Disney and Pixar may have some serious dominance today when it comes to the box office, yet there was a time not too long ago when another studio was giving them a serious run for their money when it came to animation films. During the early noughties, Dreamworks churned out hits at an unbelievable pace, including the likes of Shrek, Shark Tale, and Madagascar.
Though Dreamworks' success has slowed a little in recent years, the minds behind some of animation's greatest tales continue to bring bright, vibrant, and most importantly captivating stories to cinema, warming the hearts of families everywhere. Many Dreamworks' pictures are deeply cherished by fans, and the characters within them remain some of the big screen's most adorable personas.
10 Oscar Is A Flawed But Fascinating Fish In Shark Tale
The fish who has more than a few issues with honesty, Oscar learns his lessons the hard way and when he finds himself in way over his head, most audiences can't help but feel for the financially flawed ocean dweller.
His appeal is of course greatly enhanced by the voice of screen legend Will Smith, but watching Oscar's journey in Shark Tale always makes for an amusing and touching time.
9 Megamind Is Mega Lovable After He Makes Himself Into A Hero
A character voiced by famous funnyman Will Ferrell was always likely to offer up laughs, but few expected a supervillain-turned-hero to be this hilarious. He may start out as a character destined for hate rather than adoration, but by the end of Megamind, this blue big-head cements himself as a real fan favorite.
From his spoofing of iconic comic book bad guys to becoming a hero comparable to the good ones, Megamind's energy and ability to entertain make him just as underrated as the movie which introduced him to the world.
8 Audiences Love Wallace As Much As He Loves Cheese In The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit
A British national treasure, claymation's cheesiest chap may have gotten his start back in 1989 under Nick Park of Aardman Animation, yet for his big-screen debut, Dreamworks took the reigns of Wallace and Gromit.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was a huge success, earning Dreamworks their second Best Animated Feature Academy Award. A huge part of all the praise belongs to Wallace himself, the kindhearted, cheese-loving, clumsy inventor who already had the hearts of everyone in the UK, but with this film, he endeared himself to the entire world.
7 Spirit Is An Enchanting Animal In An Unforgiving World
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron's title star steed is a most majestic mount, and being that his first film is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling, touching, and heartwarming adventures ever animated, Spirit himself being a source of admiration for many is to be expected.
Voiced by the ever recognizable Matt Damon, this horse's innermost thoughts leave it all on the table, making him honest, honorable, and near impossible to dislike.
6 Shrek Goes From Lonesome To Lovable
The multi-layered lovable ogre has one of cinema's most noticeable noggins, as his initial fairy tale takedown was nothing short of a phenomenon within entertainment, spawning a monster franchise from its humble swamp-based beginnings.
He may be highly territorial, yet all Shrek ever needed was someone to love and to love him back, and he found that in more than one of his traveling companions. The good-natured green guy now dwells as one of Hollywood's most beloved characters.
5 The Penguins Of Madagascar Are More Than Just Comic Relief
The fact that these lovable dawdlers received their own spin-off movie is a testament to their popularity amongst Madagascar fans. The Penguins are witty, clever, and always hilarious, and though their own movie didn't exactly live up to the heights of the franchise, the black and white buds offer some of the series' finest moments as background players.
Always a delightful watch, the flightless birds' voice cast in Madagascar includes the likes of Chris Miller, Tom McGrath, and Jeffrey Katzenberg in a hilarious non-speaking, grunts and squeals-only capacity.
4 Hiccup's Growth Makes Him An Endearing Hero In How To Train Your Dragon
The young man that trained the dragon is one of Dreamworks' bravest boys, regularly going against the grain to care for and save his beloved friend Toothless.
The duo makes up one of the studio's most heartwarming companionships. From awkward and clumsy to bold and heroic, Hiccup's journey in the How to Train Your Dragon series is a beautifully realized exercise in character growth, an unforgettable coming of age tale that helps the first movie stand as one of Dreamworks' best.
3 Kung Fu Panda's Po Makes Up For His Lack Of Skill With A Wholesome Helping Of Heart
The panda is one of nature's most majestic gentle giants and Jack Black may just be the cinematic equivalent. This kung fu kicker is as heroic as he is huggable, and his penchant for accidents only makes him more endearing.
Kung Fu Panda's protagonist has all the heart and passion to match his martial arts mastery, and his resiliency in the face of mockery gives audiences every reason to root for him. Po is one of Dreamworks' most engaging heroes, made all the better by the awe-inspiring voice acting performance from Black.
2 Shrek's Donkey Is The Ultimate Loyal Companion
Eddie Murphy is undoubtedly a cinematic icon, yet despite all his enormous success in live-action movies, his role as Donkey in the Shrek franchise is arguably his most famous.
Lonely and in need of a friend, the waffle-making mule finds one in Shrek, and his adorable antics go a long way in softening the big green ogre's heart. It would of course have the same effect on the audience and leave Donkey as one wise and well-meaning pet that anyone would be thankful for.
1 You'd Have To Be Heartless Not To Love Toothless From How To Train Your Dragon
Dragons are often presented as fierce, fire-breathing monsters in desperate need of slaying, and while Toothless can certainly be fierce, a single viewing of this lovable creature in How to Train Your Dragon will quickly melt the viewer's heart faster than any flame fired from a flying lizard's mouth.
A heroic and heartwarming picture that remains one of Dreamworks' finest creations, How to Train Your Dragon is this little winged wonder's story, and there's no surprise that since its release, Toothless plushes have stayed a common sight in toy stores around the world.