How religious is this movie, really?

It uses the Noah's Ark story as a framework, but it's much more of a character-driven comedy than a sermon. Think of it like The Prince of Egypt but with more jokes and fewer burning bushes.

Is Aubrey Plaza's humor too 'adult' for my 6-year-old?

Not at all. While she brings her signature dry delivery, the writing stays firmly in the family-friendly zone. It's the kind of humor that makes parents chuckle without needing to explain a double entendre to a kindergartner.

Are there any scary predators in this?

There's some tension between the 'misfit' animals and some of the more 'elite' animals on the ark, but it's handled with typical animated comedy stakes—lots of posturing and close calls, but no real gore or trauma.

Is this just another 'Ice Age' clone?

It shares some DNA with Ice Age (misfit animals, world-ending event), but the direction by John Stevenson gives it a more cinematic, epic feel. It's less about pop-culture references and more about character growth.

The Ark and the Aardvark – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Ark and the Aardvark

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2026

79%

WISE Score

Gilbert the aardvark is the reluctant project manager for a floating zoo in this snappy, animal-led retelling of the Great Flood.

The Ark and the Aardvark

movie

NR, 2026

79%

WISE Score

Gilbert the aardvark is the reluctant project manager for a floating zoo in this snappy, animal-led retelling of the Great Flood.

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Screenwise Verdict

If you're looking for a safe, high-quality animated movie that isn't from the Disney/Illumination factory, this is a strong contender. It takes a story everyone knows and focuses on the 'B-team' of the animal kingdom, which is a great hook for kids who feel like they don't always fit in.

It's not reinventing the wheel, but with the director of Kung Fu Panda at the helm, it has a level of craft that elevates it above the usual direct-to-streaming animal fluff. It's funny, looks great, and actually has something to say about leadership.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5 to 99. It's got enough visual slapstick for the kindergarten crowd, but the snappy dialogue and solid direction make it a painless watch for adults too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a classic underdog story about a reluctant leader finding his confidence while helping a bunch of oddball animals survive a crisis. The focus on cooperation over competition is a win.

Imaginative

While the 'Noah's Ark' setting is well-trodden ground, centering the story on an aardvark and a crew of 'misfit' animals adds a fresh perspective to the ancient narrative.

Safe

Standard animated adventure fare. Expect some 'peril' involving rising water and animal-on-animal bickering, but nothing that will require a therapy session afterward.

Enriching

Offers decent lessons on leadership, empathy for 'outsiders,' and the idea that everyone has a role to play, even if they don't fit the 'two-by-two' mold perfectly.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Directed by John Stevenson, the guy who gave us Kung Fu Panda, so you can expect the action beats and character timing to be top-tier.
The voice cast is actually inspired—Miles Teller plays the neurotic Gilbert, and Aubrey Plaza voices a spider named Brain, which is basically perfect casting.
It avoids the 'preachy' trap by focusing on the misfit animal dynamics rather than just hitting Sunday School talking points.
The writing team includes Philip LaZebnik, who worked on Mulan and The Prince of Egypt, so the story structure is likely rock-solid.

⚠

What to Watch For

Aubrey Plaza's character (Brain the spider) brings a dry, snarky wit that might fly over younger kids' heads but keeps parents awake.
The 'flood' sequences involve some animated peril—think crashing waves and animals nearly slipping off the boat—which might be intense for very sensitive toddlers.
Because it's a 'misfit' story, there's a fair amount of inter-animal bickering and light insults before they eventually learn to work together.

Conversation Starters

"Gilbert didn't think he was a leader at the start. When did he finally start to believe in himself?"
"Why do you think the 'misfit' animals were left out of the main group at first?"
"If you had to pick one animal to be in charge of a big project, which one would it be and why?"
"Is it better to have a leader who is really strong, or a leader who listens to everyone?"

Deep Dive

The 'Misfit' Factor

The Ark and the Aardvark enters a crowded field of animated animal adventures, but it has a secret weapon: its creative pedigree. John Stevenson knows how to balance high-stakes action with genuine heart, and he applies that same Kung Fu Panda energy here. Instead of a martial arts bear, we get Gilbert, an aardvark who just wants to be left alone but ends up responsible for the survival of a group of animals that nobody else wanted on the boat.

Not Your Average Sunday School Special

While the backdrop is biblical, the movie plays more like a workplace comedy or a road trip movie (on water). It leans into the logistics and the 'social hierarchy' of the animals. The inclusion of Aubrey Plaza as a spider is a stroke of genius—she brings a cynical edge that balances out the more earnest moments.

Parents will appreciate that the movie doesn't talk down to its audience. The humor is sophisticated enough to land with older kids, and the animation quality from Unified Pictures and ReDefine is sharp. If your family has already burned through Ice Age and Madagascar for the tenth time, this is a perfect 'new' addition to the rotation that won't make you want to scroll on your phone the whole time.

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