DreamWorks has introduced the public to an extensive lineup of animated films since it first released Antz all the way back in 1998. Since then, the animation studio has developed a long-standing rivalry between themselves and Pixar. Despite the competition, DreamWorks has released several hits, but with every hit comes a few flops.
Some of the most successful DreamWorks films include entries in the Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon media franchises. However, animated film fans may be surprised to find out which of their favorite DreamWorks films didn't make the cut, according to IMDb.
10 The Croods Is A Flintstones-Like DreamWorks Film - 7.2
The Croods is a 2013 film featuring a star-studded cast of actors like Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone. It was the first DreamWorks film to be distributed by 20th Century Fox. The Croods is set during the Pliocene era and follows the lives of a lively cave family called the Croods.
The film received average reviews for its comedic moments and entertaining adventures. It even launched a TV series called Dawn of the Croods and a 2020 film titled The Croods: A New Age.
9 Megamind Is A Highly Underappreciated DreamWorks Film -7.3
Megamind is one of the most underrated DreamWorks films and deserves the spot for one of the highest-rated on IMDb. This 2010 film stars Will Ferrell as the titular character of Megamind, a super villain who grows bored after defeating his arch nemesis, Metro Man.
Due to his boredom, Megamind decides to develop a new superhero by using DNA extracts from Metro Man. However, not everything goes to plan with Tighten, his superhero experiment subject. This DreamWorks film needs to be appreciated more for its hilarious scenes and memorable quotes.
8 Shrek 2 Is One Of The Best Animated Sequels - 7.2
Shrek 2 deserves to be one of the best-rated DreamWorks films on IMDb for the Fairy Godmother belting out "Holding Out for a Hero" scene alone. This film remains one of the best-animated sequels to date, and DreamWorks' most successful film. Some fans enjoy the sequel more than the original Shrek film.
Shrek 2 takes place directly after the events of the first film and improves the laughable scenes even more than its predecessor. Shrek 2 also introduces the side character of Puss in Boots, who will later star in his own spin-off film.
7 Rise Of The Guardians Follows The Adventures Of Magical Characters - 7.3
Rise of the Guardians is a magical film released in 2012 by DreamWorks and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film is based on the novel series The Guardians of Childhood and the short film The Man in the Moon, both by William Joyce. Rise of the Guardians is Peter Ramsey's feature film directorial debut, the first African-American to direct a major American animated film. The film features several made-up characters from viewers' childhood, like the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy, and more, although, the story focuses mainly on the journey of the protagonist: Jack Frost.
6 Wallace & Gromit: Curse Of The Were-Rabbit Won An Oscar - 7.4
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a stop-motion film released in 2005. The film was produced by DreamWorks and Aardman Animations, only the second feature-length film by the latter. Some cast members include Helena Bonham Carter and Ray Fiennes as fresh new voices for this movie.
The plot follows the familiar and lovable characters of the lazy yet innovative Wallace and his dog, Gromit. This Wallace & Gromit film received mixed reviews but still won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
5 How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Includes Hiccup's New Family - 7.5
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, released in 2019, is the third installment in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The film makes history by being the first DreamWorks film to be distributed by Universal Pictures. It was even nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, but lost to Toy Story 4, thus continuing the long-standing rivalry between DreamWorks and Pixar. The film follows Hiccup's life five years after receiving his position as Chieftain and his and Toothless's growing family.
4 The Original Kung Fu Panda Generated A Successful Franchise - 7.6
The success of the media franchise of Kung Fu Panda has resulted in three feature-length films, three shorts, and two acclaimed television series. The beginning of Po's journey takes place in the first installment of Kung Fu Panda, which was released in 2008. Jack Black voices Po, the adorable giant panda sent on a mission as the chosen Dragon Warrior. At the time, the film set ground-breaking records by being the most financially successful film directed solely by a woman, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, until Wonder Woman. What a win!
3 How To Train Your Dragon 2 Features A Major Plot Twist - 7.8
The second installment of the How to Train Your Dragon film series was released in 2014 and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The first sequel to the original film takes place five years after the resolution of peace between the villagers and dragons, creating a new type of society. Hiccup is currently 20 years old and worried about inheriting the position as chieftain from his father. How to Train Your Dragon 2 also features a major plot twist that shouldn't be spoiled. Happy watching!
2 Shrek Is Another Quotable DreamWorks Film - 7.9
The success of the original Shrek film was so huge that it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2020. This DreamWorks film is ground-breaking for another reason. It became the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Shrek introduced the comical ogre of Shrek and his sidekick, Donkey, in addition to various other fairytale characters along the way, in one of the most quotable animated films to date. The success of Shrek led to three sequels and even a musical. Onions have layers!
1 How To Train Your Dragon Is Praised For Many Reasons - 8.1
According to IMDb, the highest-rated DreamWorks film is the original How to Train Your Dragon. Released in 2010, the film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, but lost to Toy Story 3. The film follows Hiccup, the awkward son of a chieftain in a Viking village called Berk. One day, Hiccup befriends a dragon named Toothless, instead of killing it like the other villagers. Their friendship helps spark the eventual peace between dragons and Vikings. This also proves the original film is almost always better!