Despite a turbulent beginning, DreamWorks Animation has released some of the most iconic and successful animated movies of the last couple of decades. At first, DreamWorks appeared to set itself up as the anti-Disney/Pixar animation company.
The most notable example of this was the fact that DreamWorks’ Antz and Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, two movies about ants, were both released in 1998. However, perhaps the most anti-Disney element can be seen with the release of Shrek. The Shrek franchise was a satire of the typical Disney princess movies that the House of Mouse had built their animation studio on. That being said, DreamWorks has recently gone on to be its own iconic animation studio, no longer defined by being “not Disney.”
This article will list the 10 best DreamWorks movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Kung-Fu Panda: 87%
2008’s Kung Fu Panda tells the story of a clumsy and uncoordinated panda who is destined to become a kung-fu master and defeat a great evil. This beautifully animated movie combines a unique concept with fantastic humor and features the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, and Dustin Hoffman.
The movie was also incredibly lucrative for DreamWorks as it managed to spawn several sequels and was very successful in the Chinese market.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie: 88%
Captain Underpants was based on a best-selling book series with the same name. The plot is based around two young pranksters who hypnotize their principal into thinking that he is a superhero called Captain Underpants.
While the movie did not make a huge splash at the box office, critics praised DreamWorks’ movie adaption as it managed to respect its source material while also expanding upon it in a meaningful way. Additionally, the humor is layered to the point that it is enjoyable for all ages.
This subversive comedy also features the voice talents of Ed Helms and Kevin Hart and is a hilarious watch.
Shrek: 88%
Shrek was - and perhaps still is - DreamWorks’ most iconic movie. The film masterfully satirized and subverted the typical tropes that had become embedded in the Disney brand across several decades. Rather than the hero of the story being a handsome prince, the hero is an ogre. Rather than the villain being some heinous monster, the villain is a corrupt and sleazy Lord.
The subversive nature of Shrek can also be seen in the villain of the piece, as Lord Farquad was based on former Disney CEO Michael Eisner.
Shrek 2: 89%
It is not often that the sequel is better than the original. Only a few movies - The Godfather Pt 2, The Dark Knight, and The Empire Strikes Back - have managed to accomplish this feat. Like those movies, Shrek 2 rises above its predecessor. Shrek 2 expands upon the first movie without diluting what made the first movie so great. Additionally, it also introduces memorable new characters such as Puss in Boots, Prince Charming, and the Fairy Godmother.
Also, the scene in which Fairy Godmother sings “Holding Out For a Hero” while Shrek storms the castle is one of the best scenes in cinema history.
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World: 91%
The third and final movie in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, The Hidden World perfectly and beautifully ties off the trilogy. This movie follows Hiccup, who is now Chief of the Viking village, as he defends his dragon/Viking society from a new and terrifying villain.
Not only does the final entry have another compelling, emotional, and funny plot with a strong villain, but it also provides a poignant conclusion for the characters fans had seen grow across three movies. While it may not be as good as the first in the series, it is still a masterpiece.
How To Train Your Dragon 2: 92%
The second installment in the How to train Your Dragon franchise is a perfect sequel. While it may not have overshadowed its predecessor like Shrek 2, it is still a beautifully animated movie with heartfelt scenes that are perfectly weighted against action and humor.
Critics praised the second installment in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise for its incredible animation, emotional depth, and its ability to build on the original movie in the series while avoiding the dreaded sequelitis.
Antz: 93%
Antz was released in direct competition to A Bug’s Life. However, aside from ‘anty’ subject matter, the focus of the movies are entirely different. Antz focusses on the plight of Z, who is living in a society that places the value of the group over the value of the individual. Consequently, the plot of the movie is about the conflict of individuality with the collective. Critics praised the movie for its depth of plot and its ability to be enjoyed by all ages.
In addition to the thought-provoking plot, the movie also features a stellar voice cast, with Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, and Sylvestor Stallone all lending their talents to the movie.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit: 95%
The Curse of The Were-Rabbit is the second feature-length story by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park. The movie builds on the successful Wallace & Gromit franchise, showing the titular characters as they operate a new pest control business in a small British village. Critics praised this movie for its strong voice cast, its stellar animation, and its ability to make a nonsense plot work in its favor.
The movie is a charming return to the Wallace & Gromit universe and features a fantastic British voice cast including Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes.
Chicken Run: 97%
Chicken Run was the first mainstream success for Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park. The plot follows a group of chickens on a Yorkshire chicken farm in the 1950s as they try and complete an escape from the farm. The movie balances the dark concept of chicken slaughter with comedic elements from the main characters, such as Ginger, Rocky, and Babs. Chicken Run was critically praised for its intelligent and compelling storyline that was masterfully constructed to enchant viewers of all ages.
Chicken Run also features an incredibly talented cast, with Mel Gibson, Miranda Richardson, and Timothy Spall all lending their voices to this film.
How To Train Your Dragon: 99%
How to Train Your Dragon was a critical and commercial marvel for DreamWorks. The plot follows a young Viking (Hiccup) who befriends a rare species of dragon called a Nightfury (Toothless). While initially at war with the dragons, due to Hiccup’s actions, the Viking community eventually learns to live with the dragons.
How to Train Your Dragon was praised by critics for its amazing animation as well as its dramatic depth and developed characters. How to Train Your Dragon also features the voice talents of Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, and Kristen Wiig. This movie also successfully spawned a financially and critically successful trilogy, with all three movies making this list.
