When the selfish Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) is transformed into a helpless llama by his power-hungry advisor, the devious diva Yzma (Eartha Kitt), his only chance to reclaim the good life rests with a good-hearted peasant named Pacha (John Goodman). Kuzco's "perfect world" quickly becomes a perfect mess as he and Pacha embark on an adventure filled with dangers and comic predicaments in their desperate efforts to return the Emperor to the throne. As a result of his budding friendship with Pacha, Kuzco ultimately comes to see the world in a different way.