DreamWorks SKG was founded in 1994 by acclaimed film director Steven Spielberg, former Disney animation executive Jeffrey Katzenberg and music industry figure David Geffen. Their goal was to bring together top creative talent and challenge the long-dominant force in animated cinema. Since their debut feature Antz in 1998, DreamWorks has released thirty-eight theatrical films and earned more than $14.4 billion worldwide. Now part of NBCUniversal—the same parent company that oversees Illumination Entertainment—DreamWorks continues to compete at the highest level of animated filmmaking, releasing several critically and commercially successful titles in recent years.
In this edition of Ranked, we review DreamWorks Animation’s catalogue and rank all thirty-eight feature films by entertainment value, artistic ambition, animation quality, critical response and audience reception. Here is Every DreamWorks Animation Movie Ranked.
There will always be debate about the order—share your thoughts in the comments.
38. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
Budget: $60 million
Worldwide Box Office: $80.8 million
Starring: Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, Joseph Fiennes
This adventurous retelling of the Sinbad legend has largely faded from memory. It offered classical animation with a star-studded cast, but it failed to leave a lasting impression in a competitive era and remains one of DreamWorks’ lesser-seen titles.
37. Shark Tale (2004)
Budget: $75 million
Worldwide Box Office: $367.3 million
Starring: Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie
Commercially successful but divisive artistically, Shark Tale suffered from uneven animation and humor that often failed to land. Its pop-culture references and celebrity voices made it memorable for some moments but left others wishing for stronger storytelling and visual consistency.
36. Shrek the Third (2007)
Budget: $160 million
Worldwide Box Office: $799 million
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas
After two beloved films, Shrek the Third felt like a letdown to many fans. Its tone and plot choices didn’t recapture the freshness of the originals, and the film is often remembered as the point where the franchise’s magic began to fade.
35. Shrek Forever After (2010)
Budget: $165 million
Worldwide Box Office: $752.6 million
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews
The franchise’s fourth installment returns to familiar characters and themes. It doesn’t reach the heights of the best entries, but it offers a comfortable, nostalgic ride for fans who still care about these characters.
34. Bee Movie (2007)
Budget: $150 million
Worldwide Box Office: $287.6 million
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman
Bee Movie is often remembered more for its internet meme status than for its original qualities. Its quirky premise and Jerry Seinfeld’s voice work have their charms, but the film struggled to find a consistent tone that appealed broadly at release.
33. The Boss Baby (2017)
Budget: $125 million
Worldwide Box Office: $456.7 million
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow
Adapted from a short picture book, The Boss Baby stretches a simple concept into a feature-length comedy. It’s uneven but often amusing, relying on Alec Baldwin’s performance and a whimsical sensibility that works well enough for family audiences.
32. Home (2015)
Budget: $135 million
Worldwide Box Office: $386 million
Starring: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez
Featuring a warm central relationship and memorable vocal performances, Home deserved a wider audience. It’s pleasant and well-crafted, but it lacks the bold originality needed to climb higher on a list of studio highlights.
31. Trolls World Tour (2020)
Budget: $95 million
Worldwide Box Office: $23.2 million (theatrical limited due to 2020 release strategy)
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Sam Rockwell
Released during the global theater shutdown, Trolls World Tour shifted to premium VOD. Visually dazzling and packed with licensed music, it feels more like a colorful pop showcase than a deeply original story, yet it delivers bright, family-friendly entertainment.
30. The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Budget: $95 million
Worldwide Box Office: $76.4 million
Starring: Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez, Armand Assante
This hand-drawn adventure delivers charm and heart despite underperforming at the box office. Its classical animation aesthetic and lighthearted buddy dynamic make it a pleasant reminder of the era when traditional animation still played a major role in mainstream features.
29. Madagascar (2005)
Budget: $78 million
Worldwide Box Office: $532.7 million
Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith
Designed with broad family appeal and marketable characters, Madagascar proved hugely popular. Beneath the slapstick and celebrity voices it offers a simple moral about friendship and identity that resonates with both children and adults.
28. Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
Budget: $132 million
Worldwide Box Office: $373 million
Starring: Tom McGrath, John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch, Werner Herzog
This spin-off leans into spy-movie parody and rapid-fire jokes. With a surprising cast and brisk pacing, it’s an enjoyable diversion that suits fans of the penguins’ irreverent humor.
27. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
Budget: $150 million
Worldwide Box Office: $603.9 million
Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith
The sequel refines the original’s strengths with funnier set pieces and broader emotional beats. The return-to-roots premise provides fresh laughs and more ambitious sequences that improved upon the first film.
26. Turbo (2013)
Budget: $135 million
Worldwide Box Office: $282.6 million
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, Samuel L. Jackson
A lighthearted take on superhero tropes, Turbo centers on a snail who dreams of speed. The film delivers heart and humor in a conceptually fresh way, even if it follows familiar beats of the underdog-comes-into-power story.
25. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)
Budget: $38 million
Worldwide Box Office: $62.7 million
Starring: Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Thomas Middleditch
Brought to life on a modest budget, Captain Underpants captures the anarchic spirit of the source material. It’s energetic and inventive, with a playful visual style that appeals to its core younger audience.
24. Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
Budget: $175 million
Worldwide Box Office: $381.5 million
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett
A mainstream action-comedy with an ensemble voice cast, Monsters vs. Aliens balances spectacle and humor. While it never fully realizes its potential, the film offers entertaining performances and imaginative production design.
23. Flushed Away (2006)
Budget: $149 million
Worldwide Box Office: $178.1 million
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Bill Nighy
With playful, claymation-inspired visuals and a witty sensibility, Flushed Away has been somewhat overlooked. Its clever world-building and strong voice cast make it a rewarding watch for those who discover it.
22. Trolls (2016)
Budget: $125 million
Worldwide Box Office: $344.6 million
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Known for its music and vibrant palette, Trolls is an upbeat, family-friendly musical that charms with catchy songs and an optimistic message. It’s light, colorful and ideal for younger viewers and casual family viewing.
21. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
Budget: $80 million
Worldwide Box Office: $122.6 million
Starring: Matt Damon, James Cromwell
Distinctive for telling its story without dialogue from the animal protagonist, Spirit combines sweeping visuals with a emotive soundtrack. It’s a more contemplative DreamWorks feature that prioritizes mood and imagery over broad comedy.
20. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)
Budget: $145 million
Worldwide Box Office: $746.9 million
Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith
By embracing a circus setting and vibrant visuals, Madagascar 3 reinvigorated the franchise. It’s funny, fast-paced, and visually lively—arguably the best entry in the series for sheer entertainment value.
19. Megamind (2010)
Budget: $130 million
Worldwide Box Office: $321.9 million
Starring: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill
With a witty inversion of superhero tropes and strong vocal performances, Megamind blends humor with surprising heart. Its inventive designs and sharp dialogue make it a standout original in DreamWorks’ catalog.
18. Over the Hedge (2006)
Budget: $80 million
Worldwide Box Office: $336 million
Starring: Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes
Rooted in suburban satire, Over the Hedge balances clever social commentary with a lively ensemble and action sequences. The character-driven comedy and strong voice cast make it an enjoyable mid-list entry.
17. The Croods (2013)
Budget: $135 million
Worldwide Box Office: $587.2 million
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds
Noted for its striking visuals and warm family themes, The Croods offers lush production design and a heartfelt story about adaptation and growth. Its human characters set it apart from many animal-led animated films.
16. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
Budget: $145 million
Worldwide Box Office: $275.7 million
Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter
This playful time-travel tale has a big heart. Although some supporting elements are sentimental, the core relationship and inventive historical adventures make it an engaging family film.
15. Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Budget: $145 million
Worldwide Box Office: $521.2 million
Starring: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie
The third film in the franchise expands its emotional range and showcases vibrant animation. While the original has historic significance, this sequel delivers strong moments and satisfying character arcs.
14. Abominable (2019)
Budget: $75 million
Worldwide Box Office: $162 million
Starring: Chloe Bennet, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Albert Tsai
A quietly original film with beautiful, crisp animation and a simple, emotionally resonant story. Although it didn’t find huge commercial success, Abominable stands out for its visual inventiveness and heartfelt family themes.
13. Puss In Boots (2011)
Budget: $130 million
Worldwide Box Office: $555 million
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis
Spun off from the Shrek universe, Puss in Boots blends swashbuckling action with charm and surprising tenderness. Antonio Banderas brings charisma to the lead, and the film balances humor with genuine emotion.
12. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Budget: $150 million
Worldwide Box Office: $665.7 million
Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman
Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, this sequel deepened the franchise’s themes and delivered powerful visuals and emotional stakes. It’s a bold follow-up that further proves the series’ creative strengths.
11. Antz (1998)
Budget: $105 million
Worldwide Box Office: $171.8 million
Starring: Woody Allen, Dan Aykroyd, Anne Bancroft, Sharon Stone
DreamWorks’ first feature was a mature-leaning animated fable with notable vocal talent. While its aesthetics feel dated next to later CGI films, Antz remains an important, at times moving debut that helped define the studio’s ambitions.
10. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
Budget: $129 million
Worldwide Box Office: $519 million
Starring: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett
The conclusion to a beloved trilogy, this film delivers a heartfelt finale with beautiful animation and a strong emotional throughline. While it doesn’t reinvent the franchise, it provides a satisfying and polished wrap-up for fans.
9. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Budget: $145 million
Worldwide Box Office: $306.9 million
Starring: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Hugh Jackman
This imaginative team-up of mythical guardians is a visually rich adventure with energetic action and strong voice performances. It offers a stirring, child-centered tale about belief and bravery.
8. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Budget: $30 million
Worldwide Box Office: $192.6 million
Starring: Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter
A winner for lovers of traditional stop-motion, this feature captures Nick Park’s quirky wit and affectionate craftsmanship. Its inventive story and handcrafted charm make it a standout against modern CGI fare.
7. Shrek 2 (2004)
Budget: $150 million
Worldwide Box Office: $919.8 million
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews
A triumphant sequel that expanded the original’s humor and world-building, Shrek 2 is DreamWorks’ highest-grossing film and a cultural phenomenon. It refined the franchise’s satire and pushed its visual and comedic boundaries.
6. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Budget: $145 million
Worldwide Box Office: $621.5 million
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler
The highest-ranked sequel on this list, the second Dragon film deepens its characters and raises the stakes with breathtaking visuals and emotional nuance. It’s a powerful continuation that earned critical and audience praise.
5. Chicken Run (2000)
Budget: $45 million
Worldwide Box Office: $224.8 million
Starring: Phil Daniels, Mel Gibson, Jane Horrocks, Miranda Richardson
From the team behind Wallace and Gromit, this claymation caper combines wit, heart and memorable lines. Its simple, well-executed premise and handcrafted animation have made it a beloved classic over time.
4. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Budget: $130 million
Worldwide Box Office: $631.7 million
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan
Charming, visually striking and full of heart, Kung Fu Panda mixes martial arts spectacle with warm family themes. Jack Black’s endearing performance and the film’s unique aesthetic make it a modern animated favorite.
3. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Budget: $165 million
Worldwide Box Office: $494.9 million
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera
A genre-defining film for the 2010s, How to Train Your Dragon combines stunning aerial sequences, emotional storytelling and an unforgettable central bond between boy and dragon. Its influence on animation and wide popular appeal make it one of DreamWorks’ finest achievements.
2. Shrek (2001)
Budget: $60 million
Worldwide Box Office: $484.4 million
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
Iconic and influential, Shrek redefined mainstream animation with its irreverent humor, pop-culture satire and memorable characters. It launched a cultural phenomenon and remains a touchstone for a generation of viewers.
1. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Budget: $70 million
Worldwide Box Office: $218.6 million
Starring: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock
At the top of the list, The Prince of Egypt is a sweeping, hand-drawn epic that integrates computer imagery with traditional animation to powerful effect. Tackling biblical material with emotional depth and a stirring score, it remains one of DreamWorks’ most ambitious and timeless works.
Which DreamWorks Animation film is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments. Follow The Film Magazine on social media to keep up with more ranked lists and coverage of animation and cinema.