Stowaways on the Ark 1988
Directed by
Wolfgang Urchs
Made by
Artemis Film
Stowaways on the Ark Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Stowaways on the Ark (1988). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
An ancient woodworm lives tucked inside a tiny piece of wood high on a mountain and begins to tell the sprawling tale of his ancestors riding out a world-spanning flood aboard a grand ark. The oldest forebear in this lineage, Willi Holzwurm Wolfgang Ziffer, shares the shelter of a trunk with his wife, Alice Holzwurm Dagmar Biener, as they weather the growing storm of destiny around them. In the wider world, Noah Arnold Marquis—a careful carpenter—works with God to draft plans for a vessel that must cradle a pair from every animal species. The trunk is cut and carved, and fear tinges the air as the couple senses their humble home is being repurposed for a much larger, cosmic mission.
When the ark is finished, a small bottle from God is thrown to celebrate, its cork carrying little termites that scatter across the deck’s floor. God then signals Noah to begin the embarkation, and the animals start to file aboard as rain begins to fall in earnest. A female dragon, clutching an egg, attempts to join, but tragedy strikes when the egg breaks and she is denied entry because she lacks a partner. Amid the bustle and tension, the ship’s purpose becomes clear: salvation for life on Earth, preserved through the long voyage ahead.
As days pass, dark tunnels appear along the journey home, and Willi grows wary of what lies beneath. Willi and Alice welcome numerous woodworm hatchlings, expanding their family within the ark’s wooden corridors. On the upper deck, a bear tries to lift the mood by coaxing the animals to make music; on the lower deck, another bear urges them to sing. The rifts between decks widen as the sounds clash, and the animals blame one another for the odd disharmony of life inside the floating wooden world.
Trouble escalates when termites begin to chew through storerooms and threaten the ship’s stability. Willi warns his children and their kin, urging them to spread the word, but many animals doubt the urgency of the warning. In a desperate bid to save Alice, Willi and two of his sons drill toward the stern through tunnels the ants have shown them, exploiting a distracting scent to pull termites away from the trapped wife. The ark shakes as the floors crack and the flood intensifies, yet pockets of cooperation begin to form as fear gives way to ingenuity.
In a pivotal turn, the inner rifts between decks are bridged by a shared problem. The bears on both decks discover a honey-based solution that plugs the holes, and their partnership helps them weather the crisis. Meanwhile, a termite mound near the bow crumbles, sending the ark toward chaos, until a walrus named Argos [Alexander Herzog] appears in the sea and guides a chorus of whales toward hauling the great ship to land. Noah’s sons, and the rest of the living crew, realize they are nearing shore as the waters recede and the voyage’s inland chapter begins.
When the ark finally reaches land, the animals debark and begin a new phase of life outside the vessel. The woodworms—led by the couple Willi and Alice—remain inside the ark, which becomes their ancestral home for many generations. Over time, the ark itself shrinks to a fragment of its former self, a quiet relic that still holds the memory of a world saved through steadfast effort and unlikely alliances. The storyteller concludes with a gentle note: while many search for the ark’s remains, time erodes what once was, and only the legend of its endurance endures.
Stowaways on the Ark Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Stowaways on the Ark (1988) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
The elder woodworm begins the tale on a mountain
An old woodworm speaks from his mountain home, starting the legend of his ancestors and their voyage aboard Noah's ark. He recounts the journey of the family and the salvation the ark represents. The tale frames the voyage as a divine mission guided by God.
Willi and Alice in a trunk during the ark's construction
Willi and his wife Alice live inside a hole in a trunk as the ark is being built. They witness the carpenter shaping the timber and the trunks being cut to fit the ship. Inside their wooden world, they sense the changes around them as the ark takes form.
God's signs and the signal of life from the ark
God confirms Noah's mission to save a pair from each animal species. He celebrates in a curious way by tossing a bottle onto the ark, which bounces without breaking. The cork's termites begin to disperse, hinting at troubles to come.
Crows are sent to inform the animals
God commands crows to inform the ecosystem about the ark and the coming voyage. Noah and his family begin guiding the creatures aboard as the journey prepares to begin.
Dragon fails to board due to egg mishap
A female dragon tries to board with her egg, but the egg slips and breaks. Without a partner to join her, she is not allowed to enter the ship. This moment highlights the ark's pairing rule and the challenges of inclusion.
The flood begins as rain starts
God sends rain and the flood begins to rise. The ark slowly sets sail, becoming a sanctuary for all aboard. Outside, the world is transformed as waters engulf the land.
Willi discovers dark tunnels
Willi discovers dark tunnels during the voyage and fears what lies inside the wood. He warns his family, creating tension among the inhabitants of the ark. Meanwhile, Willi and Alice continue to produce many woodworm offspring, swelling their growing colony.
Debate and discord between the upper and lower decks
On the upper deck, a bear tries to energize the ship with music, while on the lower deck another bear urges singing. The two groups blame each other for the food shortages and the lack of harmony. The rift tests the fragile balance among the ark's inhabitants.
Willi urges a tunnel search
Willi tells his children that the family must search the tunnels for danger or answers. The young woodworms begin drilling, alerting other animals with the noise. The ongoing fear and blame among the decks grows as the voyage continues.
Ants distract termites and rescue Alice
Termites capture Alice, trapping her near the tunnels. A woodworm recalls that ants can release an odor to distract termites, giving a chance to rescue. Willi and two of his sons drill from the ants' location toward the tunnel to free her.
Floors crumble and honey seals the gaps
The ark's floors crumble and the ship begins to flood in places. The bears discover honey and use it to plug the holes, buying time for the crew to stabilize the situation. This act helps to ease tensions and foster a fragile alliance between the decks.
Termite mound collapse and the ark drifts
A tumulus of termites near the bow breaks apart, further compromising the deck. The ark ends up floating in the sea as the threat of flooding persists. A walrus in the water directs whales to drag the ark toward land.
Ark reaches shore and the animals debark
The ark makes landfall and the water level recedes enough for the animals to debark. The woodworm couple, long separated by the voyage, reunite. The ship-like home completes its transition to a new era for its tiny inhabitants.
The ark becomes a home for generations of woodworms
After all creatures have left, the woodworms stay inside the ark, making it their home for generations. Over time the ark shrinks to the smallest remaining traces, and the old woodworm continues to live among them. People search for the ark's remains but, as time passes, less of the ark remains to be found.
Stowaways on the Ark Characters
Explore all characters from Stowaways on the Ark (1988). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Willi Holzwurm
The oldest ancestor present in the worm family, Willi is a practical, quick-thinking narrator who guides his kin through the ark's dangers. He identifies termites, proposes tunnels, and coordinates the family’s efforts to keep the vessel from sinking. His resilience and curiosity drive the story's problem-solving core.
Alice Holzwurm
Willi's wife and partner in survival, Alice provides care and steady support. She helps gather resources, care for newborns, and keeps up morale when tensions run high between decks. Her practical, nurturing nature complements Willi's strategic thinking.
Noah
The ark's builder and a central human figure who acts on divine instructions. He coordinates animals' embarkation and oversees the ark's construction and voyage under the flood's threat. His leadership anchors the journey amid calamity.
Rabe
A perceptive raven who serves as a messenger aboard the ark, spreading information and warnings. He helps link different animal groups and keeps communication flowing in a high-stress environment. His presence underscores the importance of cross-species cooperation.
Elefant
The Elephant aboard the ark embodies strength and memory, moving heavy loads and offering calm, steady presence. His bulk and presence help balance the ark's social dynamics during tense moments. He becomes a dependable ally when difficulties arise.
Argos
A wise walrus navigating the sea around the ark; he coordinates with whales to drag and steer the vessel toward land. His practical wisdom and calm demeanor help stabilize the ark's path during the flood's aftermath.
Stowaways on the Ark Settings
Learn where and when Stowaways on the Ark (1988) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Biblical era (Noah's Flood)
The events take place during the biblical flood narrative, beginning with the construction of the ark and continuing through its voyage and eventual grounding. The timeline evokes ancient, mythic times rather than modern days, focusing on survival and divine purpose amid catastrophe.
Location
Noah's Ark, Willi's woodworm trunk home on a mountain
The primary setting is Noah's Ark, a colossal wooden vessel built from tree trunks. Inside, it contains multiple decks and tunnels where animals, humans and even termites interact under crisis. The woodworm family inhabits the very wood that carries the ark, embedding their home within the structure as the flood unfolds.
Stowaways on the Ark Themes
Discover the main themes in Stowaways on the Ark (1988). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🤝
Unity
Different decks and species must set aside mistrust to survive the flood. The bears, worms, birds, and humans gradually cooperate to plug holes, share food, and care for the young. The ark becomes a microcosm of coexistence, forged in shared danger.
🙏
Faith
Divine guidance frames the journey, with Noah following a perceived plan from God. Passengers cling to the ark's survival and to the promises attached to the voyage. Faith acts as a bonding force amid fear and uncertainty.
🧩
Resilience
Cramped quarters and conflicting decks test the crew's adaptability. Woodworms, termites, elephants, and bears learn to improvise, repair, and endure dwindling resources. The story highlights how constraint can spur creativity and cooperation.
📜
Legacy
An elder woodworm narrates ancestral journeys, tying the present crisis to a long lineage. The film emphasizes memory and heritage, suggesting that even tiny beings can leave a lasting imprint. The ark's fate becomes a reminder of continuity across generations.
Stowaways on the Ark Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Stowaways on the Ark (1988). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a world reborn by rising waters, an ancient flood reshapes the planet and summons an unlikely vessel of salvation: Noah’s Ark. The colossal wooden ship, meticulously crafted by the diligent carpenter Noah, is destined to carry a pair of every creature to a fresh start. Amid the chorus of roars, hoots and hisses, one minuscule passenger slips aboard unnoticed—a sweet‑tempered woodworm named Willie who, after a chance tumble from a mountain‑top log, finds himself tucked inside the very hull meant to preserve life.
The film’s tone balances gentle reverence for the classic myth with a playful, almost absurd humor that springs from the sheer size disparity between the gigantic animal passengers and the tiny insect stowaway. As the ark drifts through endless rain, the bustling menagerie settles into an uneasy routine, its many voices creating a lively tapestry of clamor and camaraderie. Within this wooden universe, Willie’s presence becomes a source of comic friction: when mysterious holes begin to appear in the hull, the assembled beasts instinctively point to the diminutive intruder, suspecting him of mischievous drilling. The question hangs in the air—can a creature so small truly be held accountable for damage that threatens everyone on board?
Beyond the immediate concern over the leaking vessel, the story explores the dynamics of an eclectic community forced to coexist in cramped quarters. Willie’s earnest attempts to explain his innocence clash with the animals’ collective anxiety, highlighting themes of misunderstanding, blame, and the search for belonging. As the ark sails onward, the audience is invited to wonder how this tiny woodworm will navigate the towering expectations placed upon him, and whether the flood‑ridden fellowship can find harmony amid the constant drip of doubt.
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 (2026)
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
© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.