The Best DreamWorks Animation Movies

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Updated May 1, 2024 21.5K views 49 items
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Your favorite movie or short produced or distributed by DreamWorks Animation.
Latest additions: Kung Fu Panda 4, Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Most divisive: Shrek Forever After
Over 1.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best DreamWorks Animation Movies

The best DreamWorks Animation movies are arguably on par with many of the top Disney/Pixar animated movies. And that doesn't include their non-animated fare, which you can see in this ranked list of DreamWorks films. There have been many unforgettable characters to come out of DreamWorks Animation, including Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek from... Shrek. So what are the best DreamWorks Animation movies? 

Fans have voted  on the DreamWorks Animation movies below, ranking them from best to worst. Additional details such as trailer, genres, and release dates have been included when available. DreamWorks Animation had a hand in either producing and/or distributed these films.

This is a list of all notable and most famous DreamWorks Animation films. It answers the questions, "What movies did DreamWorks Animation produce?" and "What films did DreamWorks Animation distribute?" Examples include MegaMind and Kung Fu Panda 2.

This best DreamWorks Animation movies list include shorts as well as feature films made by DreamWorks Animation, including theatrical releases, limited releases, and made-for-TV DreamWorks Animation movies.

  • How to Train Your Dragon
    1
    Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera
    891 votes
    In the animated fantasy film How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a young Viking who, unlike his tribe, isn't keen on killing dragons. Stoick (Gerard Butler), Hiccup's father and village chieftain, struggles to understand his son's pacifist tendencies. During one of the dragon raids, Hiccup injures a Night Fury dragon named Toothless. Instead of finishing him off, he befriends him. This unlikely friendship challenges the village's draconian norms and leads to a shift in their way of life. The movie, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature.
  • Shrek
    2
    Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
    850 votes
    Shrek, a DreamWorks Animation production, is an engaging blend of comedy and fairy tale adventure. The story centers around Shrek (Mike Myers), a grumpy yet endearing ogre, who finds his solitary swamp life disrupted by numerous fairytale creatures banished by the villainous Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). To reclaim his home, Shrek embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) for Farquaad, accompanied by a remarkably chatty Donkey (Eddie Murphy). This Academy Award-winning film cleverly subverts traditional fairy tale tropes while offering viewers a humorous, heartwarming narrative about friendship and acceptance.
  • The Prince of Egypt
    3
    Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer
    655 votes
    The Prince of Egypt is a captivating animated musical drama. The movie chronicles the life of Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer), a Hebrew baby adopted by Pharaoh Seti's wife, Queen Tuya (Helen Mirren). Raised as an Egyptian prince alongside his step-brother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes), Moses learns of his true heritage and embarks on a divine mission to free his people from slavery. This cinematic retelling of the Book of Exodus boasts stunning visuals and an Oscar-winning soundtrack. It explores themes of identity, faith, and destiny without sacrificing entertainment value.
  • Kung Fu Panda
    4
    Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan
    742 votes
    In the animated comedy Kung Fu Panda, Po the Panda (voiced by Jack Black) finds himself chosen as the Dragon Warrior, despite his lack of fitness and martial arts skills. Trained by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Po prepares to face Tai Lung (Ian McShane), a formidable villain. With an ensemble voice cast including Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan, this movie combines humor, action, and a heartwarming story. Kung Fu Panda won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature in 2008 and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
  • Shrek 2
    5
    Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
    750 votes
    In the genre-bending Shrek 2, Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) set off on a new adventure. Fresh from their honeymoon, they're summoned to Fiona's homeland, Far Far Away, to meet her royal parents (John Cleese and Julie Andrews). A fairytale twist ensues as Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) plots to take Fiona's hand. The movie boasts a star-studded voice cast and has won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also introduces the swashbuckling Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), a memorable addition to the franchise. This sequel delivers a mix of humor, adventure, and romance while exploring themes of acceptance and identity.
  • MegaMind
    6
    Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey
    683 votes
    MegaMind is a dynamic animation film that takes the superhero genre and flips it on its head. The story revolves around MegaMind (voiced by Will Ferrell), an intellectual super-villain who suddenly finds life boring after he defeats his nemesis, Metro Man (Brad Pitt). In a twist of events, MegaMind creates a new hero, Titan (Jonah Hill), to keep things interesting. However, when Titan decides to use his powers for evil, MegaMind must step up and save the day. It's a humorous take on classic superhero tropes with memorable characters and witty dialogue, offering viewers a fresh perspective on heroism and villainy.
  • How to Train Your Dragon 2
    7
    Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler
    636 votes
    Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting the island's unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons -- and a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup's long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Hiccup and Toothless then find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago.
  • The Road to El Dorado
    8
    Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez
    506 votes
    The Road to El Dorado is an animated adventure-comedy that takes viewers on a thrilling journey infused with humor and intrigue. The story follows two swindlers, Tulio (voiced by Kevin Kline) and Miguel (Kenneth Branagh), who stumble upon a map leading to the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. Their quest spirals into a whirlwind of unexpected events as they navigate through perilous jungles, confront greedy conquerors, and even befriend a witty horse. This film won the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Theatrical Feature. It's a captivating tale of friendship, courage, and fortune set against the backdrop of a mythical civilization.
  • Kung Fu Panda 2
    9
    Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
    588 votes
    Now known as the Dragon Warrior, Po (Jack Black) protects the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, the Furious Five. However, a dangerous villain threatens Po's awesome new life with plans to use a secret weapon to wipe out the martial art and conquer China. In order to defeat the new enemy, Po finds he must recall his past and unlock secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he find the strength to vanquish his foe.
  • Madagascar
    10
    Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer
    627 votes
    In the animated comedy Madagascar, New York Zoo's star residents - Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) - find themselves thrust into the wild unknown. A botched escape attempt sends them washing ashore on Madagascar, a place far removed from their urban jungle comfort. As they navigate this new world, they grapple with nature's challenges while also discovering their wild instincts. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, Madagascar won an ASCAP Award for its lively score and features Sacha Baron Cohen lending his voice to King Julien, a party-loving lemur.
  • Rise of the Guardians
    11
    Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law
    552 votes
    In the animated adventure Rise of the Guardians, Jack Frost (Chris Pine) finds himself in a most unexpected predicament. He's recruited by a group of legendary figures - North, aka Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), Bunny, aka Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), and Sandman, who are tasked with protecting the world's children from fear and despair. Their enemy? The malevolent Pitch Black (Jude Law), who threatens to engulf the world in darkness. This band of heroes must stop him, but for that, they need Jack Frost to believe in his own power. A film filled with fantasy and action that won the Cinema Audio Society award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for an Animated Motion Picture.
  • Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
    12
    Matt Damon, James Cromwell, Daniel Studi
    416 votes
    Follows the adventures of a wild and rambunctious mustang stallion as he journeys through the untamed American frontier. Encountering man for the first time, Spirit defies being broken, even as he develops a remarkable friendship with a young Lakota brave. The courageous young stallion also finds love with a beautiful paint mare named Rain on his way to becoming one of the greatest unsung heroes of the Old West.
  • How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
    13
    Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, F. Murray Abraham
    224 votes
    In How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) finds himself in a position of leadership, guiding his beloved clan of dragon riders. Alongside him is Toothless, the Night Fury dragon with whom he shares an unbreakable bond. When a dark threat looms in the form of Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham), a notorious dragon hunter, their world teeters on the brink of chaos. Simultaneously, a discovery of a luminous, untamed paradise of dragons propels them into uncharted territories. This animated adventure film, third in its series and winner of a Saturn Award for Best Animated Film, weaves together themes of friendship, courage and discovery in the face of adversity.
  • Over the Hedge
    14
    Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell
    497 votes
    In DreamWorks' animated comedy, Over the Hedge, RJ (Bruce Willis), a mischievous raccoon, and Verne (Garry Shandling), a cautious turtle, find themselves in an unfamiliar suburban world while seeking food. They befriend fellow animals like Stella (Wanda Sykes), a skunk, and Hammy (Steve Carell), a hyperactive squirrel. As they navigate the new territory, their survival instincts are put to test against humans and exterminator Dwayne (Thomas Haden Church). This film intertwines humor with environmental commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The movie's vibrant animation and witty dialogue have earned it acclaim.
  • Puss in Boots
    15
    Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis
    460 votes
    Long before meeting Shrek, Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) -- just named a hero for saving a woman from a charging bull -- is run out of town on suspicion of bank robbery, even though the real villain is Puss' friend, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Though there is still animosity between them, Puss and Humpty reunite to steal a goose that lays golden eggs. Joining them for the adventure of nine lifetimes is notorious cat burglar, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek).
  • Chicken Run
    16
    Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson
    393 votes
    In the world of Chicken Run, a claymation comedy of audacious charm, we follow Ginger (Julia Sawalha), a hen with an unyielding spirit. She's locked inside Tweedy's Farm, a grim poultry farm in England where chickens who fail to lay eggs meet a sinister fate. When Rocky (Mel Gibson), an American rooster with lofty promises of freedom, crash-lands into the coop, hope stirs among the feathered prisoners. Together, they hatch a plan to escape before Mrs. Tweedy (Miranda Richardson) transforms her farm into a chicken pot pie factory. It's a captivating story of courage and cunning, an animated adventure that humorously echoes The Great Escape.
  • The Croods
    17
    Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds
    469 votes
    Prehistoric family the Croods live in a particularly dangerous moment in time. Patriarch Grug (Nicolas Cage), his mate, Ugga (Catherine Keener), teenage daughter Eep (Emma Stone), son Thunk (Clark Duke) and feisty Gran (Cloris Leachman) gather food by day and huddle together in a cave at night. When a more evolved caveman named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) arrives on the scene, Grug is distrustful, but it soon becomes apparent that Guy is correct about the impending destruction of their world.
  • Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
    18
    Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer
    437 votes
    In the animated film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, our lovable quartet of New York City zoo escapees - Alex the Lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) - find themselves marooned in the wilds of Africa. This sequel, brimming with humor and adventure, unfolds as they navigate unfamiliar terrain and encounter new creatures. Alongside their lemur friends, King Julien XIII (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Maurice (Cedric The Entertainer), they must learn to survive in the wild while trying to return home. Their journey is a comedic exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of family.
  • Kung Fu Panda 3
    19
    Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman
    317 votes
    Living large and loving life, Po (Jack Black) realizes that he has a lot to learn if he's going to fulfill the next challenge from his beloved instructor (Dustin Hoffman). After reuniting with his long-lost father (Bryan Cranston), Po must transition from student to teacher and train a group of fun-loving, clumsy pandas to become martial-arts fighters. Together, the kung-fu brethren unite to take on the evil Kai (J.K. Simmons), a supernatural warrior who becomes stronger with each battle.
  • Monsters vs. Aliens
    20
    Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen
    418 votes
    In the animated feature Monsters vs. Aliens, Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day, causing her to grow to an enormous size. Dubbed Ginormica, she's taken to a secret government facility where she meets a motley crew of fellow monsters: Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), The Missing Link (Will Arnett), and B.O.B. (Seth Rogen). When an alien overlord named Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) threatens Earth, it falls to these unlikely heroes, under General W.R. Monger's (Kiefer Sutherland) command, to save humanity. This comedy-action film won the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film in 2009.
  • Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
    21
    Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter
    381 votes
    In the delightful stop-motion animated film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his loyal dog, Gromit, run a humane pest control service. They are tasked with protecting the town's gigantic vegetables for the annual Giant Vegetable Competition. However, their mission takes a turn when they grapple with a monstrous rabbit. This charming comedy, directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2005. Its unique blend of British humor, unforgettable characters, and inventive plot is sure to entertain viewers of all ages.
  • Penguins of Madagascar
    22
    Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Christopher Knights
    351 votes
    Plucky penguins Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Rico (Conrad Vernon) and Private (Christopher Knights) -- the most elite spies ever hatched -- join forces with a chic undercover organization known as the North Wind. Led by highly trained, handsome and arrogant Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch), this special inter-species task force must stop a many-tentacled villain, Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich), from destroying the world.
  • Flushed Away
    23
    Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Jean Reno
    397 votes
    After an ignoble landing in Ratropolis, a pampered rodent (Hugh Jackman) enlists the help of a sewer scavenger (Kate Winslet) in finding his way back to his posh London flat. Getting home is not the only problem, however; a rodent-hating toad (Ian McKellen) wants his notorious cousin, Le Frog (Jean Reno), to exterminate the pair.
  • Shrek Forever After
    24
    Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
    404 votes
    Long-settled into married life and fully domesticated, Shrek (Mike Myers) begins to long for the days when he felt like a real ogre. Duped into signing a contract with devious Rumpelstiltskin, he finds himself in an alternate version of Far Far Away, where ogres are hunted, Rumpelstiltskin rules, and he and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) have never met. Shrek must find a way out of the contract to restore his world and reclaim his true love.
  • Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
    25
    Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer
    396 votes
    Animal pals Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) are still trying to make it back to New York's Central Park Zoo. They are forced to take a detour to Europe to find the penguins and chimps who broke the bank at a Monte Carlo casino. When French animal-control officer Capitaine Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand) picks up their scent, Alex and company are forced to hide out in a traveling circus.
  • Home
    26
    Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin
    256 votes
    After a hive-minded alien race called the Boov conquer the Earth, they relocate the planet's human population -- all except for a little girl named Tip (Rihanna), who's managed to hide from the aliens. When Tip meets a fugitive Boov called Oh (Jim Parsons), there's mutual distrust. However, Oh is not like his comrades; he craves friendship and fun. As their distrust fades, the pair set out together to find Tip's mother, but, unbeknown to them, the Gorg -- enemies of the Boov -- are en route.
  • Mr. Peabody & Sherman
    27
    Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter
    232 votes
    Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell), the most accomplished canine in the world, and his boy, Sherman (Max Charles), use a time machine called the Wabac to embark on outrageous adventures. However, when Sherman takes the Wabac without permission to impress his friend Penny (Ariel Winter), he accidentally rips a hole in the universe and causes havoc with world history. It's up to Mr. Peabody to mount a rescue and prevent the past, present and future from being permanently altered.
  • Antz
    28
    Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman
    377 votes
    In the animated film Antz, Z (voiced by Woody Allen), an average worker ant, finds himself questioning the strict hierarchy and conformity of his colony. This musing triggers a series of events that leads him to challenge the oppressive regime led by General Mandible (Gene Hackman). The story unfolds as he embarks on a daring quest for freedom, love, and self-discovery, crossing paths with Princess Bala (Sharon Stone) and the free-spirited Insectopia. Antz is a remarkable blend of comedy, adventure, and social commentary. Despite its insect-sized protagonists, it delivers a gigantic impact in terms of storytelling and animation prowess.
  • Shrek the Third
    29
    Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
    415 votes
    In Shrek the Third, Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), finds himself reluctantly stepping into royal shoes. With his wife, Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and loyal friend Donkey (Eddie Murphy) by his side, he embarks on a journey to find the legitimate heir to the throne - Arthur (Justin Timberlake). As they navigate through a series of comedic misadventures, the villainous Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) plots to seize power in Far Far Away. This animated adventure-comedy film, directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui, won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Comedy and maintains its charm with an engaging blend of humor and heartwarming characters.
  • Bee Movie
    30
    Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick
    399 votes
    In the animated film Bee Movie, Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) is not your average honeybee. Fresh out of college, he's disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice‚ honey. During a trip outside the hive, Barry's life takes an exciting turn when he breaks bee law and talks to a human, florist Vanessa Bloome (Renée Zellweger). As their unique friendship blossoms, Barry discovers that humans are mass consumers of honey, leading him to sue them for theft. The movie weaves in comedic elements, making it a light-hearted critique of human exploitation of natural resources.