Ben Stiller’s animated sequel, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, has achieved remarkable streaming success months after its theatrical run, solidifying its place among the top titles on Peacock in the United States. The sequel, released in 2008, captivated audiences worldwide and narrowly missed reaching $600 million at the global box office, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the franchise and Ben Stiller’s continued appeal in comedy.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’s Strong Box Office and Streaming Performance
The follow-up to the original Madagascar movie, Escape 2 Africa was released three years after the first film, which, despite mixed reviews, grossed over $500 million from a modest budget. The sequel outperformed expectations by earning nearly $600 million internationally, including $180 million from domestic theaters. Its $419.5 million haul overseas placed it among the highest-grossing films worldwide in 2008, ranking fifth internationally and eighth within the U.S. box office standings that year.
2008’s global box office was dominated by Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, which was the only film to surpass the billion-dollar mark. This film featured Christian Bale as Batman and Heath Ledger as the iconic Joker, setting a high bar for the year.
Current Streaming Favorites Alongside Escape 2 Africa on Peacock
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa now holds the fourth spot among the most-streamed movies on Peacock. Other notable titles in the Peacock top ten include Kung Fu Panda 3 at tenth place, followed by Wes Anderson’s recent film The Phoenician Scheme starring Benicio del Toro at ninth. The original Kung Fu Panda ranks eighth, with Borderline at seventh and Kung Fu Panda 2 at sixth. The popular teen comedy Mean Girls is fifth on the list.
Leading up to Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’s streaming peak, Las Culturistas Culture Awards sits at third place, the original Madagascar ranks second, and Peyton Reed’s Bring It On is currently number one. This lineup highlights how animated sequels and beloved classics continue to engage viewers on streaming platforms.
The Continued Appeal of Ben Stiller and the Franchise
As excitement builds for the forthcoming Meet the Parents sequel, which will include Ben Stiller, Ariana Grande, and original cast members under the direction of veteran John Hamburg, fans can enjoy Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa in the meantime. This streaming success underscores the lasting impact of Ben Stiller animated sequel streaming success, reflecting both the actor’s drawing power and the franchise’s wide fandom.
This resurgence in popularity also points to how streaming services like Peacock are reshaping the audience’s access to beloved film franchises, allowing new and longtime viewers to revisit or discover these stories with ease. As streaming numbers continue to climb, it’s likely that studios will place greater emphasis on renewing or continuing animated franchises that prove to have strong digital afterlives.
