The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water

The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water

Year: 2002

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: Charles Grosvenor

FamilyAnimationAdventure

When a sudden downpour creates a swelling flood, Littlefoot encounters Mo, a playful, dolphin‑like creature stranded in the new water. Determined to help, he and his friends set out on a perilous trek toward the fabled ‘big water,’ hoping to guide Mo back to safety.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Prehistoric era

Set in a time when dinosaurs roam the Earth, the valley and its surrounding waters reflect an ancient natural order. The events follow a flood-driven expedition, with both land and sea habitats playing key roles. The journey intertwines survival instincts with exploration, as the group encounters new landscapes and dangers along the way.

Location

Great Valley, Big Water, Ocean/Underwater world

The story unfolds in the Great Valley, a prehistoric sanctuary that becomes partly flooded after heavy rains. The children venture along new waterways toward the ocean, entering a world transformed by water and debris. They eventually witness an expansive underwater realm in Mo's Big Water home, highlighting a stark contrast between land and sea ecosystems.

🌊 Water world 🗺️ Journey 🦕 Dinosaurs

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:49

Main Characters – The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)

Meet the key characters of The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Littlefoot (Thomas Dekker)

A curious and brave young dinosaur who steps into a leadership role when adventure calls. He longs for companionship and embraces Mo as a new, loyal friend, proving that true kinship can form beyond borders. He remains determined and protective of his friends as they face dangers together.

🟠 Curious 🟢 Brave 🧭 Leader

Mo (Rob Paulsen)

A playful young Ophthalmosaurus from the Big Water who is initially seen as an outsider by the valley dwellers. He quickly proves to be loyal and resourceful, helping his new friends navigate threats and guiding them toward his home. His friendship with Littlefoot becomes the emotional core of the journey.

🌊 Friendly 🐬 Adventurous 🍃 Loyal

Grandpa (Kenneth Mars)

The valley elder who offers caution and protection, urging the children to stay within the safety of the Great Valley. He represents experience and familial concern, grounding the group’s decisions with cautionary wisdom.

🧓 Wise 🛡️ Protective 🗣️ Voice of caution

Cera (Anndi McAfee)

A headstrong member of the group who helps keep everyone together and contributes practical energy to the journey. She learns to adapt to new friends and situations, balancing her bold nature with teamwork.

🐾 Bold 🧠 Practical 🤝 Loyal

Ducky (Aria Noelle Curzon)

A cheerful, optimistic presence in the group who encourages hope and camaraderie. Her warmth helps ease tension during tense moments as the friends press forward toward the ocean.

🌟 Cheerful 🧸 Gentle 🧭 Optimistic

Petrie (Jeff Bennett)

A small, cautious member whose quirks provide lighthearted relief. He contributes to the group’s morale and demonstrates steadfast companionship throughout the perilous journey.

🪶 Small 🧭 Cautious 🛡️ Loyal

Ducky's Mom / Petrie's Mom (Tress MacNeille)

A nurturing Diplodocus matriarch who provides shelter and a warm refuge for the group. Her presence highlights family bonds within a broader kin network.

🧓 Nurturing 🐢 Protective 👪 Maternal

Diplodocus Mom / Grandma (Miriam Flynn)

A maternal figure who helps the group via shelter and guidance during their travels. Her care underscores the value of family support when facing unknown waters.

👵 Caring 🛡️ Protective 🐾 Generous

Narrator / Cera's Dad (John Ingle)

The narration anchors the story, offering exposition and perspective as the group embarks on their oceanward quest. He narrates events with a familial voice, connecting the audience to the journey.

🎙️ Narration 🗣️ Guiding

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:49

Major Themes – The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)

Explore the central themes of The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

Littlefoot forms an unlikely bond with Mo, showing that friendship can thrive beyond species and boundaries. The group learns to trust and support a newcomer, expanding their circle of kinship.

🛡️ Courage

Facing predators like the Liopleurodon and the threat of leaving their valley, the friends choose to help Mo return home despite personal risk. Their bravery leads them to confront the unknown together.

🗺️ Adventure

The journey from flooded valley to the distant ocean is filled with peril and new discoveries. The voyage emphasizes curiosity, discovery, and the excitement of exploring unfamiliar worlds.

👪 Family & Belonging

Although Mo is separated from his own herd, the group provides a makeshift family, reaffirming that bonds can endure travel, separation, and distance.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:49

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The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water Summary

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The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water Summary

The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water Timeline

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The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water Timeline

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