Garfield

Garfield

Year: 2004

Runtime: 80 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Hewitt

Budget: $50M

ComedyAnimationFamily

This animated comedy follows the famously lazy cat Garfield, whose comfortable life is disrupted when his owner, Jon, adopts a hyperactive dog named Odie. Now Garfield must contend with Odie’s playful antics and the threat he poses to Jon’s affections for Liz. The arrival of the energetic canine throws Garfield’s relaxed routine into chaos, leading to hilarious clashes as he tries to reclaim his place as the center of Jon's world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Garfield yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Garfield (2004)

Trace every key event in Garfield (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Beginning

The movie opens with Garfield's home, showcasing memories of his owner Jon with him as a kitten. These nostalgic shots set the stage for the relationship between Garfield and Jon.

Garfield's House
2

Waking Jon

Garfield wakes up Jon by jumping on him and flushing the toilet to get him out of the shower. This comical scene highlights Garfield's mischievous personality and his desire for a better breakfast.

Jon's Bedroom
3

Chat with Louis

Later, Garfield relaxes next to Jon's computer and encounters his friend Louis the mouse. They chat about Louis's inability to stay in the house while Jon is around, showcasing Garfield's casual attitude towards his friend's predicament.

Jon's House
4

Lasagna Feast

Jon returns from grocery shopping with his favorite dish, lasagna, which Garfield eagerly devours. This event establishes Garfield's love for food and sets up the atmosphere of his pampered life.

Jon's Kitchen
5

The Vet Visit

Jon takes Garfield to the vet, where Liz Wilson, Jon’s old friend and love interest, examines him. Their private conversation reveals their mutual feelings, particularly Jon’s surprising comment about wanting a dog.

Veterinarian's Office
6

Introducing Odie

After Jon adopts Odie, Garfield feels threatened by the new dog's presence in his home. Garfield's disdain for Odie leads to comic antics that highlight the tension between them.

Jon's House
7

The Dog Show

Liz invites Jon to a dog show that she is judging, prompting Garfield to feel anxious about being left behind. In a fit of panic, he breaks his rule and chases after Jon and Odie to attend.

Dog Show Venue
8

Garfield's Chaos

At the dog show, Garfield causes mayhem while being chased by dogs. Odie unexpectedly wins a blue ribbon, further escalating Garfield's jealousy and rivalry with the new dog.

Dog Show Venue
9

Odie Goes Missing

After Garfield accidentally locks Odie outside, he wrestles with guilt as Odie goes missing. The situation worsens when Garfield learns that Odie has been claimed by Happy Chapman.

Jon's Neighborhood
10

The City Hunt

Garfield decides to go and rescue Odie, embarking on a chaotic trip to the city. He encounters various challenges while seeking out the studio where Chapman has taken Odie.

City
11

Odie in Captivity

Garfield finds Odie at the studio, where he discovers that Chapman has stuck an electroshock collar on Odie. Determined to save his friend, Garfield must confront Chapman and devise a plan for escape.

Chapman's Studio
12

Animal Control Trouble

While trying to rescue Odie, Garfield gets captured by Animal Control and thrown into a cage with other animals. Their shared experiences provide comedic relief and solidarity among the captured pets.

Pound
13

Rescue Operation

Jon and Liz learn about Odie’s whereabouts and race to rescue him. Garfield, using his wit and some luck, manages to create a diversion that allows him to escape and get to the train station in time.

Train Station
14

Final Confrontation

As Garfield and Odie attempt to escape, they face off against Chapman. A whirlwind of chaos ensues as Garfield gains assistance from fellow captives, ultimately leading to Chapman's downfall.

Train Station
15

Home Again

Back at home, a new sense of harmony develops as Garfield and Odie bond over shared experiences. Jon and Liz enjoy a cozy evening together, signifying a happy conclusion to their adventures.

Garfield's House

Last Updated: January 13, 2025 at 13:49

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Whimsical Pet Adventures like Garfield

Humorous and low-stakes stories of mischievous animals finding their place in a loving home.If you enjoyed Garfield, you'll love these other movies featuring playful animal antics and gentle family comedy. This collection highlights humorous, low-stakes stories about pets causing chaos and finding acceptance, perfect for viewers seeking a comforting and funny watch with a happy ending.

humorousfamily-friendlycomfortingwhimsicalmischievouslighthearted

Narrative Summary

The narrative usually centers on a pet, often pampered or set in their ways, whose comfortable life is disrupted by a new arrival or event. This leads to a series of humorous, low-stakes conflicts that test the animal's character, ultimately culminating in a journey of acceptance and a stronger, more inclusive found family.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a consistent LIGHT tone, LOW intensity, and a focus on animal-driven, family-friendly humor. They deliver a comforting, predictable experience where the primary conflict is gentle jealousy or rivalry that resolves into a heartwarming lesson about love and acceptance.

Movies about Found Family like Garfield

Steady-paced stories where initial jealousy gives way to heartfelt acceptance and belonging.Fans of Garfield's story of jealousy turning into family bonding will appreciate these similar movies. Explore stories with a STEADY pace and LIGHT emotional weight where characters overcome initial resistance to form a new, loving family unit, all wrapped up in a satisfying HAPPY ending.

heartwarmingcomfortinghopefulfamily-friendlygentleuplifting

Narrative Summary

The core pattern involves a central character (or characters) whose established dynamic is challenged by a newcomer. The initial conflict, driven by possessiveness or fear of change, is resolved not through high drama but through a series of relatable, often humorous events that build understanding and culminate in a joyful acceptance of the new family structure.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared narrative arc of 'found family,' a STEADY pacing that allows the emotional shift to feel natural, and a LIGHT emotional tone that avoids heavy drama. They provide a reassuring viewing experience about the expansiveness of love and the joy of belonging.

Unlock the Full Story of Garfield

Don't stop at just watching — explore Garfield in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Garfield is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Garfield Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Garfield, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Garfield Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Garfield

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Garfield. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Garfield

Garfield Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Garfield that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Garfield Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Garfield

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Garfield: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Garfield