Top 10 DreamWorks Animation Movies

DreamWorks Animation SKG, currently owned by DreamWorks SKG (1994-2004), now operates independently (2004-present) creating animated feature movies, TV programs and virtual worlds. Although best known for creating animation feature movies which have brought the company tremendous success. DreamWorks Animation have created some of the worlds favourite animated feature movies which defy expectations, with some of the most unique and hilarious stories brought to life. Following Disney and Pixar and the quality of animation (and uniqueness) brought through their animated features, it was an unlikely surprise for the film industry to be introduced to the nest big animation Company which could compete with the big studios.

DreamWorks Animation movies were a success when they first debuted a feature film (Antz) in 1998 and have come so far... with countless releases and their most recent release How to Train Your Dragon (2014) is a whopping success, both critically and commercially.

DreamWorks have certainly held their own against Disney and Pixar's animation and if your a fan of Disney and Pixar then check out the list of Disney's Best Animation Movies and Pixar's Best Animation Movies.

Without further delay, I present to you the countdown of the best DreamWorks Animation movies of all time...

Release Date: October 28, 2010

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $321,885,765

Production Budget: $130,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: When super-villain Megamind kills his arch nemesis (the superhero) Metro Man, life becomes boring and Megamind has gained control over Metro city. In an attempt to somehow get back the joy of defeat which he once had after having his plans thwarted by Metro Man (again and again), decides to create a new nemesis. Megamind creates his new nemesis, Titan, who instead of using his powers as a superhero doing good, instead sets out to destroy the world. Megamind steps up for the first time in his life, coming up with a plan to save the world from another one of his silly creations and Titan is not going to stand down easily.

Short Review: Megamind brings an interesting and hilarious twist to the usual superhero taking down the villain which usually lasts the duration of the entire movie. This animated feature movie works a little differently resulting in would you believe it! The bad guy winning. At least for a while that is, which is interesting enough, throwing in an unusual position for the villain until a new superhero turned super-villain decides he wants to destroy earth. The day is saved as one might expect in a superhero movie but not by the superhero but instead by the villain which is intriguing to say the least. An animated movie with a twist which is what's to be expected from a DreamWorks Animation feature. Its joy for the whole family! Megamind received an above average score of 6.7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes (a review aggregator) and an overall rating of 72% positive from critics.

Release Date: May 25, 2005

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $532,680,671

Production Budget: $75,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: Alex (a lion), Marty (a zebra), Melman (a giraffe), Gloria (a hippo) are best friends living at New York's Central Park Zoo. When Marty goes missing one evening from his cage, the other three break out of the zoo to find him, reunited once again, only this time on a ship heading to Africa. However when a group of crazy penguins hijack the ship, the crates holding the 4 friends falls into the water eventually drifting them to an island known as Madagascar where they are forced to stay. For the first time in the 4 friends must learn how to survive in the wild which is hard as they have never had to hunt or go in search for their food. The 4 friends learn what it is to be an animal, living in the midst of dangers and must for the time being live on an island strange to the city animals.

Short Review: Madagascar isn't quite on the same level as Shrek but it is certainly a fast paced entertaining animation movie with a great adventure. As the movie moves forward more funny characters are introduced with a line up of characters which are introduced immediately at the start of the movie which makes it humouring to watch. Not necessarily any villain to contend with in the movie which is a little disappointing but there is a certain degree of action towards the end of the movie making it slightly covered on that basis. As the movie is mainly comedy animation there isn't going to be a lot of action which is something I personally like to see a fair plentiful amount of but it isn't a deal-breaker. As far as the movies entertainment in providing laughs, it gets top marks but in providing a worthy villain which sets the tension it gets a zero. In that I liked the story, the characters and the progression of the movie I would give the movie a thumbs up for audiences as it will certainly pass an hour and a half rather quickly. Madagascar received an above average score of 6.1/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 55% positive from critics.

Release Date: March 27, 2009

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $381,509,870

Production Budget: $175,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: After a meteorite hits earth, Susan Murphy (a typical everyday woman) turns into a giant monster, resulting in her being taken by the secret government to a secret facility where she is kept. The secret facility is specifically designed to house monsters and she meets a group of monsters who were also rounded up over the years on earth. The group of monsters include B.O.B., Dr. Cockroach Ph.D., and The Missing Link. As earth's last resort, the group of monsters are called into action to fight aliens and save the world from certain doom.

Short Review: Monsters vs. Aliens is a fun, feel-good animated movie with an interesting yet simple plot with an ending which is predictable but still enjoyable to watch. Monsters vs. Aliens without a doubt have some of the best animated characters I have seen in a while with a personal favourite of mine being The Missing Link (voice by Will Arnett) who was hilarious. Although all of the characters were funny including the general and president which really made the film that bit more worth while in the end. Anyone of all ages could watch this movie enjoying just as much as the next as the movie has something for everyone. A let loose, sit back and enjoy animation movie which takes all seriousness out of the movie only leaving the daft bits which is why it all worked so well. Monsters vs. Aliens received an above average score of 6.4/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 72% positive from critics.

Release Date: April 30, 2006

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box office Gross: $336,002,996

Production Budget: $80,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: A raccoon con artist, RJ, runs into trouble with a bear after stealing his food from its cave, making matters worse when the food it destroyed. RJ is given 7 days by the angry bear to get back all of his food, otherwise the bear threatens to hunt RJ down and kill him for the trouble he has caused. RJ sets off into the woods near to a human city to find animal helpers to gather food and luck has it, as he finds a group of animals who think of themselves as family (although a community, mostly unrelated). The group leader, Vern (a tortoise), has an encounter with the humans on the other side of the hedge (separating the woods from human suburbia), which frightens him. RJ brings new hope to the group, when he tells them of a vast amount of food which can be all theirs as long as they are willing to travel over the hedge so they may steal food from the humans. After encouragement from RJ the group of animals start taking food from the humans, building a huge pile in the log where they hibernate in the winter. The group is threatened when the humans grow suspicious of the animals, hiring an exterminator to deal with the animals which threatens their lives...

Short Review: Over the Hedge is a fun spirited animated adventure based around the typical woodland creatures including a raccoon, a squirrel, a skunk, possums, hedgehogs and even a tortoise. These aren't your typical everyday woodland creatures living separate lives far from one another but a community of woodland creatures which live together as a family collecting food for winter. However not quite as normal as one may think as these woodland creatures led by the expert thief/con-artist RJ, steal human food, taking it into the woods to add to their growing pile of food. An interesting group of characters with some interesting characteristics which make them hilarious to watch when they are threatened and under attack by the humans which complicates things for RJ. A hilarious animated movie, well suited for the whole family with plenty of funny/quirky scenes which make the movie one to watch again and again. Over the Hedge received an above average score of 6.8/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 75% positive from critics.

Release Date: December 16, 1998

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $218,613,188

Production Budget: $70,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: A tale of two brothers, Moses and Ramses, one born of royalty, and the other born an orphan. Although not related, the two brothers grow up best friends with one another with a strong bond built over the years and brotherly rivalry. However their fun isn't to last as the truth reveals itself, determining each non-related brothers future, one a ruler over the most powerful empire and the other a chosen leader over his people. When the two once again come face to face it forever changes the world.

Short Review: The Prince of Egypt is an interesting take on Egyptian history involving religious events which changed the world forever (or so it was told). A fun animated movie turned serious as the movie moves from fun brotherly rivalry as princes in a castle to serious lives as leaders, both on different sides which change their views of one another. The animated feature is fast paced with some interesting, fun and powerful scenes which speak for themselves. Great for children to gain a little knowledge of Moses and what his life may have been like back in Egypt, telling a great tale which is surprisingly well done using animation. A breathtaking animation which is brave, bold and moving with fast flowing emotions setting the animated feature apart from competing animation movies set around similar stories. The Prince of Egypt received an above average score of 7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 79% positive from critics.

Release Date: February 15, 2013

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $587,204,668

Production Budget: $135,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: Set in the prehistoric times, following the worlds first family (the Croods) as they start on a journey after the cave that has protected them from danger is destroyed. The Croods discover a world of which they had never seen before as they travel across landscapes seeing creatures and scenery which changes their look on life forever.

Short Review: The Croods is a great animated feature movie which is set in prehistoric times on the first family to ever live which is an interesting idea, that alone making the movie one to watch. The movie doesn't disappoint, in fact far from it with an interesting look on a world long lost with a family full of interesting, funny and adventurous characters. Animation has never been so pleasing to watch before, especially since it is looking at cave men (essentially), which has never been done in animation feature movies before. The Croods received an above average score of 6.5/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 70% positive from critics.

Release Date: October 10, 2012

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $306,941,670

Production Budget: $145,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: When an evil spirit known as Pitch attempts to take over the world, the immortal guardians; Jack Frost, Santa, Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy must join together to keep hopes, beliefs and imagination alive in children all over the world. Pitch plots to turn dreams into nightmares, preventing children from grasping their hopes, beliefs and imagination.

Short Review: Rise of the Guardians is the perfect animation bringing together all the seasons with an emphasis on Christmas with Santa and Jack Frost. The characters are all fun to watch with a surprisingly grumpy Easter Bunny which turns out to be a positive in the movie. The powers possessed by each of the immortal guardians is exciting to witness in the movie as they all come to life in an explosive manor to face off against the evil Pitch. The villain Pitch, is an interesting villain (scary for an animation) but not too scary with the power to create nightmares. Pitches power over darkness which has grown powerful over the years through the weakening loss of hopes within children and their dwindling beliefs in the guardians. This all makes for an entertaining movie mixing everyone's favourite childhood characters, and personally I like Jack Frost and Santa. Rise of the Guardians received an above average score of 6.5/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 74% positive from critics.

Release Date: June 6, 2008

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $631,744,560

Production Budget: $130,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: A lazy Panda, named Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu which is not helped by working in a noodle shop. Chosen unexpectedly to fulfil a prophecy, Po's dreams of becoming a Kung Fu warrior become reality except not quite that easily done as Po is lazy and unable to do the Kung Fu moves. Po gets to train alongside his idols, the legendary furious five; Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey under the leadership of Master Shifu. The evil and vengeful leopard Tai Lung escapes captivity and heads for the town which leaves only the furious five and Po standing in his way. When things are left to Po to save the day, will he step up to the plate, becoming a legendary Kung Fu warrior or run away like a useless coward? Po becomes the unlikely hero, training the Kung Fu way under the teachings of Master Shifu which proves difficult but Po has a power even he does not yet understand. The rest is history. Better yet... in the movie!

Short Review: Kung Fu Panda is a fun animated adventure with an unlikely hero who saves the day from a vengeful and powerful villain. Kung Fu Panda is hilariously perfect with plenty of funny bits, action and quirks to go around which will appeal to most... that is if you enjoy animation. Surprisingly fast paced, Kung Fu Panda is quick like the Kung Fu warrior and keeps a constant balance between the seriousness of the bad guy expected to escape and the hilariousness of Po being trained as a Kung Fu warrior alongside legends in Kung Fu. A unique blend of laugh out loud humour, intriguing characters and well executed scenes with kick-ass action. Kung Fu Panda receives an above average score of 7.2/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 87% positive from critics.

Release Date: March 26, 2010

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $494,000,000

Production Budget: $165,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: On the Island of Berk, a young Viking, Hiccup, wants to become a dragon slayer so he may be apart of the battle against the dragons. However Hiccup's father, the village leader, Stoick, will not allow his small, clumsy, weak but inventive son join the fight. Out to prove himself, Hiccup sets out to take down a dragon which is just the case as Hiccup manages to take down an unseen mysterious Night Fury dragon, but cannot kill it. As Hiccup gets closer to the dragon, realising it is friendly, he befriends the dragon naming it Toothless. After finding out that his people are wrong about dragons as they are not fearsome killers but instead Kind, friendly creatures, Hiccup tries to stop his father from going in search of the dragons home. As Hiccup fails to convince his father of the dragons innocence, he uses his ability to fly dragons to save the day as the biggest threat presents itself.

Short Review: How to Train Your Dragon is a masterpiece with so many elements, making it a wonderful addition to the DreamWorks Animation collection. How to Train Your Dragon has an interesting twist on the tale of Dragons in a world with humans as the two species collide in a way no one could have expected. With fun around every corner, action, adventure and an epic friendship which forms between two enemies, this is one animated feature everyone needs to watch (at least once). How to Train Your Dragon received a high average score of 7.9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 98% positive from critics.

Release Date: May 18, 2001

Production Company: DreamWorks Animation

Global Box Office Gross: $484,409,218

Production Budget: $60,000,000

Rating:

The following may contain spoilers

Storyline: In a magical world lives a green ogre, Shrek, a proud owner of a swamp, which becomes consumed by fairytale creatures by the order of Lord Farquaad. Shrek goes to see Lord Farquaad to persuade him to give back the swamp. A deal is struck between Lord Farquaad and Shrek. Lord Farquaad, who desires to become king, must have his bride in order to do so, sends Shrek and donkey to rescue Princess Fiona, who is waiting in a castle guarded by a giant dragon. As Shrek returns with Fiona, he begins to have feelings for her and her feelings become the least of her worries as she is hiding a much larger secret.

Short Review: Shrek is the biggest animation created by DreamWorks so far, with a magical setting, fairytale creatures and an awesome twist on ogres. Shrek has friendship, love, battles and a gripping adventure to follow which isn't to disappoint. Shrek has more surprises as anyone could expect as nothing is as told in the fairytale books which were quite frankly thrown out of the window in this twist on an all fairytale creature cast adventure. Shrek received a high average of 7.7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall rating of 88% positive from critics.

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