There’s something about the Madagascar universe that makes it one of DreamWorks’ most laugh-out-loud franchises. Maybe it’s the ridiculously quotable dialogue. Maybe it’s the way animals act like celebrities with mid-life crises. Or maybe—it’s just the characters. From hypochondriac giraffes to lemur kings with delusions of grandeur, the Madagascar cast is bursting with comedic genius. Whether they’re performing circus stunts, running from animal control, or simply trying to find their way back to New York, these characters consistently steal the show with impeccable timing, outrageous personalities, and moments that make us wheeze-laugh even on rewatch.
So, who are the true comedic kings and queens of the savannah, jungle, or Central Park Zoo? Here’s our ranking of the top 10 Madagascar characters based entirely on how hard they made us laugh.
#10: Mort
Mort, the wide-eyed mouse lemur with a major foot fetish and a voice like a squeaky balloon, might be the smallest character in the Madagascar universe—but his comedy factor is towering. This tiny, clingy critter spends most of the series either being tossed across the screen like a beanbag or desperately trying to get close to King Julien’s royal feet. And while his love of toes is deeply unsettling (and never fully explained), it’s played with such absurd enthusiasm that it crosses the line into comedy gold.
What makes Mort so funny isn’t just what he says—it’s how he exists. He’s the physical embodiment of chaos in a bite-sized package. You never know what he’s going to do next: cling to someone’s leg like a spider monkey, burst into tears over the tiniest insult, or unleash an unexpected moment of savagery. Seriously—beneath that baby voice is a creature of surprisingly destructive capabilities. In the Penguins of Madagascar spinoff, there are hints that Mort is some kind of immortal being with a dark past. And honestly? That only makes him funnier.
Mort’s obsession with King Julien is the source of some of the series’ best awkward humor. He’s constantly underfoot (pun intended), and Julien’s open disgust and rejection only fuel Mort’s neediness. It’s like watching a toxic fan-stan relationship in animal form, and it’s ridiculous in the best way.
He may not be the cleverest or the most talkative, but Mort’s comedy lies in his unpredictability and his 110% commitment to being weird. He’s the kind of character who can get launched into the air, land in a pie, and still be clinging to someone’s foot the next second—all with those giant pupils staring into your soul. Iconic.
#9: Mason and Phil
Mason and Phil are the penguins’ unlikely sidekicks—two chimpanzees with surprisingly refined tastes and deadpan delivery. Mason, the one who talks, speaks in an upper-crust British accent and sounds like he should be sipping tea in a drawing room instead of hurling coconuts at enemies. Phil, his mute partner, communicates entirely through sign language—which Mason understands perfectly. Together, they form one of the most underrated comedy duos in the series.
What makes these two so hilarious is their dynamic. Mason is cultured, sarcastic, and constantly disappointed in the chaos around him. Phil is expressive, enthusiastic, and silently wild. The fact that one speaks and the other doesn’t creates some incredible comedic moments—especially when Mason “translates” with heavy-handed commentary that’s often more about his opinions than what Phil actually signed.
They may not get as much screen time as the penguins or King Julien, but every time they show up, they steal the moment with dry wit or an unexpected twist. In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, their arc about managing the monkey workforce is pure gold. Phil wears a hard hat, Mason tries to unionize the workers, and both get hilariously frustrated with labor negotiations. It’s a subtle parody of workplace politics—in the middle of a cartoon about talking animals.
One of their funniest running gags? Mason’s totally calm reaction to absolute chaos. Helicopter crashing? “Well, this is less than ideal.” Explosions behind them? “Phil, do take note.” That calm, British stoicism paired with Phil’s silent mania is comedy you don’t see coming—but always appreciate.
#8: Gloria
Gloria, the confident, no-nonsense hippo voiced by Jada Pinkett Smith, brings a very specific kind of humor to the table: the relatable, “I-don’t-have-time-for-this” vibe. She’s the mom friend. The realist. The one who will slap sense into the group while still looking fabulous doing it. And honestly? That blend of sass and sincerity is funny.
Unlike the others, Gloria’s not trying to be wild or quirky—she just is herself, and her reactions to the group’s nonsense are where the comedy shines. Whether she’s side-eyeing Alex’s diva meltdowns, rolling her eyes at Melman’s paranoia, or shutting down King Julien’s chaos with one word, her comedic timing is all about the delivery. Jada Pinkett Smith gives her a grounded but fierce voice that turns even the simplest lines into punchlines.
In Escape 2 Africa, Gloria’s subplot with Melman adds a whole new layer of humor. The fact that this majestic, graceful hippo becomes the object of a giraffe’s affection is already comedic gold—but the way Gloria handles it? Hilarious. She’s flattered, a little confused, and just the right amount of smug. Her talent show scene, where she dives into the water with surprising grace and flair, is another perfect example. The crowd is in awe—and so are we. She may be all curves and confidence, but she moves like a boss.
And let’s not forget the fact that Gloria can throw down. When push comes to shove, she will charge, kick, and hip-check anyone who messes with her squad. There’s something innately funny about a character who’s elegant one moment and body-slamming a threat the next. That whiplash between glamour and grit? That’s peak Madagascar humor.
#7: Alex the Lion
Alex is the face of the franchise—and not just because he’s got a killer mane and a Broadway flair. As the king of Central Park Zoo and self-declared superstar, Alex brings big energy, bigger ego, and the biggest comedy factor that comes from watching a character completely unravel outside his comfort zone. He starts the series as a pampered showman, roaring on cue, loving the spotlight, and throwing air kisses to screaming tourists. But drop him in the wild? Suddenly the king of New York becomes the confused cub of Madagascar—and it’s hilarious.
What makes Alex so funny is how dramatically he reacts to everything. He’s theatrical by nature, and his coping mechanisms are straight out of a drama class—he paces, he panics, he monologues. Watching him try to “hunt” for the first time is all-timer. He gets so hungry that his inner predator takes over in a moment of cartoon insanity, and he starts seeing steaks everywhere—Gloria, Melman, even Marty all transforms into delicious dancing slabs of meat in his hallucinations. The sequence is peak Madagascar madness, and Alex’s horrified reaction when he realizes he tried to nibble his best friend. Comedy gold.
Voiced by Ben Stiller, Alex is a masterclass in comedic contrast. He’s regal and ridiculous, confident and clueless. One minute he’s dancing to “Born Free” like a Broadway star, the next he’s losing his mind because there’s no room service. He’s also constantly trying to reclaim his image, even when he’s stuck in the jungle or fending off a bunch of rough-and-tumble lions in Africa who think he’s too soft. Watching Alex attempt to be “wild” while maintaining his performer instincts is pure joy.
But his comedy doesn’t just come from slapstick or ego. Alex is also genuinely well-meaning—he wants everyone to be happy, he loves his friends, and his devotion to performance is so over-the-top that it wraps around to being charming. His “performance before common sense” mindset is what leads him to plan a circus act in Europe’s Most Wanted and choreograph wild stunts while escaping police. In other words, Alex is never boring—and that’s what makes him a comedic heavyweight in this wild ensemble.
#6: Melman the Giraffe
Melman is the hypochondriac we didn’t know we needed. Voiced by David Schwimmer with pitch-perfect neurotic energy, Melman is all nerves, all the time—and it’s absolutely delightful. Where other characters leap into action, Melman is checking his pulse, Googling symptoms (if only he had Wi-Fi), and reciting his medical history like a walking WebMD entry. His comedy lies in his constant catastrophizing. There’s always something wrong, always a new disease he thinks he has, always a reason why everything around him is a potential death trap.
What elevates Melman’s comedy is the contrast between his enormous, gangly body and his very small emotional fortitude. He towers over everyone, yet he’s the most delicate member of the group. He walks like a giraffe on stilts, flailing awkwardly, constantly in danger of collapsing under the weight of his own anxiety. Whether he’s refusing to step on germs or dramatically falling into a self-dug grave, his panic is so consistent and so over-the-top that you can’t help but laugh.
In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Melman gets one of his best comedy arcs. Believing he’s terminally ill (again), he tries to nobly sacrifice himself into a volcano—which, let’s be clear, he thinks is the ultimate medical treatment-slash-final act of love. The buildup, complete with trembling goodbyes and overdramatic speeches, is pure Schwimmer brilliance. And when Gloria finally stops him with a kiss, his dazed, shocked reaction is just the cherry on top.
Melman is the character who could find a way to worry about having too much fun. And yet, beneath the anxiety is a deeply lovable giraffe who would do anything for his friends—even if it means facing germs or skipping his scheduled foot soaks. His worrywart ways, combined with awkward physical comedy and earnestness, make Melman one of the franchise’s most consistent sources of gentle, relatable laughter.
#5: Skipper
Skipper, the leader of the penguin covert ops team, is a pint-sized parody of every hardboiled action movie hero—and he’s hilarious. From the moment he appears in the first Madagascar film, barking out orders like a grizzled general and treating basic zoo activities like international espionage, you know you’re dealing with someone who takes himself way too seriously. And that’s exactly what makes him so funny.
Voiced by Tom McGrath with gruff gravitas and breakneck delivery, Skipper is always in mission mode. He calls strategy meetings over lunch trays, whispers cryptic code phrases, and walks around like he’s hiding war stories no one would dare ask about. The joke, of course, is that he’s a penguin—a tiny, waddling bird in the middle of a New York zoo. But try telling him that.
Skipper’s comedy thrives in contradiction. He’ll casually reference enemy interrogation tactics, then immediately switch to cheering for Cheezy Dibbles. He’s a hardened leader who plans escape routes from the gift shop and launches covert missions using plastic spoons. His intense, dead-serious attitude in situations that are totally ridiculous turns everything into a laugh riot. When he says, “Kowalski, analysis,” with the weight of someone cracking a Cold War code, it’s impossible not to giggle.
In the Penguins of Madagascar spin-off film, Skipper gets even more space to shine. His rivalry with Dave the octopus, his obsession with maintaining order, and his total lack of self-awareness are all cranked up to eleven. He makes decisions with blind confidence, often dragging his team into absolute nonsense, but somehow… it always works out.
What makes Skipper extra lovable is that despite all the tough-guy bluster, he cares about his crew. He’ll take on any mission if it means protecting them, and under that icy exterior is a leader who’d waddle through fire for his flock. That combo—gruff and goofy, military-grade serious and Saturday morning silly—is why Skipper is one of the funniest (and most quotable) characters in the Madagascar universe.
#4: Rico
Rico is a walking, waddling mystery—and somehow, that’s what makes him one of the funniest characters in the entire Madagascar universe. He rarely speaks more than a few words at a time, but his guttural growls, raspy affirmations, and absolutely bonkers behavior speak volumes. If Skipper is the brain and brawn of the penguin crew, Rico is the chaos. He’s the team’s demolition expert, and that job title is both literal and spiritual. This penguin eats explosives for breakfast—sometimes literally.
What makes Rico’s comedy so explosive (pun absolutely intended) is his unpredictability. He regurgitates everything from paperclips to jet skis with no warning and no explanation. Need a grappling hook? A snow globe? A fully operational submarine? Just tap Rico on the back and wait. His ability to vomit up whatever gadget the plot requires is both a running gag and a comedic superpower. It’s gross, it’s random, and it’s consistently hilarious.
He’s also a master of facial expressions. Rico can convey more with a twitch of the eye and a wild grin than most characters can with a monologue. He’s unhinged in the best way—always ready to blow something up, fight someone twice his size, or dive into danger headfirst with a gleeful cackle. In Penguins of Madagascar, Rico’s obsession with Cheezy Dibbles becomes one of the funniest subplots, especially when his snack addiction nearly derails an entire mission.
And yet, for all his madness, Rico is loyal to the core. He may be unstable, but he’d lay down his life for the team. That combo of wild card energy and deep loyalty is rare—and comedy gold. He’s a silent storm of laughter, and every time he opens his beak (or throws up a chainsaw), we’re reminded that Rico isn’t just funny—he’s unforgettable.
#3: Marty
Marty is the heart of Madagascar’s comedy, bringing boundless energy, optimism, and a voice that bounces with every syllable. Voiced by Chris Rock at his most animated, Marty is the zebra who dreams bigger than his stripes. He wants more than the zoo—he wants the wild, the unknown, the freedom to run at full speed with the wind in his mane. And his journey into that dream is paved with jokes.
Marty’s humor is all about timing and personality. He’s the kind of character who turns every situation into a stand-up bit. Whether he’s pretending to be a horse to blend in with circus animals, giving sassy side comments during jungle chaos, or clapping his hooves together with excitement, Marty’s energy is electric. His delivery is so fast and sharp, it often feels like he’s improving his way through the plot—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
What really elevates Marty is his commentary on everything happening around him. He’s not just reacting—he’s roasting. He jokes about Alex’s vanity, about Melman’s fear of germs, and about the absurdity of their situation at every turn. His friendship with Alex is especially rich in comedic tension. Their arguments and banter—particularly the “you’re biting my butt!” sequence—are comedy highlights of the franchise.
One of Marty’s funniest arcs comes in Europe’s Most Wanted, when he embraces his inner performer as part of the circus crew. His rainbow afro wig, dance routines, and high-flying antics take his natural exuberance to new heights—literally. He becomes a star in his own right, and his “Afro Circus” chant? It’ll live in our heads forever.
Marty is more than just comic relief—he’s comedic joy personified. His laugh is infectious, his lines are lightning-fast, and his ability to find humor in chaos makes him one of the funniest animals ever to roam the animated wild.
#2: The Penguins (Kowalski, Private, Skipper, and Rico)
Yes, we already covered Skipper and Rico individually—but when it comes to sheer comedy factor, the entire penguin team earns their place near the top. These guys are the covert ops crew of your dreams and nightmares, turning every scene they’re in into a mini-action movie parody with the punchline always just around the corner.
Kowalski is the brains. He’s always ready with a scientific explanation, no matter how wildly inaccurate. “The chances of survival are slim… to none… mostly none.” His dry delivery and data-driven panic make him the ultimate nerd in a flippered body. Then there’s Private, the sweet, innocent cinnamon roll who’s constantly underestimated—and often the emotional glue of the squad. His attempts to prove himself lead to some of the franchise’s most heartwarming and hilarious moments.
Together, the four penguins form a perfect comedic unit. They break into secure facilities using paperclips, fly planes with paper maps, and stage prison breaks from snow globes. They speak in military code, but their operations usually involve things like snack theft or stealing Christmas presents. Their tone is always serious—but the situations? Anything but.
Their Penguins of Madagascar spin-off movie is a masterclass in penguin-powered absurdity. The group’s dynamic only gets funnier as they navigate spy missions, face off with Dave the Octopus, and get sidetracked by Cheezy Dibbles. Their quick dialogue, physical comedy, and complete commitment to their ridiculousness are what make them legendary.
They may be tiny, but their comedy factor is gigantic.
#1: King Julien
Was there any doubt? King Julien reigns supreme—on the island and in the comedy rankings. Voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen in the original trilogy (and Danny Jacobs in the spin-off series), this lemur with a crown, a beat, and zero chill is a firecracker of pure absurdity. Every scene he’s in becomes a chaotic cocktail of nonsense, ego, and dance moves. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
King Julien is comedy in its most uninhibited form. He says the weirdest things, makes the most illogical decisions, and somehow always lands on his feet. His accent is a glorious mystery, his priorities make no sense, and his loyalty to his own fun is unmatched. “I like to move it, move it” isn’t just a song—it’s a life philosophy, and Julien moves it like no one else.
His interactions with Maurice (his grumpy right-hand lemur) and Mort (his toe-obsessed stalker) create a comedic trifecta. Maurice rolls his eyes while Julien throws wild parties in the middle of jungle crises. Mort clings to his feet while Julien screams in horror. It’s chaos. It’s dysfunctional. It’s perfect.
What makes Julien especially funny is that he always thinks he’s the smartest person in the room—when in reality, he’s often the least aware. He appoints himself leader, makes up rules on the fly, and offers wisdom that’s hilariously unwise. His random tangents, whether he’s naming volcanoes or talking about his “royal fanny,” are some of the most quoted lines in Madagascar history.
Whether he’s yelling “Maurice!” for the 50th time or launching into a spontaneous jungle rave, King Julien is the living embodiment of animated comedy. He’s the reason we rewatch scenes. He’s the king of quotability. And when it comes to comedy factor, there is truly no contest. All hail the king!
The Madagascar franchise is packed with vibrant animation, global adventures, and emotional beats—but at its heart, it’s a comedy classic. Each character brings their own flavor of funny, from Marty’s fast-talking optimism to Melman’s doom-filled dramatics. Whether it’s the slapstick antics of the penguins or King Julien’s outlandish declarations, these characters keep us laughing across jungles, zoos, and even the high-flying circus. They remind us that comedy isn’t just about punchlines—it’s about personality, timing, and letting the ridiculousness run wild. And this cast? Wildly hilarious.
