It stars the voices of series regulars Philip Solomon, Noël Wells, H. Michael Croner, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Phil LaMarr, and Lucia Cunningham, with Vico Ortiz as Serena and Byron Marc Newsome reprising his role as Duane from the spin-off series Jessica's Big Little World.

In his desire to go back to his old home after recently moving into town with his family, Craig sets out on a journey to find the Wishmaker, a paper fortune teller that can grant any kid's wish hidden away in the nearby creek.

He forms new friends with Kelsey and J.P., and the three are pursued by a fearsome band of pirates led by their captain, Serena, who seeks to use the Wishmaker to destroy the Creek itself.

While playing on the swings, Jessica's stuffed toy, Small Uncle, accidentally gets flung into the Creek and Craig ventures in for the first time to get it.

The kids are attacked by a pirate crew led by Serena who intimidates Craig and takes Small Uncle.

Later that night, Craig finds a diary in his room that belonged to the previous occupant Hannah, who reveals that she hid a wish maker somewhere in the Creek to hide from people like Serena.

Serena convinces her crew to stay through the dinner horn while Craig, Kelsey, and J.P. hide in a tree stump and phone each other's parents to make it seem like they are having a sleepover.

Serena decides to continue exploring the Creek on her own as Craig finally returns Small Uncle to a thankful Jessica.

In January 2022, it was reported that Cartoon Network had green lit a fifth season of the television series Craig of the Creek.

Additionally, Byron Marc Newsome was confirmed to voice Duane Williams, reprising his role from Jessica's Big Little World.

[3] The film's plot is inspired by Levin's experiences moving to Maryland as a kid and discovering the nearby creek by his house.

[7][8] In addition to some of the voice cast, performers include Rosenstock's band Death Rosenstock, Soul Glo's Pierce Jordan, Catbite’s Brittany Luna, Good Luck’s Ginger Alford, Rx Bandits’ Matt Embree, Linqua Franqa, and The Bruce Lee Band.

They found it entertaining due to its charm and songs but felt it lacked the diversity angle that made the series special.

[11] Jon Mendelsohn of Comic Book Resources gave the film a 5 out of 10 rating and commended the animation and voice performances, but criticized the story and pacing.

They concluded, "Craig Before the Creek is light and easy to digest, but anyone expecting a grand follow-up to the beloved Cartoon Network series may be disappointed.