A family of prehistoric cave-dwellers, the Croods, live in a dark, forbidding world, ruled by fear and routine. The overprotective patriarch, Grug, keeps them safe with a strict code of avoidance: hide from danger, don't explore, and never question the status quo. His daughter, Eep, however, is a curious and adventurous soul, yearning to discover what lies beyond the confines of their sheltered life. One night, her curiosity leads her to stray from the cave, and she encounters an inventive boy named Guy who brings ominous news that their world is changing, and the end is near.

Propelled by the impending doom of seismic upheavals and shifting lands, Grug is forced to abandon his 'never venture out' policy. With no choice but to flee their collapsing cave, Grug and his family embark on a journey of survival in an increasingly unstable world. Along the way, they confront strange creatures and magnificent landscapes that challenge Grug's old-school ways. As they travel, Guy's presence sparks friction but also triggers new thinking, promoting change within the family dynamics. Fearful of the unknown and struggling to adapt, they must navigate a path filled with humor and heart, learning to trust each other and embrace the possibilities that arise with change.