Over the Hedge

Over the Hedge

Year: 2006

Runtime: 83 min

Language: English

Directors: Karey Kirkpatrick, Tim Johnson

AdventureComedyAnimationFamily

When spring arrives, woodland creatures emerge from hibernation to find their habitat replaced by a sprawling suburban development. A group of animals, led by the cautious Verne, must adapt to this new environment. They are quickly charmed by RJ, a charismatic and mischievous raccoon, who convinces them to raid the nearby houses for food. What begins as a simple survival strategy soon evolves into a comical battle of wits between the animals and the homeowners.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Over the Hedge 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 & Setting – Over the Hedge (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Over the Hedge (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Spring

The events take place during the spring season when woodland creatures emerge from hibernation. This time is characterized by renewal and a rush of activity as animals seek food after a long winter. The arrival of spring intensifies the challenges that these characters face against the encroaching human presence.

Location

Indiana, Forest, Residential Area

The movie is set in Indiana, where a picnic area has become a battleground between woodland creatures and human inhabitants. The once beautiful forest has transformed into a sprawling residential area, leaving only a small space for the animals to thrive. This contrast highlights the struggle of nature against urban development.

🏞️ Nature 🏘️ Urban 🌳 Woodland

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Main Characters – Over the Hedge (2006)

Meet the key characters of Over the Hedge (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

RJ

RJ is a clever raccoon with a desperate streak, driven by a need to replenish his food supply for a bear named Vincent. Despite his scheming ways, RJ develops a sense of camaraderie with Verne and the other woodland creatures. His journey reflects growth as he learns the importance of friendship and accountability.

🦝 Raccoon 💡 Clever 🔄 Resourceful

Verne

Verne is a wise and cautious turtle who initially distrusts RJ's motivations. Throughout the film, he strives to keep the group united, demonstrating leadership qualities. His character represents the voice of reason in challenging situations and highlights the struggle to maintain harmony among friends.

🐢 Turtle 🌟 Leader 💬 Cautious

Gladys Sharp

Gladys is the determined president of the local Homeowners Association, focused on exterminating the animal invasion at all costs. Her overzealous nature and strict adherence to rules create an antagonist role that drives much of the conflict. Gladys embodies the clash between human order and nature's chaos.

🙋‍♀️ Authority 💼 Strict 🎯 Determined

Hammy

Hammy is a hyperactive squirrel whose quick thinking proves vital during their escapades. His playful energy and enthusiasm help the group take risks they would otherwise hesitate to attempt. Hammy’s character adds a light-hearted element to the story while also showcasing bravery when needed.

🐿️ Squirrel ⚡ Energetic 💥 Brave

Stella

Stella is a charming skunk who uses her unique talents to contribute to the group’s endeavors. Her ability to adapt and assist in tricky situations demonstrates resourcefulness. Stella serves as an example of how each character has a valuable role to play in overcoming challenges.

🦨 Skunk 🌹 Charming 🌀 Adaptable

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Major Themes – Over the Hedge (2006)

Explore the central themes of Over the Hedge (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

The theme of friendship is central to the story as RJ and Verne's group come together to face challenges. Despite their initial distrust, they learn to work as a team, showcasing the strength found in unity. Their bond is tested through various trials, reinforcing the importance of loyalty and trust.

🦊 Survival

Survival plays a key role in the narrative, as RJ and the woodland creatures navigate the dangers posed by humans. The need to secure food while facing threats from both nature and humans drives the plot. This theme underscores the instincts and adaptability of the characters in their fight to sustain themselves in a changing environment.

⚖️ Consequences

The actions of RJ lead to significant consequences that affect all characters involved. His initial selfishness prompts a series of events that create chaos, forcing him to confront the repercussions of his decisions. This theme illustrates that choices have lasting impacts and emphasizes the need for responsibility.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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 Teamwork Heist Movies like Over the Hedge

Mischievous and clever teams pulling off comical capers against all odds.If you liked the comical capers and clever animal teamwork in Over the Hedge, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features films with fast-paced plots, mischievous characters forming a team, and humorous heist sequences that are more fun than dangerous, perfect for fans of lighthearted adventure.

heistteamworkmischievousfast-pacedcleverupliftingcaper

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a charismatic, often flawed, leader who recruits a group of distinct personalities for a common goal. The story unfolds through a series of escalating, comically tense capers that test the team's unity, leading to a climax where true teamwork and ingenuity overcome the obstacle, often resulting in a found family.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core structure of a team-based caper driven by humor and heart. They blend fast-paced action sequences with character-driven comedy, creating an energetic and uplifting vibe where the stakes are personal and the payoff is emotional fulfillment rather than just material gain.

Movies about Adaptation and Found Family like Over the Hedge

Outsiders learning to survive together and becoming a new kind of family.Fans of Over the Hedge's theme of animals adapting to suburbia and forming a family will love these picks. Discover movies where characters face a new world, learn to work together, and discover that home is with the family you choose, featuring heartwarming stories of belonging and teamwork.

found familyadaptationheartwarmingteamworksurvivalbelongingredemption

Narrative Summary

The journey begins with a disruptive change to a familiar world, forcing a group to confront a new reality. A central character, often an outsider, guides or challenges the group. The plot revolves around learning new rules for survival, which leads to internal conflict and eventual unity, culminating in the group embracing their identity as a new family.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core emotional arc: the transformation from a collection of individuals to a cohesive family unit. They share a hopeful, heartwarming tone centered on themes of belonging, adaptation, and the redemptive power of community, often with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.

Unlock the Full Story of Over the Hedge

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

Over the Hedge Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Over the Hedge, 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.

Over the Hedge Summary

Over the Hedge Timeline

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

Over the Hedge Timeline

Over the Hedge Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Over the Hedge 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.

Over the Hedge Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Over the Hedge

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Over the Hedge: 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 Over the Hedge