Mighty Joe Young

Jill Young witnesses the traumatic event of her mother's death at the hands of poachers when she is just a child. This incident also claims the life of Joe, a baby gorilla's mother, creating a deep bond between Jill and Joe as they both share the pain of loss.

Twelve years have passed since that tragic day, and Jill has been raising Joe, who has not been accepted by the other gorillas due to his size. Their lives consist of mutual companionship, finding solace in each other as they navigate their shared struggles.

Gregg O'Hara, the director of a wildlife refuge, arrives to propose to Jill that relocating to the United States would ensure their safety from poachers. Jill, hoping for a better future, agrees to the move despite her uncertainties.

Jill and Joe arrive in Hollywood, California, where they quickly capture the hearts of the refuge staff. They find a new home filled with support, but lurking dangers await as the past is not far behind.

Andrei Strasser, the poacher responsible for Jill's mother's death, spots Joe on a news report and begins plotting his revenge. Jill, oblivious to Strasser's true identity, engages with him, believing he has only the best intentions for Joe.

During a gala event, Strasser's henchman creates chaos by using a poacher's noisemaker to incite fear in Joe. Joe's reaction results in a destructive frenzy, leading him to recognize Strasser and attempt to attack him.

After the outburst at the gala, Joe is tranquilized and confined to a concrete bunker, leaving Jill distressed. As she learns of plans for Joe's euthanization, her heart breaks, and she feels desperate to save him.

In a move born from desperation, Jill agrees to Strasser's proposal to take Joe back to Africa. She and the refuge staff hatch a plan to smuggle Joe out in a truck, hoping to bypass the threats lingering in their lives.

While en route to the airport, Jill sees Strasser's missing fingers, leading her to the horrifying realization of his true identity. In a moment of panic, she loses control of the truck, resulting in a crash that frees Joe.

Gregg, now fully aware of Strasser's past, seeks out Jill and Joe, leading them to a carnival where they reunite. However, Strasser finds them, escalating the tension as he attempts to take revenge on Jill in a life-threatening confrontation.

In a critical moment, Strasser tries to shoot Jill, igniting a fire that causes a Ferris wheel to start collapsing. The chaos ultimately leads to Joe saving a child, showcasing his protective nature as the structure threatens to fall.

In a heart-stopping scene mirroring classic monster movies, Joe falls from the collapsing Ferris wheel, inflicting physical peril upon himself. But in his struggle, he demonstrates strength and courage, surviving the incident against all odds.

Following the climactic events, Joe is transported back to Africa, where he can roam free in a wildlife refuge constructed thanks to the donations from his devoted fans. This conclusion highlights the resilience of both Jill and Joe as they finally find safety and peace.