daughter” – performed by Paul Simon
- “Drop It Like It’s Hot” – performed by Baha Men
- “Bridge to the Stars” – performed by Macy Gray
- “Theme Song” – performed by Drew Neumann
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Eliza Thornberry has the ability to talk to animals, granted to her by a shaman she rescued. She must keep this ability a secret from humans, or she will lose it.
The villains are Sloan and Bree Blackburn, posing as veterinarians but secretly ruthless poachers intending to harm a herd of elephants.
Eliza’s grandmother sends her to boarding school in London because she believes Eliza is constantly putting herself in danger due to her adventures with animals.
🔥 Bonus Content
(MOST WATCHED VIDEO) The Complete Backstory of Donnie Thornberry and his Biological Parents
Ever wondered how Donnie ended up in the jungle? This video dives deep into his tragic backstory and how he became part of the Thornberry family. Honestly, it’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, you gotta check it out!
The Wild Thornberrys Movie But It’s Only Donnie
Want to see the Wild Thornberrys movie from a whole new perspective? This video compiles all of Donnie’s scenes into one hilarious package. Trust me, it’s pure chaotic energy and a total must-watch!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.