Babar: The Movie 1989
Made by
Astral Films
Babar: The Movie Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Babar: The Movie (1989). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
On the night of Elephantland’s Victory Parade, Babar [Gordon Pinsent] tells his four children the story of his first days as King of the elephants.
On his first day as king, he is asked to choose a name for Elephantland’s Annual Parade. Babar promptly selects one, but is informed by Cornelius and Pompadour that the matter must be thoroughly examined by committee. Cousin Celeste, Elizabeth Hanna interrupts to tell Babar that her home has been attacked by Rataxes, the rhinoceros lord, and his horde. The chancellors scoff and rebuff her, but Babar, driven by a strong ruling ethic and a wish to impress Celeste, orders an elephant army to be called up immediately to defeat the rhinos.
However, due to slow procedures and the cautiousness of his advisors, the muster will take at least three days. Not willing to wait any longer and feeling like he’s not keeping his promise to Celeste, Babar tells his cousin Arthur to take care of his job as King while he ventures off on his own into a dangerous jungle. He finds Celeste’s village on fire; the rhinos are taking the adult elephants as slaves so that they can work on building a rhino city. Babar tries to intervene, but is attacked, and Celeste is thrown down the town well.
When he regains consciousness by the next morning, Babar rescues Celeste out of the well, and they set off to rescue her mother, and the other pachyderms, from Rataxes’ wrath. Along the way, they meet a monkey named Zephir, who gives them the location of Rataxes’ lair. Babar and Celeste encounter Rataxes, who plans to invade Babar’s kingdom by twilight. After an intense chase through the rhinos’ hideout, Babar and Celeste are imprisoned. They both escape along with Zephir, and head back to Elephantland, where they find Rataxes’ army camping outside the city.
Sneaking into the rhinos’ camp, they disguise themselves as one of the warriors, asking for “special detail” of their plans for attack, but are eventually discovered. They manage to escape on a catapult, landing in a fountain, much to the surprise of Babar’s advisors.
Rataxes prepares to launch his attack and proclaims Elephantland will be destroyed in an hour. To buy time, Babar orders Cornelius and Pompadour to distract Rataxes with their “committee” procedure. The elephants, along with Babar, build a giant elephant float, which scares off Rataxes and his soldiers.
At sunrise, Babar’s friends congratulate him on saving the day and his town, but are surprised to learn that their very first Victory Parade will be held during the afternoon. It has gone by that name ever since, the older Babar recalls, because the committee could not find any other name for it.
As Babar finishes his tale, he finds that his children have all gone to sleep. His children, once he closes the door, re-enact scenes from the story, until he tells them to go to sleep.
Babar: The Movie Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Babar: The Movie (1989) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Babar selects a name for Elephantland's Annual Parade
On his first day as king, Babar promptly selects a name for Elephantland's Annual Parade. He is informed by Cornelius and Pompadour that the matter must be examined by a formal committee before a final decision. He tolerates the delay, hoping it won't derail his duties.
Celeste warns of a rhino attack
Celeste tells Babar that Rataxes and his rhinoceros horde have attacked her village. The rhinos enslave adult elephants to work on building a rhino city, while the chancellors scoff at the report. Babar is moved to act, driven by duty and his loyalty to Celeste.
The muster is delayed; Babar hands power to Arthur
The committee's slow procedure means the muster would take at least three days. Not willing to wait, Babar places Arthur in charge of the kingdom and sets off on his own mission. He resolves to act before Celeste's plight worsens.
Babar enters the jungle and finds Celeste's village burning
Babar journeys into a dangerous jungle to reach Celeste's home. He discovers the village on fire and rhinos enslaving elephants for their city project. During the chaos, Babar is attacked and Celeste is thrown down a town well.
Babar rescues Celeste from the well
The next morning, Babar regains consciousness and frees Celeste from the well. They vow to rescue Celeste's mother and the other pachyderms from Rataxes' wrath. They press on despite the danger.
Zephir the monkey directs them to Rataxes' lair
While traveling, Babar and Celeste meet Zephir, a monkey who provides the location of Rataxes' lair. They continue toward the rhinoceros stronghold with renewed purpose.
The confrontation with Rataxes and the invasion plan
Babar and Celeste encounter Rataxes, who intends to invade Elephantland by twilight. They pursue through the rhino hideout, but are forced to fight their way through the encroaching danger.
Imprisoned and escape with Zephir; return to Elephantland
Babar, Celeste, and Zephir are imprisoned in Rataxes' lair, but they manage to escape and head back to Elephantland. They arrive to find Rataxes' army camped outside the city walls.
Disguised infiltration of the rhino camp
They sneak into the rhino camp disguised as warriors and seek the enemy's attack plans, calling it 'special detail'. Their ruse is eventually discovered, triggering a tense chase.
Escape by catapult into the Elephantland fountain
The trio escapes on a catapult and lands in a fountain, to the astonishment of Babar's advisors. The dramatic landing buys them time to regroup and plan a defense.
The committee distraction and the victory float
To delay Rataxes' attack, Babar orders Cornelius and Pompadour to stall with their committee procedure. The elephants then construct a giant elephant float to frighten off the invaders.
Sunrise and the revelation of the Afternoon Parade
At sunrise, friends congratulate Babar for saving the day, but they learn the Victory Parade will be held in the afternoon because the committee could not settle on a name. The tradition endures, and the tale becomes legend.
The tale ends; the children sleep and reenact the story
As Babar finishes his tale, his four children drift off to sleep. They reenact scenes from the story, turning his adventures into their bedtime game. He closes the door with a warm smile, ready for another day.
Babar: The Movie Characters
Explore all characters from Babar: The Movie (1989). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
King Babar (Gordon Pinsent)
King Babar assumes the throne on short notice, balancing ceremonial duties with a budding resolve to protect Elephantland. He is bold and determined, yet learns to navigate bureaucratic caution. The story portrays him as a developing leader who relies on trusted allies to defend his realm.
Young Celeste (Sarah Polley)
Young Celeste inspires urgency by reporting the attack on her home and motivates Babar to intervene. She shows courage and a steadfast sense of family, serving as the emotional catalyst for the quest. Her bond with Babar anchors the story’s core.
Queen Celeste / The Lady (Elizabeth Hanna)
Queen Celeste stands as Elephantland's regal matriarch and symbol of resilience amid threat. The Lady figure embodies the royal authority that faces danger from Rataxes. Her presence reinforces the stakes of the conflict.
Rataxes the Rhinoceros (Charles Kerr)
Rataxes is the antagonist driving the invasion, intent on enslaving elephants to build a rhino city. He represents tyranny and strategic threat against Elephantland. His actions escalate the crisis that Babar must resolve.
Pom (Bobby Becken)
Pom is one of the chancellors who clings to committee procedures, highlighting bureaucratic caution. His role adds comedic relief while underscoring the tension between process and action. He represents the institutional guard that Babar contends with.
Isabelle (Lisa Yamanaka)
Isabelle is part of Elephantland's community and participates in the social fabric surrounding the royal events. Her exact role isn’t detailed, but she contributes to the environment in which the parade and crisis unfold.
Alexander (Amos Crawley)
Alexander is one of Babar's children who inhabit the royal world and temperament within Elephantland. He represents the family aspect of Babar's life and the continuity of the royal lineage.
Boy Babar (Gavin Magrath)
Boy Babar is the younger version of the future king, illustrating the lineage and memory of leadership that informs the present. He participates in the royal world and helps frame the story's origin.
Croc (Ray Landry)
Croc appears as part of the animal cast that populates Elephantland’s world, contributing to the animal ensemble surrounding the royal family. His presence adds to the colorful community backdrop.
Flora (Marsha Moreau)
Flora is a member of Elephantland’s community, contributing to the familial and social milieu of the story. She participates in the parade world that frames the epic events.
Zephir (Monkey)
Zephir is a clever monkey who provides crucial information about Rataxes' lair, aiding Babar and Celeste in their quest. He represents a helpful ally encountered in the jungle.
Babar: The Movie Settings
Learn where and when Babar: The Movie (1989) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Set in a fictional, timeless elephant kingdom, the events unfold in the early days of Babar's rule. The plot follows the urgent shift from ceremonial duties to bold action as a crisis erupts with Rataxes. It emphasizes a formative period where leadership is forged through peril.
Location
Elephantland, Rhino City, Jungle
Elephantland is a verdant kingdom ruled by Babar, known for its grand annual parade and family-centered culture. The story moves between Elephantland's bustling capital and the dangerous outskirts where Rhinos threaten enslaved elephants. The setting contrasts festive pageantry with a looming war, highlighting how leadership is tested in times of crisis.
Babar: The Movie Themes
Discover the main themes in Babar: The Movie (1989). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🗺️
Leadership
Babar navigates the tension between committee deliberation and decisive action, illustrating how strong leadership can mobilize a nation. He learns to balance consultation with timely risk-taking to protect his people. The narrative frames leadership as a blend of vision, responsibility, and courage.
🛡️
Courage
Babar ventures into danger to rescue Celeste and confront Rataxes, showing personal bravery beyond ceremonial duties. The journey tests his resolve and resilience against overwhelming odds. Courage becomes the catalyst for decisive action and salvation.
🤝
Unity
The alliance with Zephir and reliance on friends and advisers demonstrate that collective effort overcomes tyranny. The creation of the giant elephant float as a distraction shows creativity in defense. The victory parade embodies communal resilience and shared celebration.
Babar: The Movie Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Babar: The Movie (1989). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a sun‑dappled realm where towering trees sway above bustling herds, the story opens with the regal Babar gathered around his four wide‑eyed children. As night settles over the triumph of a recent celebration, he leans in to share the memory of his earliest days on the throne—a tale that feels as much a bedtime whisper as a legend of the kingdom. The world of Elephantland pulses with gentle grandeur: sprawling savannas, hidden jungle pathways, and villages where the rhythm of trunks and trumpets defines daily life. Its tone is warm and adventurous, inviting viewers to settle into a narrative that feels both intimate and epic.
Young Babar steps into his role with a blend of earnest curiosity and a deep‑seated duty to protect his subjects. He is surrounded by a council of well‑meaning elders whose cautious deliberations contrast sharply with his instinct to act. At the heart of his resolve lies his cherished companion, the spirited Celeste, whose own village teeters on the edge of danger. Their bond is more than friendship; it is a partnership that fuels his desire to prove himself as a ruler worthy of both love and respect.
Beyond the comforting hum of Elephantland, a looming threat gathers in the form of an aggressive herd of rhinoceroses. Their presence introduces a subtle undercurrent of tension, hinting at a clash between the gentle giant’s world and a force driven by relentless ambition. This impending conflict sets the stage for a journey that will test Babar’s courage, ingenuity, and the strength of his alliance with Celeste, all while maintaining the film’s light‑hearted, family‑friendly spirit.
Visually, the movie bursts with vibrant colors, sweeping vistas, and a playful animation style that mirrors the story’s whimsical heart. The narrative promises an adventure that balances regal responsibility with youthful wonder, encouraging audiences to cheer for a hero who must grow quickly, trust his friends, and discover the true meaning of leadership—all without ever revealing how the tale resolves.
Movies with Similar Twists and Themes
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.