Stop wondering whether or not Nicolas Cage is secretly mason. If he is a successful Hollywood celebrity, he is, or some sort of luciferian sellout for sure (facts are facts and if you're going to deny them there is no reasoning with you). Now, besides that point.....

This movie definitely has esoteric and exoteric meanings.

The exoteric meaning is the one most people will understand as the feel good movie with good principles. Christians will defend this as well saying that the croods were doomed before they chose to follow the sun (or son).

The esoteric meaning, the one that only those who actually question what is going into their minds will understand is this. The croods have a Father. One who has provided rules to keep them safe from danger. The wages of not following those rules is death. (This is portrayed quite mockingly as stupid and paranoid). A guy comes along and contacts "Eep" first who can control fire and teaches her and the rest that they "surely will not die" if they don't follow the rules of the Father. Not only does he teach them this, but also has a strong fascination with the sun (most if not all ancient cults/demonic religions believed in sun worship and lucifer always portrays himself as the light.

One point in the movie the Father says "it's my job to follow the rules and protect you". Eep said that was not living, it was just surviving (YOLO!!) to which they all replied they were now going to follow guy. (The turn from God).