G.I. Joe: The Movie

Year: 1987

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Don Jurwich

FamilyAnimationAction

When the elite G.I. Joe task force discovers a hidden civilization of serpentine beings called Cobra‑La, the ancient snake people launch a ruthless campaign to reclaim the planet they were banished from millennia before. The Joes must rally to stop Cobra‑La’s vengeful assault and protect humanity.

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Timeline & Setting – G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Himalayas, Cobra-La, Terror Drome

The action shifts through remote, snowbound Himalayan terrain where the Joes test their Broadcast Energy Transmitter. Deep within the mountains lies Cobra-La, a hidden, Lovecraftian civilization that drives the plot’s ancient mystery. Cobra-La’s underground city serves as a remote headquarters and the source of Golobulus’s grand plans. The Terror Drome acts as Cobra’s fortress and staging ground for assaults on the Joes.

🏔️ Himalayan setting 🕳️ Underground Cobra-La 🏰 Terror Drome fortress

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:54

Main Characters – G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987)

Meet the key characters of G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:54

Major Themes – G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987)

Explore the central themes of G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Power

Power drives the actions of multiple factions: Golobulus seeks dominion over humanity through Cobra-La, while Serpentor embodies a manufactured form of authority born from manipulated lineage. Mindbender’s experiments and the Psychic Motivator weaponize influence, creating a new warlord to seize control. Cobra Commander’s transformation after Golobulus’s trials underscores how power can corrupt and redefine loyalty. The climactic repurposing of the BET to erase the threat reveals a critique of centralizing power at the expense of others.

🗺️ Secret History

The story hinges on hidden histories that reshape the present—Cobra-La’s ancient reign and its influence on Cobra’s modern leadership. The revelation that Cobra-La inspired Serpentor through mind manipulation reframes the Joe-Cobra conflict as a clash with a buried, global backstory. The film uses exposition to connect the present-day war to 40,000 years of secret civilization survival. Uncovering these secrets motivates the Joes to pursue a precarious alliance beyond ordinary loyalties.

🤝 Teamwork

A wave of new recruits tests and expands the Joe team, emphasizing the value of diverse skills—Jinx’s stealth, Tunnel Rat’s EOD expertise, Big Lob’s athleticism, and Falcon’s leadership growth. The Renegades’ training sequences and Falcon’s mentorship arc highlight loyalty, duty, and overcoming personal flaws. Endurance and cooperation become the key to penetrating Cobra-La and reclaiming the BET. The climactic rescue and joint assault prove that united effort outmatches solitary ambition.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:54

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Narrative Summary

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G.I. Joe: The Movie Summary

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G.I. Joe: The Movie Timeline

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G.I. Joe: The Movie Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About G.I. Joe: The Movie

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