The first Land Before Time movie is The Land Before Time, released in 1988.
Based on the provided reference list, the movie that starts the series is the original film. It introduced the beloved characters Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike, setting the stage for their adventures in the Great Valley.
The film's title and release year clearly identify it as the initial entry in the long-running animated series.
Here is the start of the series based on the provided information:
| Number | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Land Before Time | 1988 |
| 2 | The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure | 1994 |
| 3 | The Land Before Time III: Time of the Great Giving | 1995 |
| 4 | The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists | 1996 |
| 5 | The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island | 1997 |
| ... | (Subsequent films follow) |
As you can see from the numbering and the release dates, the 1988 film holds the number one spot, making it the first movie in the Land Before Time franchise.
