Who directed the animated film Madagascar?

Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath directed the animated film Madagascar.

The 2005 movie was Darnell’s second feature directing credit after Antz, while McGrath made his feature directorial debut with Madagascar. Their partnership established the visual and comic style later associated with the franchise’s New York zoo animals and the penguin characters.

The directors worked with DreamWorks Animation during a period when the studio was expanding its computer-animated feature slate. The film combined a modern New York setting with an adventure story involving wildlife, creating the basis for several sequels and spin-offs.

This answer is distinct from the directors of later entries. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa was directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath with Conrad Vernon, while Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted was directed by Darnell, McGrath, and Vernon. Those changing credits can cause mix-ups when the series is discussed as a whole.