An elderly woodworker named Geppetto carves a wooden puppet he calls Pinocchio and wishes on a star for the puppet to become a real boy. That night, the Blue Fairy appears to grant Geppetto's wish, bringing Pinocchio to life, though he remains wooden. She informs Pinocchio that if he proves himself brave, truthful, and unselfish, he will become a real boy. She assigns Jiminy Cricket to be Pinocchio's conscience and guide him towards right from wrong.

As Pinocchio begins to navigate the world, he is introduced to a series of challenges and temptations. He skips school and is led astray by the cunning Honest John, who sells him to the puppet master Stromboli. Under Stromboli's control, Pinocchio becomes the star of a marionette show, enjoying the praise and attention, unaware of the darker aspects of his new life. As Jiminy Cricket tries to steer him back on the right path, Pinocchio must learn to discern who to trust in a world filled with dubious characters and alluring detours.