The Wild
Performance & Direction: The Wild Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wild (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Wild
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, The Wild is a Family, Animation film directed by Steve Williams. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kiefer Sutherland.
Story Breakdown
The title 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 title 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.
Ending Explained: The Wild
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Steve Williams, 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 involving Kiefer Sutherland, 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
Box Office Collection: The Wild
| 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.
Top Cast: The Wild
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Wild Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Disney Plus🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Wild Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about The Wild age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wild is 82 minutes (1h 22m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Wild is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wild worth watching?
The Wild is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wild parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wild identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Wild?
The total duration of The Wild is 82 minutes, which is approximately 1h 22m long.
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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 review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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