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Oliver & Company (1988) movie poster

Timeline

Oliver & Company (1988) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1988 · 74 min · English
JustWatch #34,181 2
Directed by
George Scribner
Starring
Cheech Marin, Robert Loggia, Dom DeLuise, Richard Mulligan, Billy Joel, Carl Weintraub

A determined kitten named Oliver joins a group of charming dogs living on the streets of New York City. He experiences a taste of a comfortable life with a kind young girl named Jenny. However, trouble arises when a debt collector threatens their happiness, forcing Oliver to rely on his street smarts and the help of his canine friends to protect everything he’s gained.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Oliver & Company
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Oliver & Company (1988)

Where can you watch Oliver & Company? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Disney Plus, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Oliver & Company Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Oliver & Company (1988) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Oliver's Ignored Selection

    The film begins with a charming song that introduces Oliver, an orange tabby kitten, among a group of kittens being chosen by humans. Sadly, Oliver is overlooked, leading him to venture out into the rain in search of shelter, highlighting his initial plight and solitude.

    Where
    New York City
  2. Seeking Shelter

    After being ignored, Oliver finds refuge under the hood of a parked car. As he settles down, the roar of the engine wakes him up, and he quickly realizes that he is not only cold but also very hungry.

    Where
    New York City
  3. Failed Attempt at Food

    In search of food, Oliver makes his way to a nearby hot dog stand, hoping to find a meal. Unfortunately, his efforts result in failure as he struggles with the stand's owner, setting the stage for his need for help.

    Where
    Hot Dog Stand
  4. Dodger's Kindness

    As Oliver is caught up in the tussle at the hot dog stand, a white spotted dog named Dodger steps in to assist. Dodger, embodying unexpected generosity, helps Oliver steal some hot dogs, demonstrating his streetwise charm.

    Where
    Hot Dog Stand
  5. Meeting the Dog Gang

    After being helped by Dodger, Oliver finds himself introduced to a gang of street dogs at their hideout, ruled by their master Fagin. A series of comedic events unfolds as the dogs initially mistake Oliver for an alien but soon embrace him once they realize he is a fellow companion.

    Where
    Fagin's Hideout
  6. Fagin's Dilemma

    Fagin enters with provisions for the dogs, igniting a moment of excitement among them. However, this joy quickly turns to tension when Sykes, a threatening figure, confronts Fagin over his debt, warning that dire consequences will follow if he doesn't settle it within three days.

    Where
    Fagin's Hideout
  7. A Close Call in the River

    In a series of unfortunate events, Oliver accidentally falls into a river. Yet, showcasing his resilience, he manages to swim to safety and return to the hideout, further establishing his character's tenacity.

    Where
    River
  8. Reading Time

    Back at the hideout, Oliver joins the other animals for a cozy reading session. This moment illustrates the bond forming among the group as they enjoy each other’s company, reflecting Oliver’s desire for belonging.

    Where
    Fagin's Hideout
  9. The Heist Plan

    The following day, Fagin leads his gang of dogs in a plot to hustle for money. They devise an absurd plan involving a stolen vehicle, but chaos ensues when Oliver accidentally turns the ignition, nearly leading to disaster.

    Where
    Street
  10. Jenny's Kindness

    In a twist of fate, Jenny, a kind-hearted girl, discovers Oliver and chooses to adopt him. While her poodle, Gorgette, is initially disapproving of Oliver's presence, this new dynamic sets off an engaging part of the story.

    Where
    Jenny's Home
  11. Gorgette's Disapproval

    As Oliver settles into his new life with Jenny, Gorgette expresses her discontent with his presence. This tension leads to a musical scene depicting the evolution of their relationship, showcasing the transformative power of kindness.

    Where
    Jenny's Home
  12. Fagin's Greed

    Driven by greed, Fagin decides to take advantage of Oliver's situation by plotting to impersonate a catnapper. Unbeknownst to him, Jenny is actively searching for Oliver, creating a sense of urgency and impending conflict.

    Where
    New York City
  13. Sykes Captures Jenny

    Tensions reach their peak when Sykes captures Jenny, creating a dire situation. Facing the threat to Jenny's safety, Oliver, Fagin, and the dogs band together to devise a daring rescue plan.

    Where
    Sykes' Hideout
  14. The Final Chase

    A thrilling chase ensues as Oliver and the dogs work together to save Jenny from Sykes. Their adrenaline-fueled pursuit culminates in a heart-pounding showdown by the train tracks, leading to an unexpected and tragic conclusion for Sykes.

    Where
    Train Tracks
  15. Celebration at Jenny's Birthday

    The day after their harrowing adventure, Jenny celebrates her birthday surrounded by friends, Fagin, Oliver, and the dogs. The atmosphere is filled with joy as Gorgette begins to warm up to Oliver, emphasizing a newfound harmony among the group.

    Where
    Jenny's Home

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:30

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Timeline questions answered

Oliver & Company Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Oliver & Company (1988): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why was Oliver not chosen at the pet store?

Oliver was overlooked because he was the smallest and shyest kitten among the group. When potential owners came to select kittens, they repeatedly passed him over in favor of the more confident and outgoing ones, leaving him alone in New York City to fend for himself.

  • oliver
  • kitten
  • pet store
  • rejected
  • alone
Q2

Why does Dodger help Oliver get food?

Despite being a streetwise dog who typically looks out for himself, Dodger shows unexpected compassion when he sees Oliver struggling at the hot dog stand. He intervenes to help Oliver steal hot dogs, demonstrating that despite his tough exterior, he has a kind heart and sees potential in the orphaned kitten.

  • dodger
  • oliver
  • help
  • hot dogs
  • friendship
Q3

Who is Sykes and why is he threatening Fagin?

Sykes is a menacing debt collector who has loaned money to Fagin, the man who owns and lives with the dog gang. When Fagin cannot repay the money owed, Sykes confronts him, chokes him, and gives him three days to come up with the cash or face severe consequences, creating the film's main source of tension.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, when Sykes demands money, his threatening demeanor hints at the danger he poses later in the film.

  • sykes
  • fagin
  • debt
  • threat
  • loan shark
Q4

How does Oliver end up living with Jenny?

After escaping various street dangers and finding temporary belonging with Fagin's dog gang, Oliver is discovered by Jenny, a kind-hearted young girl walking home from school. She finds him alone and shivering, takes him home, and decides to adopt him, giving Oliver his first real home and the comfortable life he was seeking.

  • jenny
  • oliver
  • adoption
  • home
  • family
Q5

Why does Fagin plot to be a catnapper?

When Fagin learns that Oliver has been adopted by a wealthy girl named Jenny, he sees an opportunity to make quick money. He schemes to impersonate a catnapper and demand a ransom from Jenny, believing that a wealthy family would pay handsomely to get their cat back. This greedy decision puts Oliver in danger and creates conflict in the story.

  • fagin
  • catnapper
  • scheme
  • ransom
  • money
Q6

How do Oliver and the dogs rescue Jenny from Sykes?

When Sykes kidnaps Jenny to use as leverage against Fagin, Oliver, Dodger, and the entire dog gang spring into action. Using their collective street smarts and teamwork, they chase down Sykes' car and engage in a high-speed pursuit through New York City, ultimately forcing him to the train tracks where the climactic showdown occurs.

  • rescue
  • jenny
  • sykes
  • dogs
  • chase
Q7

What happens to Sykes at the end of the movie?

During the climactic chase on the train tracks, Sykes attempts to escape by driving onto the tracks. As the train approaches, he loses control of his vehicle and is tragically struck and killed by the oncoming train, meeting his doom while Jenny is rescued.

Foreshadowing: Sykes' aggressive driving and threatening nature throughout the film foreshadow his violent end.

  • sykes
  • death
  • train
  • chase
  • finale
Q8

Why does Gorgette initially dislike Oliver?

Gorgette, Jenny's pet poodle, is initially jealous and territorial when Oliver arrives at Jenny's home. As a pampered house pet, she views the scrappy street kitten as an intruder disrupting her comfortable life and her exclusive bond with Jenny. This tension is resolved through a musical number showing their relationship evolving into acceptance.

  • gorgette
  • oliver
  • jealousy
  • dislike
  • poodle
Q9

How does Oliver become accepted by the dog gang?

After Dodger brings Oliver to Fagin's hideout, the dogs initially mistake him for an alien due to his small size and strange appearance. Once they realize he's a kitten who followed Dodger, they welcome him into their group. Oliver proves himself through his bravery and willingness to help, eventually becoming a valued member of the gang.

  • oliver
  • dog gang
  • acceptance
  • fagin
  • belonging
Q10

What causes chaos during the heist plan?

Fagin takes the dogs out to hustle money by stealing a vehicle, but the plan goes wrong when Oliver accidentally turns the car's ignition while exploring. This causes the car to lurch forward uncontrollably, nearly injuring Tito and creating chaos in the street, demonstrating Oliver's inexperience with the criminal world.

  • heist
  • car
  • chaos
  • oliver
  • tito

Movie threads

More Movies Like Oliver & Company, by Mood & Story

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

Movies like Oliver & Company with Urban Talking Animals

Whimsical stories of street-smart animals navigating a vibrant city life. Discover movies like Oliver & Company that feature street-smart, talking animals on exciting urban adventures. If you enjoyed the vibrant New York setting and the charming dog gang, you'll love these similar animated stories full of heart, humor, and city life antics.

  • urban
  • whimsical
  • playful
  • adventurous
  • street-smart
  • anthropomorphic
  • Tone: light, whimsical
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Movies in this thread follow a straightforward journey where an animal protagonist, often lost or alone, finds a community of fellow city-dwelling animals. They embark on a mission that tests their loyalty and street smarts, leading to a fast-paced adventure that culminates in a happy resolution and a stronger sense of family.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared core elements: a vibrant city setting, anthropomorphic animal protagonists, a light and whimsical tone, and a focus on adventurous, often mischievous, plots. The pacing is typically fast, with a mix of chaotic action and heartwarming character moments.

Fast-Paced Found Family Movies like Oliver & Company

Energetic stories where a lone character discovers a supportive, unconventional family. If you liked the found family theme in Oliver & Company, explore these high-energy adventures. These movies feature a protagonist who joins a quirky group, leading to a whirlwind of action, humor, and heartfelt moments about the true meaning of family and friendship.

  • heartwarming
  • celebratory
  • adventurous
  • loyalty
  • playful
  • uplifting
  • Tone: light, heartwarming
  • Pacing: fast, spirited
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a straightforward arc: a protagonist, initially isolated, is thrust into a lively group of characters. Through a series of rapidly unfolding events and challenges, they learn to trust their new companions, culminating in a collaborative effort to overcome a threat and secure their newfound happiness together.

Why they belong together: These movies share a core emotional throughline: the celebration of found family. They are united by a fast, energetic pacing that keeps the adventure moving, a light emotional weight that focuses on fun and camaraderie, and a happy, affirming conclusion that solidifies the bonds formed.

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Movies Like Oliver & Company

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Every angle

Oliver & Company (1988) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Oliver & Company 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.

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