DreamWorks Animated Films (1998-present)
I did a list of all the Disney animated films from Snow White to Zootopia. Check it out, it gives a nice history and analysis of each film. And I'm going to do the same here with Disney's greatest competitor, DreamWorks Animation. Another animated film company that has found there own success throughout their short but incredible history. There films are also very broad and unpredictable, as you never know what their next film will bring and it is always fun to watch their films not knowing what to expect and more times then not be intrigued and sometimes awestruck. That's the magic of DreamWorks, is their ability to keep you guessing with rich stories, and memorable and complex characters. This is DreamWorks Animation. Enjoy!
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- DirectorEric DarnellTim JohnsonLawrence GutermanStarsWoody AllenSharon StoneGene HackmanA rather neurotic ant tries to break from his totalitarian society while trying to win the affection of the princess he loves.The very first film released and made by DreamWorks. This film ended up competing with Disney/Pixar's A Bug's Life; which is pretty bold. Luckily A Bug's Life wasn't Toy Story in terms of hype and overall mass allowing Antz to come in and compete. Antz's success is very much like Toy Story as in the box office, it made just a little more the it's budget, but allowed DreamWorks to continue their marvelous journey to supremacy. A lot of people consider Antz to be better then A Bug's Life, but that's just one of those things where I say, "You be the judge." But, honestly I do think Antz takes more chances then A Bug's Life. There is actually some profanity in Antz, which is very unusual for an animated film. A very grim, and well put together film. However, both Antz and A Bug's Life offer great stuff, but both have mistakes as well. DreamWorks Animation was created by filmmaker Steven Spielberg, musical icon David Geffen, and animation wizard Jeffrey Katzenberg. It all started after Katzenberg has a dispute with Disney shortly after The Lion King's release, resulting in him leaving (like Bluth) to make his own company which became known as DreamWorks Animation.
- DirectorBrenda ChapmanSteve HicknerSimon WellsStarsVal KilmerRalph FiennesMichelle PfeifferEgyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.Sometimes two is better then one with DreamWorks' first of four hand-drawn animated films featuring the story of Moses with a more easily understandable approach and doesn't let up on the seriousness and heartfelt moments. Prince of Egypt was a bigger success financially then Antz. This would lead to a few more hand drawn films in the near future. And for a film company that was just born, this is a pretty mature and wonderful film that showed what DreamWorks is capable of.
- DirectorBibo BergeronDon PaulJeffrey KatzenbergStarsKevin KlineKenneth BranaghRosie PerezTwo swindlers get their hands on a map to the fabled city of gold, El Dorado.A lot of times three is a lucky number, but not for DreamWorks. After releasing two stellar films before this one went the way of the do-do in terms of overall success. It failed in a three major departments, critically, financially, and publically. And for a company that just started a box office bomb could have proved to be disastrous for DreamWorks. As is seemed they would be gone before they could leave the driveway.
- DirectorPeter LordNick ParkStarsMel GibsonJulia SawalhaPhil DanielsWhen a cockerel apparently flies into a chicken farm, the chickens see him as an opportunity to escape their evil owners.Like how Cinderella saved Disney from going sour, Chicken Run did just that for DreamWorks. Teaming up with Aardman Animation know for their stop motion films gave DreamWorks it's niche back. This proved to their most successful film yet. And would not be the last time DreamWorks and Aardman team up.
- DirectorAndrew AdamsonVicky JensonStarsMike MyersEddie MurphyCameron DiazA mean lord exiles fairytale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back.This is when DreamWorks really got rolling. Shrek would end up being DreamWorks' first franchise to come. And was a big enough success to do so. And what a success it was, this earned DreamWorks it's first Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Also, DreamWorks holds the prestigious status of being the first animated company to win the Oscars for best animated feature. As 2001 was the first year the Oscars began the category. Shrek as a franchise would become the company's most successful franchise financially to date releasing some great characters like Puss in Boots, Donkey, and of course Shrek.
- DirectorKelly AsburyLorna CookStarsMatt DamonJames CromwellDaniel StudiA captured mustang remains determined to return to his herd no matter what.DreamWorks' third hand-drawn animated film. Trying to bring back the success of Prince of Egypt. While it did become a hit with critics, people didn't go to see in theaters as much as DreamWorks hoped for. It did get more money then it's budget but like Antz, barely.
- DirectorPatrick GilmoreTim JohnsonStarsBrad PittCatherine Zeta-JonesJoseph FiennesThe sailor of legend is framed by the goddess Eris for the theft of the Book of Peace and must travel to her realm at the end of the world to retrieve it and save the life of his childhood friend Prince Proteus.The second of only two films by DreamWorks to not reach 100 million in the box office. Due to the lack of success from the hand drawn films DreamWorks and Jeffrey Katzenberg decided to abandon hand drawn films almost completely and just strictly do computer animated films. And after the failures of them all with the exception of Prince of Egypt, who can blame them?
- DirectorAndrew AdamsonKelly AsburyConrad VernonStarsMike MyersEddie MurphyCameron DiazShrek and Fiona travel to the Kingdom of Far Far Away, where Fiona's parents are King and Queen, to celebrate their marriage. When they arrive, they find they are not as welcome as they thought they would be.Shrek 2 almost reached a billion dollars making over 900 million. If it did that it would have been the first animated film to do so. But instead that historical achievement goes to Pixar with Toy Story 3. Nonetheless, DreamWorks should be proud of this one as it is smart, funny and is the best of the Shrek films by far. Introducing a cast of delightful characters people will remember forever like: Puss in Boot voiced by Antonio Banderas, and the Fairy Godmother brilliantly voiced by Jennifer Saunders.
- DirectorBibo BergeronVicky JensonRob LettermanStarsWill SmithRobert De NiroRenée ZellwegerWhen a son of a gangster shark boss is accidentally killed while on the hunt, his would-be prey and his vegetarian brother decide to use the incident to their own advantage.This film makes me ask, "What the "beep" happened?" DreamWorks was doing a wonderful job from Shrek 2 that I thought they wouldn't make films like this. Well they did, and is considered DreamWorks' worst film to this day. Oh, it did good in the box office, nowhere near as good as Shrek 2, but money aside. This film is an embarrassment with nothing good to say about it. Really, I'm trying to say something good, but I just can't. Maybe it was a creative idea that just didn't work out.
- DirectorEric DarnellTom McGrathStarsChris RockBen StillerDavid SchwimmerA group of animals who have spent all their life in a New York zoo end up in the jungles of Madagascar, and must adjust to living in the wild.Anyway, now on to Madagascar. After seeing, you know what, I was happy to see DreamWorks didn't go stupid. This is there best film since Shrek 2, a year ago. And would give light to the second franchise created by DreamWorks. Madagascar offers a mixture of fun, heart, and adventure. And introducing more wonderful characters like Alex the lion, and of the course the penguins.
- DirectorSteve BoxNick ParkStarsPeter SallisHelena Bonham CarterRalph FiennesWallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, set out to discover the mystery behind the garden sabotage that plagues their village and threatens the annual giant vegetable growing contest.DreamWorks' second and most recent film to receive the Academy Award for best animated film. Also the second film to team up with Aardman Animation. This perhaps the best adaptation of a TV show ever. At least they didn't get Raja Gosnell to do it. Knowing what he did to the Smurfs and Scooby-Doo.
- DirectorTim JohnsonKarey KirkpatrickStarsBruce WillisGarry ShandlingSteve CarellA scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating...and learns a lesson about family himself.DreamWorks as I said is very unpredictable like a rollercoaster. They are just so up and down. Over the Hedge is another film of just mediocre performance critically and publically. I personally don't care for this either, but to some people it is considered a good comedy and I can see that, just not my cup of tea. But DreamWorks knows how to bring unique and flavorful films which a lot of times works wonders for them.
- DirectorDavid BowersSam FellStarsHugh JackmanKate WinsletIan McKellenThe story of an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life.This is when DreamWorks and Aardman parted ways right in the middle of producing Flushed Away. As it was meant to be a stop motion film like Wallace & Gromit as you can see by the animation style. But DreamWorks and Aardman disagreed on some artistic choices and decided their short but great partnership must end. This film made some money at the box office, not a whole lot. And was not successful in the other departments. Ending up being the worst performing film for DreamWorks since Sinbad.
- DirectorChris MillerRaman HuiStarsMike MyersCameron DiazEddie MurphyReluctantly designated as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away, Shrek hatches a plan to install the rebellious Artie as the new king while Princess Fiona tries to fend off a coup d'état by the jilted Prince Charming.(Face palm then an exhausted exhale) Unpredictability can sometimes not work. And in Shrek the Third, they should have just stopped at two. What is there to say? In my opinion, this is just an abomination and an embarrassment even more then Shark Tale for DreamWorks. I can't believe a company that would later go on to make wonderful films like Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon actually made this. Unfortunately the director of the last film Andrew Adamson didn't return, thus brought in a new director. And it clearly shows these guys did not get the idea of how Shrek is great. This is the worst film by DreamWorks period. Why worse then Shark Tale? Because at least Shark Tale was a stand alone film and didn't get a sequel. But when a movie like this comes out following one of the greatest animated films of all time, this is way worse. Turning Shrek from a great franchise to just an OK one.
- DirectorSimon J. SmithSteve HicknerStarsJerry SeinfeldRenée ZellwegerMatthew BroderickBarry B. Benson, a bee just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey and subsequently decides to sue them.After the last embarrassment I was hoping for a better comeback from DreamWorks, this was not even a comeback. Just a little better then Shrek 3. Not much else to say. DreamWorks has token a downward spiral since winning the Academy Award for Wallace & Gromit. Releasing 4 bad or mediocre films in a row.
- DirectorMark OsborneJohn StevensonStarsJack BlackIan McShaneAngelina JolieTo everyone's surprise, including his own, Po, an overweight, clumsy panda, is chosen as protector of the Valley of Peace. His suitability will soon be tested as the valley's arch-enemy is on his way.On the other hand unpredictability can work wonders if done the right way. Kung Fu Panda tells you to never judge a movie by it's cover. Seriously, a panda as a kung Fu master? Crazy. But it just might work. And boy did it ever, again giving DreamWorks it's niche back and this time for good. Also beginning a new and all time third franchise for DreamWorks.
- DirectorEric DarnellTom McGrathStarsBen StillerChris RockDavid SchwimmerThe Madagascar animals fly back to New York City, but crash-land on an African nature reserve in Kenya, where they meet others of their own kind, and Alex especially discovers his royal heritage as prince of a lion pride.The second film in the Madagascar franchise. 2008 was a good year for DreamWorks releasing two wonderful films both funny and engaging. Despite Madagascar 2 having a lot of Lion King elements, it still has a lot of unique qualities that make me glad DreamWorks is here and well.
- DirectorRob LettermanConrad VernonStarsReese WitherspoonRainn WilsonStephen ColbertA woman transformed into a giant after she is struck by a meteorite on her wedding day becomes part of a team of monsters sent in by the U.S. government to defeat an alien mastermind trying to take over Earth.An OK film with some unique character design. This would be successful enough to generate a TV series that ran for a year on Nickelodeon. A memorable character came out of this being B.O.B voiced by Seth Rogan. Now lets move on as I can't wait to talk about the next film.
- DirectorDean DeBloisChris SandersStarsJay BaruchelGerard ButlerChristopher Mintz-PlasseA hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.This is without a doubt the best animated film that DreamWorks has ever made or released. I was in heaven when I saw this film. The more I watched this the more it captured my soul. Sparking the creation of another franchise the 4th in counting. This film didn't make as much money as it deserves. But in that same year we got Toy Story 3 which is a tough competitor. But despite that, How to Train Your Dragon did wonders and succeeded on its own. Winning 10 out of 16 awards from the Annies, including best picture, best director, best character animation (Toothless), and best sound amongst many more. This was also nominated for an Academy Award for best animated film unfortunately losing to Toy Story 3. But this film would make people take DreamWorks seriously as a legit film studio and a tough competitor for Disney. How to Train Your Dragon is what I expect from DreamWorks in story, characters, and animation. Oh yeah I didn't even mention the animation which is outstanding. The flying scenes are breathtaking and the wonderful camera work by Roger Deakins made me feel like I was riding on Toothless. But perhaps the one thing that people remember from this the most is a character that doesn't need an introduction, he is Toothless. Oh my goodness, what a wonderful character. Beautifully animated by Gabe Hordos, and sounded by Randy Thom who provides all the roars and grunts of Toothless. Toothless is one character that when the franchise is all set and done, people will remember. I will, you will and I can't wait to see what the franchise has in store with story, depth, emotion and of course, Toothless. Who is in my opinion the best character DreamWorks has ever created. Awesome film, and a wonderful job by DreamWorks. This is how you do it!
- DirectorMike MitchellStarsMike MyersCameron DiazEddie MurphyRumpelstiltskin tricks a mid-life crisis burdened Shrek into allowing himself to be erased from existence and cast in a dark alternate timeline where Rumpelstiltskin rules supreme.After the incredible impact of How to Train Your Dragon, DreamWorks didn't stop there. The same year releasing the last of the Shrek movies in the franchise. A time that mark the end of a wonderful and memorable movie franchise, but also began a new one for DreamWorks. It's safe to say that 2010 was a big year for DreamWorks. But the film itself was much better then the third film but nowhere near as good as Shrek 2 or How to Train Your Dragon. But a good way to end a legendary character and franchise. But now there's rumors of a fifth film, so we'll see what happens.
- DirectorTom McGrathStarsWill FerrellJonah HillBrad PittEvil genius Megamind finally defeats his do-gooder nemesis, Metro Man, but is left without a purpose in a superhero-free world.A just when you think DreamWorks can't do more, they do. 2010 is by far the best year for DreamWorks and began a time I like to call the "DreamWorks Renaissance" a time where year after year they'd release great movies with compelling stories and rich characters. Megamind as a wonderful addition to that pantheon of great films from DreamWorks.
- DirectorJennifer Yuh NelsonStarsJack BlackAngelina JolieJackie ChanPo and his friends fight to stop a peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but first the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past.2011 was another great year for DreamWorks, astounding effort and amazing films start to come more and more and Kung Fu Panda 2 is a prime example. This film gives a twist to the characters we love at this point, example Tigress is more loose and not as stingy. Kung Fu Panda 2 does what a sequel is meant to do, which is to extend on the story instead of rehashing it and does a good job at keeping us guessing.
- DirectorChris MillerStarsAntonio BanderasSalma HayekZach GalifianakisAn outlaw cat, his childhood egg-friend, and a seductive thief kitty set out in search for the eggs of the fabled Golden Goose to clear his name, restore his lost honor, and regain the trust of his mother and town.The best spin-off of a character ever in history. Because really there isn't that many. So Puss in Boots takes that prize. Puss in Boots is as you all know from the Shrek franchise who became a sensation from the film. Now he has his own film. How is it? This was surprisingly mature and has a sense of adventure and danger. This also brings some new characters we never saw before. A brilliant reimagining of Humpty Dumpty, and a kick-ass female sidekick and lover to Puss named Kitty Softpaws.
- DirectorEric DarnellTom McGrathConrad VernonStarsBen StillerJada Pinkett SmithChris RockThe Madagascar animals join a struggling European circus to get back to New York, but find themselves being pursued by a psychotic animal-control officer.People were nervous about this one as people thought based on DreamWorks' last third installment (Shrek the Third) that it was going to be just that. But it was absolutely not that at all. Madagascar 3 is the best film in the Madagascar franchise. With a funny storyline and also some new and serious toned characters. In the box office this reached over 700 million dollars. Making it the highest grossing DreamWorks film since Shrek 2.
- DirectorPeter RamseyStarsHugh JackmanAlec BaldwinIsla FisherWhen the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.A visual wonder, and a unique twist to our favorite holiday characters. I never would have thought Alec Baldwin could play a good Santa. And he does.
- DirectorKirk DeMiccoChris SandersStarsNicolas CageRyan ReynoldsEmma StoneAfter their cave is destroyed, a caveman family must trek through an unfamiliar fantastical world with the help of an inventive boy.A new and most recent franchise to come about. Brought by the same guy that already directed How to Train Your Dragon, Chris Sanders. To many people this was weak compared to How to Train Your Dragon, but hey, that's a tall order to fulfill. This is DreamWorks' 5th franchise with The Croods 2 coming in 2020.
- DirectorDavid SorenStarsRyan ReynoldsPaul GiamattiMaya RudolphA freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.DreamWorks' version of Cars, but with snails. But I think this is actually better then Cars. The characters are more engaging and interesting, and the racing scenes are the highlight of the film.
- DirectorRob MinkoffStarsTy BurrellMax CharlesStephen ColbertSherman, a young boy, misuses a time machine made by his scientist father Mr. Peabody and causes the world history to go haywire. It is now up to Mr. Peabody to rescue his son and the world.Its nice to see Rob Minkoff back to direct a new film. 20 years after he and Roger Allers directed The Lion King, Minkoff shows he hasn't lost his ability to direct a solid film. Certainly not as glamorous as The Lion King, but his best film since and that's not bad.
- DirectorDean DeBloisStarsJay BaruchelCate BlanchettGerard ButlerWhen Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.Honestly, people again didn't know what to expect from this. Especially for the fact that Chris Sanders the director the last How to Train Your Dragon parted ways to direct The Croods (sort of a strange career choice) leaving his co-director Dean DeBlois to make the sequel on his own. Also when the first film was being made and even after its release it wasn't meant to be a franchise. Just another stand alone film. But due to the original's success they asked DeBlois to direct a sequel. He said yes, but only if he can make a trilogy. So with that said, the sequel is here and how did DeBlois do, considering him on his own this time. Well with names like Roger Deakins and Randy Thom or James Baxter working with you it makes it all the easier. Now the film itself exceeds all expectations and has become DreamWorks best sequel ever critically and publically, even more then Shrek 2. But the strength of the film is virtually everything from the animation, the story, and the wonderful friendship between Hiccup and Toothless, this just enhances those elements to make this a must see film. Oh yeah, and stay tuned for the ending. It will take your breath away.
- DirectorEric DarnellSimon J. SmithStarsTom McGrathChris MillerChristopher KnightsSkipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it.Another spin-off of some popular characters from another film. In this case, its the penguins from Madagascar. They were successful in the Madagascar films, but in their own movie eh. Unlike Puss in Boots this is a kid friendly kiddie comedy film with more silly over-the-top jokes and the slapstick from the penguins makes this an ok film.
- DirectorTim JohnsonStarsJim ParsonsRihannaSteve MartinAn alien on the run from his own people makes friends with a girl. He tries to help her on her quest, but can be an interference.After an incredible 4 year stretch for DreamWorks of great films we get another head scratcher. A film ever more kiddie then Penguins and much safer and less risky then How to Train Your Dragon 2. This is there most recent film and hopefully 2016 will be much better as this is the only film released in 2015. Kind of a disappointment after what DreamWorks did in previous years. This is not what they're capable of, I have seen they're capability. How to Train Your Dragon is a perfect example.
- DirectorAlessandro CarloniJennifer Yuh NelsonStarsJack BlackBryan CranstonDustin HoffmanContinuing his "legendary adventures of awesomeness", Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to home.They're back! DreamWorks delivers a solid film to conclude the Kung Fu Panda franchise (I think...we'll see about that). After they're last disappointing year of 2015, DreamWorks is back and as good as ever. Getting the bad taste of Home out of our mouths, KFP 3 is a film that speak levels to what DreamWorks is capable of, making not only great original films but also great sequels as well. And in this day and age, that is a rarity. Bravo!
- DirectorMike MitchellWalt DohrnStarsAnna KendrickJustin TimberlakeZooey DeschanelAfter the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends.I sort of have mixed feelings about this one. This has a great soundtrack and stunning animation that we come to expect from DreamWorks. But on the other hand it's very similar to the Smurfs, no its not as bad as Smurfs but characters look like Smurfs but with different colors splotched on them. This is also surprisingly mature at times and doesn't go all Blue Sky on us. It's one of the reasons why I am a fan of DreamWorks because they balance humor and heart brilliantly. Trolls is a good example and one I'd watch as no harm is done. Certainly not DreamWorks best, but indeed watchable.
- DirectorTom McGrathStarsAlec BaldwinSteve BuscemiJimmy KimmelA suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying baby pairs up with his 7-year old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co.A film that couldn't have come at a better time, just for the irony alone. The irony is the actor who plays the Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) who is a very close and perhaps unintentional representation of the new president Donald Trump. Alec Baldwin not only voices this character but he recently gained massive attention for his hilarious impersonation of Trump on NBC's Saturday Night Live. I know these two things are not related in terms of idea. But these things that tie in make it a very ironic film. The film itself is again like that last DreamWorks film (Trolls) which is watchable. Baldwin does a great job bringing his Trumpism to the character and his comedic talent. But overall, its just a typical animated flick.
- DirectorDavid SorenStarsKevin HartThomas MiddleditchEd HelmsTwo overly imaginative pranksters named George and Harold hypnotize their principal into thinking he's a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants.This film is the cheapest DreamWorks has done since Sinbad beginning an experiment from Dreamworks to try and produce low budget animated films. With that they still managed to make a smart and entertaining little film that costed less than 40 million to make. This is also the last film to be released under 20th Century Fox thus beginning it’s tenure under Universal Studios who now officially owns DreamWorks. The next film to be released is How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World in 2019. As far as this film is considered, the box office return was alright, it made a profit, but not a massive profit. The film is clever, almost with a Shrek type humor, and a unique animation style. They went full cartoony with the same squash and stretch animation equivalent to the Looney Tunes cartoons. Even though it didn’t get heavy attention from the audience, it was still a fun, and entertaining film to watch. But now we have to wait almost 2 years before the next film, but it’s a film we should all be excited to see.
- DirectorDean DeBloisStarsJay BaruchelAmerica FerreraF. Murray AbrahamWhen Hiccup discovers Toothless isn't the only Night Fury, he must seek the Hidden World, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first.And here it is, the last film in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. This is how you do it. It’s a film that marks the end of a glorious era for DreamWorks, and it’s a franchise that will surely be missed as this is the last one. The film itself is gorgeous and heartwarming, and it shows a very satisfying conclusion to one of the most dynamic character relationships of all time. It doesn’t fail to bring the tears and wow moments. The box office for this film fell between the first and second film. As in it’s the second highest grossing film in the series behind Dragon 2. It’s sad to see this franchise end after 9 wonderful years, but as they say, all things end eventually. It will be missed. But now the question is, what does DreamWorks future hold now that it’s last major franchise has ended. Will they crumble? Or will they continue having success? Only time will tell.