Directed by
Danishka Esterhazy
Made by
Warner Bros.
A young boy named Harley is an ardent admirer of The Banana Splits. On his birthday, he attends a live taping of the show at Taft Studios, accompanied by his parents, Beth and Mitch, as well as his older half-brother Austin. Excited, Harley waves at the show’s characters — Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky — as they cruise in one of the Banana Buggies, narrowly avoiding an accident. However, the festive atmosphere takes a dark turn when Andy, the Vice President of programming, discloses to producer Rebecca that the show is slated for cancellation after the taping.
Following the recording, the characters, who are revealed to be robots, receive the grim news of their show’s termination from their colleague Stevie. In a shocking twist, they embark on a spree of violence throughout the studio, starting with Drooper brutally forcing a lollipop prop down Stevie’s throat. Outside, Beth discovers that Mitch has been unfaithful, citing his feelings of neglect as she dedicated her time to Austin and Harley. As tensions rise, Snorky, driving the Banana Buggie, tragically runs over Mitch as he attempts to leave.
Meanwhile, a couple, Thadd and Poppy, joyously engaged, find themselves in Fleegle’s Magic Shop set. Their happiness is short-lived when Fleegle viciously saws Thadd in half, and as he prepares to do the same to Poppy, he is interrupted by Harley and his friend Zoe searching for Snorky. Fleegle captures the children along with another girl named Parker in the workshop where the characters were constructed.
As chaos unfolds, Beth, Austin, Rebecca, and show host Paige begin to piece together the horrific events when Parker’s father, Jonathan, arrives severely injured, adding urgency to their search for Harley and Zoe. They encounter Poppy, who is devastated by Thadd’s fate, and persuade her to join their desperate quest.
Inside the studio, Harley, Zoe, and Parker meet Karl, the creator of the Banana Splits, and plead for their release. Just as hope seems within reach, chaos ensues with the arrival of Drooper, dragging Bingo, injured from an earlier attack by Beth. In the confusion, the kids manage to outsmart Karl, trapping him instead.
Meanwhile, Rebecca and Jonathan find themselves at the mercy of Fleegle and Drooper, who force them to navigate a twisted game called “The Sloppy Time Course” for their freedom. The horrific events culminate with Fleegle stabbing Jonathan and Drooper grievously injuring Rebecca.
Back on the hunt, the group — Beth, Austin, and Poppy — confront Karl for answers, but he offers none, only leading them into a perilous situation when they hear music emanating from a hatch. In a shocking moment of vengeance, Poppy dons a mask of an unused fifth character, Hooty, and avenges Thadd by killing Karl.
As the climax builds, our protagonists discover Fleegle and Drooper subjecting terrified children to gruesome displays, including the mutilation of Stevie’s corpse. Despite the overwhelming odds, Harley, Zoe, Parker, and Snorky manage to rescue the children by unlocking their chains, prompting a chaotic escape. In a tense showdown, Beth attempts to confront Drooper and Fleegle, but is nearly overpowered until Austin and Harley join forces to defeat the villains.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Snorky sacrifices himself in a heroic altercation with Bingo, and Harley comforts him, affirming his unwavering loyalty. After the dust settles, police arrive to restore order as Austin and Paige ignite a budding romance. Meanwhile, Beth takes the brave step of divorcing Mitch, who, after surviving the earlier carnage, faces his own grim fate as Poppy, now at the wheel of the Banana Buggie, inadvertently runs him over, carrying the remnants of the Banana Splits in tow. As Poppy drives away, a chilling twist reveals Fleegle’s reactivation and maniacal laughter echoing in the studio.
Harley's Birthday Celebration
A young boy named Harley celebrates his birthday by attending a live taping of *The Banana Splits* at Taft Studios. Excitedly, he waves to his favorite characters as they drive by in the Banana Buggies, immersing himself in the festive atmosphere.
Cancellation Announcement
During the taping, Andy, the Vice President of Programming, informs producer Rebecca that the show is set for cancellation. This shocking news begins to cast a dark shadow over the celebration, foreshadowing unsettling events to come.
The Characters Receive Grim News
After the recording, the characters, revealed to be robotic, learn from their colleague Stevie about the show's cancellation. Devastated, they are pushed towards a violent response, setting off chaos within the studio.
Mitch's Betrayal Unveiled
Outside, an emotional confrontation unfolds as Beth learns about Mitch's infidelity. He accuses her of neglecting him, which leads to rising tensions and tragic consequences.
Mitch's Death
In a horrific turn of events, Snorky, driving the Banana Buggie, accidentally runs over Mitch as he attempts to flee. This incident escalates the chaos within the studio and adds to the emotional turmoil for Beth and her family.
Thadd's Gruesome Fate
Inside Fleegle's Magic Shop set, the couple Thadd and Poppy experience a moment of joy that is quickly shattered when Fleegle brutally saws Thadd in half. This shocking violence reveals the full extent of the characters' madness.
Harley and Zoe's Search
Amidst the turmoil, Harley and his friend Zoe search for Snorky, unintentionally interrupting Fleegle's deadly plans. They find themselves captured along with another girl, Parker, bringing a new layer of danger to their adventure.
Desperate Search for Harley
Beth, Austin, and Rebecca start piecing together the horrific events as they realize Harley and Zoe are missing. The urgency heightens when Parker's injured father, Jonathan, arrives, desperate for help.
Encounter with the Creator
Inside the studio, Harley, Zoe, and Parker meet Karl, the creator of the Banana Splits, pleading for their release. Their plea leads to chaotic events, resulting in their clever escape attempt that turns the tables on Karl.
The Twisted Game
Rebecca and Jonathan are trapped by Fleegle and Drooper, forced into a macabre contest called 'The Sloppy Time Course'. This chilling game sets the stage for horrific violence as they fight for their lives.
Poppy's Vengeance
In a shocking act of vengeance, Poppy dons a mask of the unused character Hooty, targeting Karl for Thadd’s tragic fate. This transformation marks a turning point as she channels her grief into action.
Rescue Mission
As the chaos reaches its peak, Harley, Zoe, Parker, and Snorky band together to rescue captured children. Their teamwork allows them to unlock the children's chains, triggering a frenzied escape.
Final Confrontation
In a tense showdown, Beth confronts Drooper and Fleegle, fighting for survival. Austin and Harley join her just in time, leading to an epic battle against the menacing characters.
Snorky's Sacrifice
In a heroic moment, Snorky sacrifices himself while battling Bingo, showcasing his loyalty to Harley. This emotional farewell adds a poignant note to the already intense atmosphere.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
As police arrive to restore order, Beth decides to divorce Mitch, signaling a new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, Poppy, unknowingly runs Mitch over with the Banana Buggie, concluding a series of tragic events.
Harley
Harley is a passionate and enthusiastic young boy whose admiration for The Banana Splits drives him to watch the live show. His innocence contrasts sharply with the horrific events that unfold, showcasing his courage and determination to save his friends. As a central character, Harley's growth transforms him from a mere fan to a brave hero.
Beth
Beth navigates the challenges of motherhood and marriage in a tumultuous environment. As tensions rise between her and Mitch, she faces issues of betrayal and neglect. Her character evolves from a distraught partner to a decisive woman who takes control of her destiny, ultimately leading her to make the difficult choice of divorce.
Mitch
Mitch represents the flawed parental figure whose infidelity and neglect create a rift in his family. His character is conflicted, as he struggles with the consequences of his actions amidst the unfolding chaos. Ultimately, he faces a grim fate that serves as a cautionary tale of his choices.
Poppy
Poppy starts as a joyful character engaged to Thadd but experiences heartbreak when confronted with violence. Her transformation from a victim to an avenger showcases her resilience, leading her to take on a lethal persona to exact revenge, marking significant character development.
Austin
As Harley's older half-brother, Austin tries to balance his protective instincts with the need to understand his family's turmoil. He emerges as a supportive force who plays a crucial role in confronting the chaos within Taft Studios, ultimately finding romance amid the chaos.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a producer caught in the turmoil of the Banana Splits' cancellation. She showcases bravery and resilience as she fights for her life amidst the chaos, symbolizing the struggle of creative individuals against corporate decisions that affect them directly.
Thadd
Thadd embodies the excitement of young love before tragedy strikes during the violent takeover. His brutal encounter with Fleegle serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that can suddenly disrupt even the happiest moments.
Stevie
Stevie serves as a messenger for the show's dire fate, representing the disconnect between entertainment's joyful front and the stark realities behind it. His grim demise highlights the consequences of the characters' wrath after their reality comes crashing down.
Zoe
Zoe is one of Harley's friends who joins him in navigating the nightmare unfolding around them. Her character underscores the importance of companionship in times of crisis, as she demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness throughout their terrifying ordeal.
Paige
As the show host, Paige finds herself in the midst of chaos, attempting to salvage what's left of the show and protect the children. Her character captures the pressures of live entertainment, particularly when facing life-threatening circumstances.
Time period
While the film does not specify a particular time period, it embodies themes of contemporary family dynamics and the darker side of entertainment. This modern setting reflects societal issues such as neglect and the consequences of fame, making it relatable to today's audience.
Location
Taft Studios
Taft Studios serves as the primary setting for the chaos that unfolds in 'The Banana Splits Movie.' Known for its live tapings, the studio transforms from a joyful venue into a battleground as the beloved characters turn violent. The juxtaposition of fun and terror highlights the studio's dual nature as both a place of entertainment and horror.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a significant theme explored in the narrative, particularly within familial relationships. Mitch's infidelity towards Beth, resulting from neglect, strains their family ties. This theme is further echoed in the characters' abandonment and betrayal by the very show they loved.
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Machine vs. Humanity
The film juxtaposes the playful facade of the robotic Banana Splits with their underlying violent nature when the show's future is threatened. It explores the notion of how technology, once designed for entertainment, becomes a source of horror, pushing the characters to fight for survival against their own creations.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice manifests in various forms throughout the film, most notably when Snorky selflessly gives his life to protect others. This theme emphasizes the lengths individuals will go to for the ones they love, highlighting the emotional stakes involved in the intense confrontations.
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