Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Crocodile Dundee (1986) movie poster

Plot Summary

Crocodile Dundee (1986) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
1986 · 97 min · English
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Peter Faiman
Starring
Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski

A rugged crocodile hunter from Australia finds himself transplanted to the urban wilds of Los Angeles. He must adapt his survival skills to navigate the unfamiliar landscape and encounters while also pursuing a relationship with a determined American journalist. The film humorously explores the clash of cultures and the challenges of adjusting to a completely different environment.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Crocodile Dundee
  6. 6 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Crocodile Dundee: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Crocodile Dundee (1986) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

As Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), a feature writer, arrived in the picturesque, rustic landscape of Walkabout Creek in Northern Australia, she was greeted unexpectedly by Walter "Wally" Reilly, the charming business partner of the legendary Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee. The local pub set the stage for a fortuitous encounter that would reshape her perceptions. When Dundee finally appeared that night, he was nothing like the heroic figure she had pictured; instead, she met a ruggedly charming man whose awkward attempts at flirtation caught her off guard.

Her initial misjudgment quickly faded as she witnessed Dundee's extraordinary outback skills. From masterfully subduing a water buffalo to participating in an Aboriginal (Pitjantjatjara) tribal dance, Sue found herself captivated by the man who had become the stuff of legends in her urban circle. What had initially irritated her—the way Dundee expressed his views on women—was replaced by sheer admiration as she watched him demonstrate feats of strength, including wrestling a snake with his bare hands and scaring off kangaroo poachers with his imposing presence.

The next day, determined to show her competency in the Outback, Sue took up Dundee's rifle and trekked deeper into the wilderness. Initially worried, Mick discreetly followed her, his concerns morphing into respect for her spirit. However, their adventure took a dramatic turn when a formidable crocodile emerged from the billabong. In a moment of danger, it was Dundee who swooped in to save Sue, prompting a growing attraction as she felt a genuine connection to his rugged adventurous might.

In an unexpected twist, Sue invited Dundee to accompany her back to New York City in pursuit of a compelling story. Despite initial hesitation, Wally's skepticism was put to rest when Sue confirmed that her newspaper would pay for their travels. Upon their arrival in the bustling metropolis, Dundee's perplexity over the city's peculiar ways became evident, yet his resourcefulness shone through as he navigated challenges, including thwarting a robbery and confronting a local pimp.

As the whirlwind of urban life settled, Sue realized her feelings for Dundee ran much deeper than simple admiration. Amidst the iconic skyline of New York, she and Dundee shared a tender kiss, solidifying their budding relationship. However, the evening saw Richard, a significant figure in Sue's life, present her with a surprising proposal, leaving her in a state of confusion and contemplation.

While Sue grappled with her emotions, understanding Richard's self-centered tendencies, Dundee faced his heartache upon hearing of her decision to commit to Richard. He took off on a solitary road trip across America to find solace, while Sue wrestled with her growing feelings for Dundee, ultimately realizing her true longing was to be with him.

In a frantic attempt to connect, at a crowded subway station, Sue was met with a sea of people blocking her path. Undeterred, she sought help from friendly strangers, who swiftly relayed her message to Mick. Frustrated yet resolute, he climbed up to the rafters, making his way towards her, stepping over the hands and heads of astonished onlookers, this impromptu catwalk a testament to his determination.

Upon reaching Sue, their lips met in a passionate embrace that electrified the crowd, triggering a wave of applause and cheers, celebrating the triumphant reunion of these star-crossed lovers.

Last updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:20

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

Crocodile Dundee Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Crocodile Dundee (1986): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Sue invite Dundee to New York?

Sue invites Dundee to New York to write a feature story about him for her newspaper, believing his unique outback survival skills and legendary status would make a compelling piece. However, her invitation is also driven by her growing personal attraction to him after he saved her from the crocodile and demonstrated his remarkable character.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the pub, Sue shows curiosity about Dundee beyond just his legend, hinting at her developing interest.

  • Sue invite
  • New York
  • dundee
  • journalist
  • feature story
Q2

Why does Richard propose to Sue at that moment?

Richard proposes to Sue shortly after she and Dundee share their first kiss, which suggests he senses or suspects her growing feelings for Dundee. His proposal appears to be an attempt to secure their relationship before it can develop further, though the timing also indicates his typical self-centered approach to their relationship.

Foreshadowing: Richard's proposal comes right after Sue and Dundee kiss, showing he was watching and reacting to their growing closeness.

  • Richard
  • proposal
  • Sue
  • marriage
  • jealousy
Q3

Why does Dundee leave for a road trip after hearing about Richard's proposal?

Dundee leaves for a solo road trip across America because he is heartbroken upon learning that Sue may be considering Richard's proposal. Rather than confront the situation or fight for her, he retreats to process his emotions and find solace alone, showing his initial insecurity about their relationship.

Foreshadowing: This moment echoes Dundee's earlier hesitation about leaving Australia, showing his uncertainty about urban relationships.

  • road trip
  • heartbreak
  • Dundee
  • America
  • Sue
  • leave
Q4

How does Sue find Dundee at the subway station?

Sue finds Dundee at the subway station by asking friendly strangers for help. They relay her message through the crowd to Dundee, who is initially frustrated but still determined to reach her. She then climbs to the rafters and walks over the crowd to meet him halfway.

Foreshadowing: The moment mirrors Dundee's earlier pattern of discreetly following Sue when she ventures into unfamiliar territory, showing his protective nature.

  • subway
  • Sue
  • find
  • Dundee
  • crowd
  • strangers
Q5

Why does Dundee climb on the subway rafters to reach Sue?

Dundee climbs to the subway rafters and walks across the hands and heads of astonished onlookers because the crowded station is too packed for him to reach Sue through normal means. His determination to be with her drives him to use unconventional means, demonstrating his resourcefulness and willingness to overcome obstacles for love.

Foreshadowing: This scene echoes his earlier ability to navigate difficult terrain in the Australian outback, showing his adaptability transferred to an urban environment.

  • rafters
  • subway
  • Dundee
  • Sue
  • crowd
  • climb
Q6

How does Dundee save Sue from the crocodile?

Dundee saves Sue when a formidable crocodile emerges from the billabong during their wilderness trek. He intervenes in the dangerous moment, swooping in to protect her from the attack. This heroic act marks the turning point where Sue's attraction to him shifts from curiosity to genuine connection.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Dundee shows his competence by wrestling a snake and scaring off kangaroo poachers, establishing his ability to handle dangerous outback situations.

  • crocodile
  • save
  • Sue
  • Dundee
  • billabong
  • attack
Q7

Why does Sue take Dundee's rifle into the wilderness?

Sue takes Dundee's rifle and ventures deeper into the outback to prove her competency and independence to him. She wants to show she is capable and not just a city girl who needs protection, demonstrating her determination to be seen as an equal rather than a damsel in distress.

Foreshadowing: This moment reflects Sue's initial professional drive and competitive spirit when she first arrived in Walkabout Creek.

  • rifle
  • outback
  • Sue
  • prove
  • competency
  • wilderness
Q8

How does Dundee adapt to New York City life?

Dundee adapts to New York by applying his outback survival instincts to urban situations. He thwarts a robbery using his natural instincts and confronts a local pimp, demonstrating that his resourcefulness translates across environments. His comedic confusion about city customs (like paying for bathroom use) creates humor, but his core survival skills and charm allow him to navigate the city successfully.

Foreshadowing: His success in the city is foreshadowed by his earlier ability to handle any outback challenge, showing the film expects his skills to transfer.

  • Dundee
  • adapt
  • New York
  • city
  • survival
  • outback
  • skills
Q9

Why does Sue kiss Dundee in New York?

Sue kisses Dundee amidst the iconic New York skyline because she realizes her feelings for him have grown far beyond simple admiration or professional interest. The kiss marks the moment she acknowledges her true emotional attachment to him, shifting her perspective from viewing him as an interesting subject for a story to seeing him as a romantic partner.

Foreshadowing: Her earlier irritation with his views on women has completely transformed into attraction after witnessing his skills, courage, and genuine character.

  • kiss
  • Sue
  • Dundee
  • New York
  • skyline
  • feelings
Q10

What happens when Sue meets Dundee at the pub?

When Sue meets Dundee at the Walkabout Creek pub, she discovers he is nothing like the heroic figure she pictured. Instead of a legendary bushman, she meets a ruggedly charming man with awkward flirting skills. This initial mismatch between expectation and reality sets up the film's central theme of cultural clash and eventual romantic development.

Foreshadowing: The meeting establishes the comedic dynamic where Sue's urban expectations collide with Dundee's authentic outback personality.

  • pub
  • meet
  • Dundee
  • Sue
  • Walkabout Creek
  • flirt

Movie threads

More Movies Like Crocodile Dundee, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Crocodile Dundee tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like Crocodile Dundee: Charming Culture Clash Comedies

Humorous adventures where vastly different worlds collide with heart and optimism. If you liked the charm of Crocodile Dundee, you'll enjoy these movies where characters face a culture clash. These films are humorous adventures with a lighthearted tone, focusing on the fun and heartwarming moments that arise when different worlds meet.

  • humorous
  • charming
  • lighthearted
  • optimistic
  • heartwarming
  • adventurous
  • Tone: light, humorous, heartwarming
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: This thread groups stories centered on a 'fish out of water' premise, where a character's simple, honest, or naive worldview is tested in a sophisticated, alien, or fast-paced setting. The narrative conflict is primarily comedic, stemming from misunderstandings and unconventional solutions, and is typically resolved with mutual respect and a happy outcome.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared light tone, optimistic feel, and focus on humorous cultural misunderstandings. They offer a heartwarming escape by celebrating differences and the universal human connection that bridges them.

Adventurous Romantic Escapes: Movies similar to Crocodile Dundee

Lighthearted journeys where romance blossoms amidst exciting and novel experiences. Fans of the romantic adventure in Crocodile Dundee will love these similar movies. This list features stories with a steady pace, light emotional weight, and a central romance that grows during an exciting, often humorous, escapade in an unfamiliar setting.

  • romantic
  • adventurous
  • charming
  • lighthearted
  • optimistic
  • escapist
  • Tone: light, romantic, adventurous
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a developing romance that is inextricably linked to an adventurous plot. The stakes are personal and romantic rather than epic or life-threatening. The journey serves as a backdrop for the couple to connect, with comedic moments and minor obstacles that ultimately strengthen their bond, leading to a satisfying, happy conclusion.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific blend of tone and pacing: a light, optimistic feel with a steady narrative drive. The romance score is high, but it's balanced with adventure and humor, creating an entertaining and ultimately uplifting experience without heavy emotional burdens.

If you liked this

Movies Like Crocodile Dundee

Similar movies to Crocodile Dundee: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Crocodile Dundee (1986) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Crocodile Dundee in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app