Missing Link

Missing Link

Year: 1988

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Directors: David Hughes, Carol Hughes

Adventure

Set in prehistoric Africa, the lone survivor of an ape‑human clan flees after his tribe is killed by early humans. He crosses steppes, deserts and mountains in search of others of his kind, and hope, battling harsh terrain and isolation. Eventually he reaches a distant coastline, only to find that humans already occupy it, leaving his fate uncertain.

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Timeline & Setting – Missing Link (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Missing Link (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

19th or early 20th century

The story appears set during the late 19th to early 20th century, a period marked by exploration and the pursuit of scientific discovery. This era was characterized by adventure, the search for mythical creatures, and the rise of societies like the Optimates, reflecting the Victorian and Edwardian fascination with nature and the unknown.

Location

Scotland, Himalayas, India, Shangri-La

The film takes place across multiple locations, including the Scottish lochs, the Himalayan mountains, and regions within India. These diverse settings highlight the adventure's global scope and the natural beauty of remote, mystical places. Each location contributes to the story's sense of exploration and discovery.

🏞️ Varied Landscapes 🌄 Mountain Regions 🌏 International Settings

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:42

Main Characters – Missing Link (1988)

Meet the key characters of Missing Link (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman)

An ambitious explorer eager to prove the existence of mythical creatures. His quest for fame often results in reckless behavior, but he learns the value of genuine friendship and humility throughout his journey.

🚶‍♂️ Adventurer 🏆 Ambitious 💡 Curious

Mr. Link (Zach Galifianakis)

A talking, writing Sasquatch who seeks to find other creatures like himself in the Himalayas. Despite initial fears and insecurities, he demonstrates loyalty, kindness, and a desire to belong.

🗣️ Talkative 🧍‍♂️ Loyal 💙 Empathetic

Adelina (Zoe Saldana)

A former love interest of Lionel, she is pragmatic and initially suspicious of his motives. As the story progresses, she shows compassion and interest in helping Mr. Link find his place.

💃 Compassionate 🌟 Supportive ⚖️ Independent

Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry)

A snobbish society leader obsessed with proof and reputation, willing to go to extremes to dismiss or destroy evidence of mythical creatures. His arrogance blinds him to the true value of friendship.

👔 Arrogant 🏛️ Authority 🥇 Competitive

Willard Stenk (Timothy Olyphant)

A ruthless bounty hunter determined to capture Mr. Link for profit. His relentless pursuit underlines themes of greed and obsession with appearances.

🔫 Ruthless 🕵️‍♂️ Persistent 💰 Greedy

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:42

Major Themes – Missing Link (1988)

Explore the central themes of Missing Link (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Exploration

The movie centers on exploration, both physical and intellectual, as characters venture into uncharted territories seeking mythical creatures like the Sasquatch and Yeti. It emphasizes curiosity, discovery, and the drive to uncover the world's mysteries beyond conventional boundaries.

🤝 Friendship

The film explores themes of friendship and acceptance through the bond between Lionel and Mr. Link. Their relationship evolves from skepticism to genuine companionship, highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy among different beings.

🎭 Identity

Questions of identity and self-acceptance are prevalent, especially through Mr. Link’s journey of self-discovery. His realization of friendship and belonging challenges societal notions of what it means to be different or 'other'.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:42

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical Quests like Missing Link

Lighthearted adventures where charming characters explore a fanciful world.Explore movies similar to Missing Link, featuring light-hearted animated adventures and quirky character journeys. If you enjoyed the charming exploration and playful tone of Missing Link, you'll find more films with a whimsical, adventurous spirit here.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a straightforward quest structure, where a protagonist or group sets out to achieve a clear goal. The journey is filled with eccentric characters, humorous encounters, and vibrant locations, with conflicts resolved in a cartoonish, non-threatening manner leading to a positive conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared whimsical tone, fast-paced adventurous plotting, and light emotional weight. They prioritize charm, playful humor, and a heartwarming core, creating a cohesive viewing experience for those seeking uplifting escapism.

Found Family Journeys like Missing Link

Uplifting stories about lonely characters finding belonging through friendship.Discover movies with heartwarming stories of found family and friendship, similar to the journey in Missing Link. If you liked the themes of self-discovery and acceptance in Missing Link, you'll enjoy these films about lonely characters finding their place in the world.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative arc begins with a protagonist's loneliness or outsider status. Through a series of adventures and meetings with unique individuals, they build a new, chosen family. The central conflict often involves overcoming internal doubts or external pressures to ultimately embrace this new bond, culminating in a happy ending centered on acceptance.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their focus on the emotional journey from isolation to connection. They share a light-hearted, uplifting mood, use friendship as the primary driver of the plot, and deliver a hopeful message about finding where you belong.

Unlock the Full Story of Missing Link

Don't stop at just watching — explore Missing Link 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 Missing Link is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Missing Link Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Missing Link, 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.

Missing Link Summary

Missing Link Timeline

Track the full timeline of Missing Link with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Missing Link Timeline

Missing Link Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Missing Link 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.

Missing Link Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Missing Link

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Missing Link: 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 Missing Link

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