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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Emoji Movie (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The story begins in a bustling high school where students are deeply engaged with their smartphones. We dive into the digital realm of a freshman named Alex, whose smartphone serves as the stage for our main characters, the Emojis residing in the vibrant city of Textopolis. Among these characters is Gene, voiced by T.J. Miller, who famously struggles with his assigned role as a “meh” Emoji. Unlike his parents, Mel and Mary—voiced by Steven Wright and Jennifer Coolidge—who embody the single expression he is supposed to mimic, Gene possesses a multitude of emotions, which sets him apart from his peers.

As Gene embarks on his first day as an Emoji, he encounters Smiler, the original Emoji and head of the text center, voiced by Maya Rudolph. Among the popular Emojis, we find the cheeky Devil (voiced by Sean Hayes), the enthusiastic Fist Bump (voiced by Thom Bishops), the charming Flamenca (voiced by Sofía Vergara), and even the whimsical Poop (voiced by Patrick Stewart). When Alex attempts to send an Emoji to his crush, Addie (voiced by Tati Gabrielle), Gene’s anxiety leads to a catastrophic mistake, resulting in a bizarre Emoji being sent.

Following this incident, Gene is summoned to Smiler’s office, where she labels him a malfunction and decrees that he must be deleted. In an effort to evade the AV bots pursuing him, Gene seeks refuge in a hangout for less popular Emojis, aided by the former favorite Hi-5, voiced by James Corden. Together, they devise a plan to find a skilled hacker named Jailbreak (voiced by Anna Faris), who can reprogram Gene into the standard “meh” Emoji to save him from deletion. Their journey takes them through various app landscapes, including a bar for trolls and spam bots, where they finally encounter Jailbreak.

In their quest, Gene, Jailbreak, and Hi-5 traverse through the colorful realm of Candy Crush, leading to amusing situations where they inadvertently disrupt Alex’s attempts to communicate with Addie. Their adventure continues in the Just Dance app, where they encounter the avatar Akiko Glitter (voiced by Christina Aguilera) and must dance in perfect synchrony to advance. During this exciting sequence, Jailbreak reveals her hidden identity as a princess Emoji, further deepening their bond.

As the trio veers closer to the Dropbox, Gene’s emotional turmoil becomes palpable when he realizes he has feelings for Jailbreak. However, the threat of deletion looms large when Alex decides to wipe his phone clean, prompting Smiler to send upgraded bots to hunt them down. A heartfelt moment occurs when Gene opts to rescue Hi-5, unearthing a heartfelt email that Alex meant to send, which leads them to uncover the Dropbox password.

Just as Gene is about to get reprogrammed, he faces a tough choice between adhering to his true self or conforming to the expectations of others. Gene’s eventual capture spurs Jailbreak and Hi-5 into action, launching a thrilling rescue mission. With a dazzling finale involving daring escapes and heartfelt revelations, Gene transforms from a misunderstood outsider to a beloved hero.

The tale culminates in a vibrant celebration as the Emojis hold a dance party, celebrating Gene’s newfound status as the first multi-faced Emoji. Through this whimsical journey, we witness not only the chaos of digital life but also the importance of self-acceptance and friendship. In a humorous twist during the credits, Smiler finds herself in the Loser Lounge, sporting dental headgear after her downfall.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Emoji Movie (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction to Textopolis

The story opens in a bustling high school, highlighting the modern interaction of students through their smartphones. This sets the stage for the characters who inhabit the digital world of Textopolis, where Emojis live and work.

Textopolis

Meet Gene

We are introduced to Gene, a unique 'meh' Emoji who struggles with his identity due to his ability to express multiple emotions. Unlike his parents, who are content with their single expression, Gene feels pressured to conform to his assigned role.

Textopolis

First Day as an Emoji

On his first day, Gene encounters Smiler, the original Emoji who oversees the text center. He also meets various popular Emojis, including the Devil, Fist Bump, Flamenca, and Poop, all of whom embody their specific traits.

Textopolis

The Emoji Catastrophe

Gene's anxiety peaks when Alex, the human, attempts to send an Emoji to his crush, Addie. In a twist of fate, Gene accidentally sends a bizarre Emoji instead of the intended one, causing a catastrophic mix-up.

Textopolis

Summoned by Smiler

Following the mix-up, Gene is summoned to Smiler's office, where he is deemed a malfunction. Smiler announces her intention to delete him, setting off a chain of events that forces Gene to flee.

Smiler's Office

Seeking Refuge

To escape the pursuing AV bots, Gene seeks refuge in a hangout for less popular Emojis. Here, he meets Hi-5, who becomes his ally as they plan to find a hacker that can save him from deletion.

Emoji Hangout

The Quest for Jailbreak

Gene and Hi-5 embark on a quest to find Jailbreak, a skilled hacker who can help reprogram Gene into a standard 'meh' Emoji. Their adventure begins with a number of surprising encounters and challenges.

Textopolis

Through the App Landscapes

The trio navigates various app landscapes, including the vibrant world of Candy Crush, leading to comedic disruptions in Alex's communications. Their misadventures show the chaotic life of Emojis.

Candy Crush

Dance Challenge in Just Dance

In the Just Dance app, Gene and Jailbreak meet the avatar Akiko Glitter. To proceed, they must dance in perfect synchrony, testing their skills and strengthening their bond in the process.

Just Dance App

Revelations and Feelings

As they edge closer to the Dropbox, Gene struggles with his emotions and realizes his feelings for Jailbreak. This revelation adds emotional depth to their quest.

Dropbox

The Wipe Threat

Tension rises when Alex decides to wipe his phone clean, prompting Smiler to deploy upgraded bots to capture the fleeing Emojis. Time is running out as Gene must confront the reality of being deleted.

Textopolis

The Rescue

In a moment of selflessness, Gene chooses to rescue Hi-5, who is also in danger, demonstrating the strength of friendship. They discover the Dropbox password hidden in an email meant for Addie.

Textopolis

Facing the Final Choice

Just before reprogramming, Gene faces a crucial decision: to embrace his true self or conform to expectations. His internal conflict becomes central as he contemplates his identity.

Textopolis

Daring Escape

Following Gene's capture, Jailbreak and Hi-5 launch a thrilling rescue mission. Their efforts culminate in a series of daring escapes, leading to Gene's transformation into a hero.

Textopolis

Celebration of Self-Acceptance

The story concludes with a vibrant celebration among the Emojis, highlighting Gene's journey from misunderstood outsider to a beloved hero. The dance party symbolizes their newfound acceptance and friendship.

Textopolis

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Emoji Movie (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Gene (voiced by T.J. Miller)

Gene is a unique Emoji who challenges the norm by experiencing a variety of emotions instead of just being 'meh'. His journey of self-discovery showcases his growth from a misunderstood character to a beloved hero. A mix of anxiety and bravery defines him, especially in his quest to define his own identity.

🌈 Multi-faceted 🎭 Misunderstood

Jailbreak (voiced by Anna Faris)

Jailbreak is a clever and resourceful character who plays a significant role in guiding Gene through their journey. As a princess Emoji in disguise, she represents empowerment and the breaking of stereotypes. Her mysterious past adds depth to her character, making her a pivotal figure in the overall narrative.

👸 Empowered 💻 Hacker

Hi-5 (voiced by James Corden)

Hi-5 is a former favorite Emoji who becomes Gene's ally throughout their adventure. Despite his past popularity, he embraces his role as a supportive friend, showcasing loyalty and humor. His personality adds a light-heartedness to the film, while also highlighting the underlying message of friendship.

🙌 Supportive 🤗 Friendly

Smiler (voiced by Maya Rudolph)

Smiler is the main antagonist of the story, representing the strict expectations of conformity within the Emoji world. Her character embodies the challenges faced by those who dare to be different, showcasing a complex mix of charm and menace that drives the plot forward.

😏 Antagonist 😬 Conformity

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Emoji Movie (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Contemporary

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting where smartphones dominate the daily lives of high school students. This era highlights the significance of digital communication and social media in shaping personal relationships and interactions. It reflects a time when technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Location

Textopolis

Textopolis is a vibrant city where the Emojis reside, bustling with energy as they represent a spectrum of emotions in the digital world. It serves as the backdrop for the movie's events, showcasing various app landscapes and the digital chaos that comes with the constant engagement of smartphones. Known for its colorful aesthetics and dynamic environment, Textopolis is a reflection of modern communication.

🌆 City 📱 Digital

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Emoji Movie (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🤖

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the story as Gene grapples with his assigned role as a 'meh' Emoji, struggling to embrace his true self. This journey towards self-acceptance resonates with viewers, illustrating the importance of being authentic and expressing a full range of emotions. The movie emphasizes that everyone's uniqueness should be celebrated rather than stifled.

🤝

Friendship

Friendship plays a crucial role in the film as Gene, Jailbreak, and Hi-5 navigate challenges together. Their bond strengthens as they support one another in overcoming the fear of deletion and navigating through the digital world. The theme underscores the value of companionship and loyalty in the face of adversity.

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