Searching for the best DreamWorks movies? Look no further. Our DreamWorks movies ranked list sifts through the studio’s impressive portfolio, comparing critical acclaim, audience love and cultural impact to bring you a definitive guide, from fan-favorite hits to lesser-known titles -- just in time for Kung Fu Panda 4, opening March 8. Are you ready to see where your favorites land? Let’s dive into the DreamWorks universe, with Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer scores as our guide.
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Key Takeaways
- DreamWorks Animation’s contributions range from beloved sagas like Shrek to unique standalones.
- Shrek not only won an Oscar but also became a pop culture force, spawning sequels and reshaping the animation landscape with its mature humor and atypical heroes.
- With a slate featuring a mix of box office giants and underdogs, DreamWorks Animation continues to push the envelope with technological advancements and storytelling, ensuring a special place in audience’s hearts with films that blend humor, adventure and life lessons.
DreamWorks Animation Movie Countdown by Tomatometer
(Click on any title to watch the movie on Vudu)
25. Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024): 71% on the Tomatometer
24. Flushed Away (2006): 73% on the Tomatometer
23. Rise of the Guardians (2012) 74% on the Tomatometer
22. Trolls (2016): 75% on the Tomatometer
21. Over the Hedge (2006): 75% on the Tomatometer
20. The Croods: A New Age (2020): 77% on the Tomatometer
19. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012): 78% on the Tomatometer
18. The Prince of Egypt (1998): 79% on the Tomatometer
17. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011): 81% on the Tomatometer
16. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014): 81% on the Tomatometer
15. Abominable (2019): 82% on the Tomatometer
14. Puss in Boots (2011): 86% on the Tomatometer
13. Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016): 87% on the Tomatometer
12. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017): 87% on the Tomatometer
11. Kung Fu Panda (2008): 87% on the Tomatometer
10. The Bad Guys (2022): 88% on the Tomatometer
9. Shrek (2001): 88% on the Tomatometer
8. Shrek 2 (2004): 89% on the Tomatometer
7. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019): 80% on the Tomatometer
6. How to Train You Dragon 2 (2014): 92% on the Tomatometer
5. Antz (1998): 92% on the Tomatometer
4. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005): 95% on the Tomatometer
3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022): 95% on the Tomatometer
2. Chicken Run (2000): 99% on the Tomatometer
1. How to Train your Dragon (2010): 99% on the Tomatometer
Don't let the positions of lower-ranking titles like Rise of the Guardians (2012) and Over the Hedge (2006) fool you. These films have their own unique charms that contribute to the diverse spectrum of DreamWorks Animation. Further up the list, we find films such as Mr. Peabody & Sherman and The Prince of Egypt. Despite mid-range Tomatometer scores, these films have secured their place in pop culture. Mr. Peabody & Sherman offers a a surprisingly entertaining burst of colorful all-ages fun, while The Prince of Egypt provides an accessible telling of the biblical story through animated film.
Then there are the films that fall just short of the top tier. Shrek, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie and the final installment of the How to Train Your Dragon series have warmed their way into the hearts of audiences and critics alike, offering a blend of humor, action and touching moments. Recent hits like the Oscar-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish prove that DreamWorks Animation is a critical and cultural force that's here to stay.
The Early Years
DreamWorks’ early years were not just about making films; they were about pushing creative boundaries. The early era of DreamWorks Animation kicked off with the release of their first feature film, Antz, featuring a voice cast led by Woody Allen, Christopher Walken and Sylvester Stallone. Antz made its debut in movie theaters on October 2, 1998, ushering in a new era of computer animation and establishing DreamWorks Animation as a significant industry player. This first film brought a more adult style to mainstream animation, in both visuals and tones. Its strong themes of individuality versus conformity set the tone for future DreamWorks’ animated projects, while earning it a score of 92% on the Tomatometer.
The technical visionaries behind Antz won numerous awards for their contributions to animation, developing tools that removed constraints and allowed artists to focus more on their craft. But the early years were not all smooth sailing. Despite its impressive Tomatometer score, Antz faced stiff competition at the box office from Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. However, this competition didn’t deter DreamWorks. Instead, it spurred them on to create more unique and engaging animated films, solidifying their place in the animation industry.
The Shrek Saga
Shrek, widely regarded as the first epic movie in DreamWorks’ journey, signifies a notable landmark. With its satirical take on fairy tales, unconventional heroes and humor that appealed to adults and kids alike, the movie kicked off a series that revolutionized the animation industry and made the entire franchise a cultural touchpoint. Shrek marks an early turning point in the history of DreamWorks Animation, both winning critical acclaim (including the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature!) and demonstrating a way for animation to attract a wider audience.
The voice cast of Shrek is led by Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz – and who could forget Eddie Murphy as the voice of the lovable Donkey, whose improvisational style contributed significantly to the film’s comedic success? The series experienced phenomenal box office success, with the first film earning over $484 million worldwide.
The Shrek movies have not only earned high Tomatometer scores but have also left an indelible imprint on the animation industry and pop culture. Shrek’s cultural significance was further cemented when the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.
The Shrek series introduced a new form of animated storytelling with quirky characters and rock/pop soundtracks, influencing the animation industry and prompting a shift towards PG-rated narratives. Over two decades past its release, the original film is still remembered for its fresh take on "happily ever after" during a time when its satirical perspective starkly contrasted with Disney’s Renaissance period.
The Kung Fu Panda Series
The Kung Fu Panda series is another standout in DreamWorks’ catalogue. Starring big Hollywood names like Jack Black and Angelina Jolie, these films showcase the ability of DreamWorks Animation movies to create gorgeous visuals, engaging character arcs and action-packed adventures, all adding up to some of the most beloved movie experiences in the DreamWorks movies collection.
In the first Kung Fu Panda movie, Jack Black brings the animated panda Po to life with his quirky humor and iconic deliveries. Po’s tragic backstory, revealed in Kung Fu Panda 2, adds depth to his character, making him more relatable and enhancing the emotional impact of the series. In Kung Fu Panda 3, Po transitions from disciple to mentor, training his fellow pandas in the art of kung fu to challenge the supernatural antagonist Kai. And Kung Fu Panda 4 finds him facing his most formidable adversary yet.
While filling the big screen with action packed scenes of animated animals, the films carry the message that everyone is special in their own way. The Kung Fu Panda series is a testament to DreamWorks’ storytelling prowess. With its engaging narrative, compelling character development and stunning animation, the series has earned high praise from critics and audiences alike, ensuring its place among DreamWorks’ finest creations.
The How to Train Your Dragon Series
The How to Train Your Dragon series is another dazzling DreamWorks creation. Celebrated for its superior animation quality, emotive storytelling and powerful musical score, the series has earned high praise from critics and audiences alike. With the franchise grossing over $1 billion worldwide, it has established itself as a formidable box office presence, standing as DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing film series in the American and Canadian market outside of the Shrek series.
The How to Train your Dragon series brings us into the lives of young Hiccup and his dragon Toothless, who together navigate the adventures and challenges of becoming a dragon warrior. Filmmakers made a few changes when adapting the movies from the original books by Cressida Cowell -- most notably the creation of new characters like Astrid Hofferson -- and those risks paid off by broadening the films' appeal.
The Madagascar Adventures
Leaving behind the dragons of the fantasy city of Berk, we journey to the wilds of Madagascar to take a look at one of DreamWorks Animation’s most recognizable series. Following the adventures of loveable animals who escape the Central Park Zoo, the Madagascar series offers catchy dialogue and pop culture references that viewers of all ages can enjoy.
The series is celebrated for its engaging characters like Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra, voiced by actors Ben Stiller and Chris Rock respectively, who add depth and humor to the franchise that resonates with audiences.
The films of the Madagascar series have received mixed reviews, but critics have praised aspects such as the fast-placed plots and vivid visuals. The franchise has amassed a remarkable total global box office of $2.270 billion across its films, with each installment of the original trilogy generating over $500 million. With Chris Rock and Ben Stiller returning for each of the installments, the animated movies retain a positive reception among audiences and a significant place in animation history.
Standalone Gems
DreamWorks’ feature film portfolio extends beyond successful franchises to include standalone gems, highlighting the studio’s proficiency in crafting memorable characters and unique narratives.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, made in collaboration with Aardman Animation, boasts a Tomatometer rating of 95%. It's a humorous adventure that captures the quirkiness of British culture, contributing to its uniqueness and success. Beyond the Oscars, it received numerous accolades, among them a BAFTA Award and the British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film -- additional testament to its quality and charm.
Some of the stand-alone films are cherished for their dynamic leads and memorable characters. Captain Underpants was praised for its tidy plot, clean animation and humor that fits the source material snugly. Then there’s Bee Movie, which gained internet meme status despite its mixed critical success, and Flushed Away, which switched to CGI for dynamic action scenes.
Despite these mixed receptions, standalone films like Flushed Away and Captain Underpants showcase DreamWorks’ ability to create household-name characters and narratives. These films may not have reached the heights of some of their peers, but they certainly add to the rich tapestry of DreamWorks Animation.
The Age of Sequels and Spin-offs
With several of their peroperties, DreamWorks has taken advantage of the profitable potential of animated sequels and spin-offs. These ventures have expanded the studio's portfolio and allowed DreamWorks to delve deeper into the worlds and characters they've created, updating them with fresh content. The strategy has worked, fostering excitement for future releases such as the upcoming Kung Fu Panda 4 and the rumored Shrek 5.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, with a voice cast led by Antonio Banderas, is a prime example. The second film spun off from the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish grossed $481 million worldwide and ranks number 3 on our list, illustrating the studio’s ability to retain critical and audience interest. Sequels like Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa improved upon their predecessors, showing that sequels can sometimes surpass the originals. The age of sequels and spin-offs has truly highlighted DreamWorks’ ability to adapt, evolve and expand their beloved franchises. It’s a testament to the studio’s commitment to storytelling, creativity and audience engagement, pointing to a bright future filled with exciting sequels and spin-offs.
Recent Releases and Future Prospects
With its recent releases and upcoming projects, DreamWorks Animation persists in driving innovation. The Bad Guys brought a fresh twist to the heist premise with its witty writing and a distinctive artistic approach, signifying an innovative new direction for the studio. Similarly, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish not only continued the adventurous tales of the swashbuckling cat but impressed critics and audiences alike, exemplified by its stellar 95% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Looking ahead, DreamWorks is venturing into new territory with the live-action reboot of How to Train Your Dragon, scheduled for June 13, 2025. This move into live-action demonstrates the studio’s ability to adapt and innovate, taking a beloved animation franchise into the realm of live-action.
With its recent releases and upcoming projects, DreamWorks continues to push the boundaries of animation. Whether it’s a fresh spin on a familiar tale or a bold step into new territory, DreamWorks remains at the forefront of innovative storytelling, ensuring that audiences can look forward to more exciting and engaging animated films in the future.
Movie Battles: Comparing DreamWorks' Top Franchises
In this showdown, we'll compare two of the studio's top franchises. In the clash of fantasy titans, both the How to Train Your Dragon series and the Shrek series have been significant box office successes for DreamWorks. While How to Train Your Dragon had a production budget of $165 million, the original Shrek was produced on a tighter budget of $50 million.
When it comes to the box office, both franchises have proven to be heavy hitters. The domestic opening weekend box office showed How to Train Your Dragon earning $43,732,319 and Shrek slightly behind with $42,347,760.
In terms of worldwide box office, How to Train Your Dragon brought in $494,870,992, closely rivaled by Shrek’s global earnings of $492,186,434. Clearly, both of these unique series are cherished by audiences around the globe.
The Impact of DreamWorks Animation on Pop Culture
DreamWorks Animation has made a profound imprint on pop culture. By challenging the Disney/Pixar animation status quo with movies like Shrek, DreamWorks diversified animated films and influenced other studios to embrace non-traditional stories and more mature humor. The studio contributed to the proliferation of animation in cinemas by releasing multiple films annually and by elevating the genre to compete with live-action movies through high-quality animation and storytelling.
The Shrek franchise’s popularity generated a resurgence in the 2010s with an ironic obsession online, leading to the creation of events like Shrekfest and fan-made projects such as "Shrek Retold." Shrek has seen retroactive appreciation for its unique take on animation and storytelling, reflecting the franchise’s enduring imprint on pop culture.
Looking ahead, ongoing discussions about a potential fifth Shrek movie demonstrate the franchise’s lasting cultural significance and the public’s sustained interest in its characters and world. Through its diverse array of films and enduring franchises, DreamWorks Animation continues to shape pop culture, leaving a lasting legacy that resonates with audiences around the world.
The Final Word
From the satirical fairy tales of Shrek to the emotive storytelling of How to Train Your Dragon, DreamWorks Animation has given us a plethora of animated masterpieces. Its diverse array of films, innovative storytelling and impact on pop culture truly make DreamWorks Animation a titan in the animation industry. As we look forward to Kung Fu Panda 4 and more dazzling hits from the studio, let’s celebrate the magic that DreamWorks Animation has brought to our screens and the joy it has brought to our hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the best DreamWorks movie?
How to Train Your Dragon is considered the best DreamWorks movie according to popular rankings and reviews. It received critical acclaim and high ratings, earning a score of 99% on the Tomatometer.
What was DreamWorks Animation's first film?
DreamWorks Animation's first film was Antz, released on October 2, 1998.
