In the world of animation, ten years is an eternity. When The Ark and the Aardvark was first announced, most of the kids watching it today weren't even born. Usually, when a project takes this long to hit the screen, it’s because it’s a mess. But having John Stevenson (the director behind Kung Fu Panda) at the helm saved this one from the scrap heap.

The animation is crisp, the world-building is imaginative, and it avoids that "straight-to-streaming" cheapness that plagues a lot of mid-tier animated features. It doesn't quite reach the emotional depths of a Pixar heavy-hitter, but it doesn't try to. It knows it’s a movie about an aardvark leading a group of weirdos, and it leans into that energy.

The story follows Gilbert (voiced by Miles Teller), an aardvark who is decidedly not a leader. He’s tasked with guiding a group of "misfit" animals—the ones who don't exactly fit the "two by two" majestic aesthetic—to the Ark before the big flood hits.

Gilbert is a relatable protagonist for kids because he’s anxious, skeptical, and feels entirely unqualified for the job. The "misfits" include a narcoleptic polar bear, a self-obsessed ostrich, and a sarcastic spider. It’s a classic ensemble dynamic: they start off hating each other, they bungle every task, and eventually, they realize their specific brand of "weird" is exactly what’s needed to survive.

Most kids' media focuses on the "chosen one" or the naturally gifted hero. The Ark and the Aardvark focuses on the "leftovers." For a 7-year-old who feels like they aren't the fastest on the playground or the smartest in the class, seeing a group of animals succeed specifically because they aren't the standard-issue heroes is a great hook.

If you’re looking for a beat-for-beat biblical retelling, this isn't it. The movie treats the Ark and the flood as a ticking clock—a high-stakes setting for an adventure—rather than a theological lesson.

There’s no heavy-handed preaching here. Instead, the "Noah" of the story is more of a background figure, and the Ark itself is portrayed as this massive, mysterious mega-structure. The focus is entirely on the animals' journey across the desert to get there. This makes the movie accessible for everyone, regardless of whether you’re looking for "faith-based" content or just a solid Saturday afternoon movie.

This movie hits the sweet spot for the elementary school crowd (ages 5–10).

If your family is into movies that prioritize character growth and clever dialogue over constant explosions, this will land well. It’s a "journey" movie in the truest sense.

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If the "unlikely hero" or "weird animal team" thing really clicked, here are a few deeper cuts and favorites that hit the same notes:

This is a gorgeous stop-motion adventure about a bigfoot-type creature trying to find his family. Like Gilbert, the main character is a bit of an outsider, and the humor is smart enough for parents to enjoy too.

If your kid liked the "weird creatures" aspect of the Ark, they will love Hilda. It’s a Netflix series (based on the graphic novels) about a girl who lives in a world full of trolls, giants, and "misfit" spirits. It’s cozy, adventurous, and incredibly well-written.

For a gaming crossover, check out A Short Hike. It’s a low-stress game where you play as a bird hiking up a mountain. There’s no combat, just exploring, talking to other "misfit" animals, and finding your way. It captures that same "small character in a big world" feeling.

If the "group of animals everyone misunderstands" was the highlight, The Bad Guys is the high-energy, heist-movie version of that trope. It’s fast, funny, and has a great message about not letting other people’s labels define you.

The "misfit" theme is the best part of this movie, and it’s a great bridge to some real-world conversations.

Ask them: "Which animal in Gilbert’s group do you think was the most useful, even if they seemed 'useless' at the start?"

This gets them thinking about how different skills (like the spider’s snark or the bear’s sleeping) can actually be assets in the right situation. It’s a low-stakes way to talk about neurodiversity or just different personality types in their own friend groups.

There is a bit of "peril" involved—it’s a movie about a flood, after all. There are scenes of animals rushing to beat the rising water and some tense moments with predators. However, it’s all very "cartoon-action" (think Kung Fu Panda style). If your kid can handle a standard Disney or Dreamworks villain, they’ll be totally fine here.

The humor is mostly clean, with a few "butt" jokes and some mild insults between the animals (calling each other "losers" or "weirdos" before they become friends). It’s nothing you haven't heard on a playground.

Q: Is The Ark and the Aardvark a religious movie? Not really. It uses the setting of Noah's Ark as a backdrop for a "misfit adventure" story. While the premise is biblical, the themes are secular: leadership, teamwork, and accepting yourself. There’s no prayer or explicit religious teaching.

Q: What age is The Ark and the Aardvark appropriate for? The sweet spot is ages 5–10. Younger kids will enjoy the slapstick and the colorful animals; older kids will appreciate the sarcasm and the "teamwork" dynamics.

Q: Is The Ark and the Aardvark scary? There are moments of mild peril involving the flood and some predatory animals, but it’s handled with a light, adventurous tone. If your kid is okay with The Lion King or Finding Nemo, they'll be fine.

Q: Where can I watch The Ark and the Aardvark? As of May 2026, it’s available on most major VOD platforms and is likely streaming on Amazon Prime or a similar service. Check our best movies for kids list for current streaming updates.

The Ark and the Aardvark is proof that sometimes "development hell" just means a movie took the time to find its heart. It’s a fun, visually engaging story that treats its "misfit" characters with respect. It’s not going to replace the classics, but it’s a great addition to your family movie night rotation.