Z (Woody Allen) is a worker ant thoroughly dissatisfied with his job. His existence consists of digging, complaining to his therapist and digging some more, completely anonymous. One night, at the local bar, he meets Princess Bala (Sharon Stone), a future queen ant taking a night off her duties. Z is smitten but knows he, a lowly worker, can never woo her. In order to impress her, he impersonates Weaver, a strong soldier ant. Unfortunately, he does this just as the soldier ants are shipped off to battle with termites. After a bloody fight, Z, more out of fear than valor, is the only ant left standing and is hailed as a war hero. However, Z's impersonation is revealed and he is quickly discredited. Z kidnaps Bala and flees the colony to the only place he knows to go - Insectopia, a mythical place he has only heard talk of. While there, he learns of a plot by the evil General Mandible (Gene Hackman) against the entire colony. Z and Bala must thwart his plan and save the colony from certain destruction.