Since its inception in 1994, DreamWorks Animation has produced remarkable films and franchises, but there are plenty of underrated gems within the DreamWorks catalog that deserve more recognition. DreamWorks was established by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen, all of whom leveraged their prior experience in entertainment to secure the company’s success. In 2004, DreamWorks branched into a public corporation. The studio has grown over time thanks to iconic franchises like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar.
Renowned for both its storytelling and technological advancement, DreamWorks has garnered eight Scientific Achievement Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Given all the company’s success, particularly when it comes to major franchise releases, it’s surprising that several of its greatest cinematic productions have gone unnoticed. Some of DreamWorks’ most underrated animated movies rank highly among its filmography. They’re well worth watching, even years later.
12 The Road To El Dorado
Released in 2000, The Road to El Dorado featured a remarkable voice cast, which included Kenneth Branagh (Miguel), Kevin Kline (Tulio), and Rosie Perez (Chel). Despite falling short of the $95 million production cost — which is why The Road to El Dorado bombed at the box office — the movie remains a delight for lovers of DreamWorks animation. The film is bursting with captivating visuals and vibrant hues, and it boasts an exceptional soundtrack crafted by artists like Elton John and Tim Rice.
While The Road to El Dorado is aimed at a younger audience, experiencing it as an adult brings a deeper admiration for its writing, especially when it comes to the sharp and clever banter between Miguel and Tulio. From its script and songs to its characters and visuals, The Road to El Dorado guarantees a gratifying cinematic experience.
11 Over The Hedge
Over the Hedge was released in 2006, and it follows RJ, a cunning raccoon who fools a group of woodland creatures into helping him regain the food he owes a murderous bear. The movie showcases a superb ensemble including Bruce Willis (RJ), Steve Carell (Hammy), and Wanda Sykes (Stella). Over the Hedge is an enjoyable and clever film that even works a playful heist into its storyline. The endearing characters, each with their own distinct arcs, captivate the audience. The movie’s soundtrack, featuring tracks like “Family of Me” and “Still,” amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative, delivering a top-tier experience.
10 Bilby
Released in 2018, Bilby is a computer-animated short film centered around an Australian marsupial. The narrative follows this animal’s efforts to guide an albatross chick back to its home by the ocean. The short was originally conceptualized as the feature film called Larrikins, with a voice cast featuring Margot Robbie, Hugh Jackman, and Naomi Watts. However, the project was canceled in 2017, which led to the story being resurrected as a short film.
There is no dialogue in the film, but the storytellers still manage to create emotive characters. Their journey is coupled with a beautiful score from composer Benjamin Wallfisch. Bilby also tested new software that would be used in DreamWorks’ other feature-length films. These innovations included MoonRay, which changed light rendering; Sprinkles, an innovative wind system for grass and hair; and animation tools crafted for looped animations.
9 Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Mr. Peabody & Sherman came out in 2014, giving a new narrative to the pair of characters from The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Their stories throughout the series always found them traveling through time and correcting historical events. The DreamWorks film uses the same concept as the show. Its voice cast featured Ty Burrell (Mister Peabody), Max Charles (Sherman), Patrick Warburton (Agamemnon), and Stephen Colbert (Paul Paterson). Mr.Peabody & Sherman is full of humor, but it doesn’t just elicit laughter. It also imparts a profound message about love, compassion, and the significance of perseverance.
8 Flushed Away
The 2006 DreamWorks film Flushed Away follows the journey of Roddy St.James, a pampered mouse who is flushed away, sending him on a quest to get back home. The movie features a vocal cast of Hugh Jackman (Roddy), Kate Winslet (Rita), Ian McKellen (The Toad), and Andy Serkis (Spike). Flushed Away delivers non-stop energy and fun, weaving intelligent humor that’s perfect for all ages into its narrative. The talented voice cast breathes life into the enchanting characters, all of whom underscore the significance of companionship.
7 Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas came out in 2003, retelling the legendary story of Sinbad. The DreamWorks movie’s title character embarks on a mission to retrieve the Book of Peace from Eris in order to save his childhood best friend. This captivating adventure unfolds with a voice cast of Brad Pitt (Sinbad), Michelle Pfeiffer (Eris), and Catherine Zeta-Jones (Marina).
Sinbad faced challenges at the box office, as its reception was hurt by uncertainty about its tonal balance. The film caters to both mature and younger audiences. Despite its initial box office struggles, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas excels in its writing, masterfully portraying Sinbad’s evolution from a self-serving pirate to a noble friend. Propelled by this character transformation, the movie is an enjoyable and daring adventure across the sea.
6 Bird Karma
2018’s Bird Karma was the first short film to come out of DreamWork’s newly developed short program. It also stood out as the studio’s first project to exclusively use traditional animation since Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas. Spanning approximately four and a half minutes, Bird Karma tells the story of a bird hunting fish. The movie doesn’t feature dialogue or actors, and there are very few changes of scenery. The narrative is concise while it imparts its many lessons.
Bird Karma‘s plot revolves around a bird encountering a unique fish, which the bird then begins to fixate on. This eventually transforms into an all-consuming obsession. Despite being surrounded by an abundance of fish, the bird becomes depressed as greed consumes it. Writer and director William Salazar drives home a significant moral lesson, reminding audiences to be grateful for what they already have.
5 Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a 2005 stop-motion film that parodies classic monster movies and Hammer Horror films, all while being based on the creative universe crafted by Nick Park. The movie contains a tremendous ensemble cast featuring Peter Sallis (Wallace), Helena Bonham Carter (Lady Campanula), and Ralph Fiennes (Victor Quartermaine). The DreamWorks film thrives on its stop-motion artistry, which breathes life into these rich characters. This cinematic gem blends its unique animation style with witty and eccentric humor, making it a must-watch DreamWorks and animation lovers alike.
4 Home
Released in 2015, Home is a computer-animated science-fiction comedy that tells the tale of Oh, a peculiar alien on the run who forms an unlikely friendship with a young human girl. It features a remarkable voice cast including Jim Parsons (Oh), Jennifer Lopez (Lucy), and Steve Martin (Captain Smek). The movie’s wholesome narrative emphasizes the significance of family bonds. It also delves into the intricate concept of home, shedding light on how it varies in for each individual. Home can be where happiness is, where one finds solace in their own identity, or where external stressors disappear.
3 The Bad Guys
The Bad Guys made its debut in 2022, delivering a computer-animated heist comedy that showcases the escapades of a band of animals. After their capture, this crew pretends to reform and become model citizens. A standout feature of The Bad Guys is its superb voice cast, which includes Sam Rockwell (Wolf), Zazie Beetz (Diane Foxington), and Awkwafina (Tarantula). Inspired by the children’s graphic novel series by Aaron Blabey, the film exudes a vibe reminiscent of Ocean’s Eleven. The visuals are a fresh style for DreamWorks animation, while the comedy delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience.
2 Shark Tale
2004’s Shark Tale tells the story of a fish named Oscar, a character with great aspirations despite his small size. Oscar forms an unexpected alliance with Lenny, a peaceful shark, in an effort to raise his social status in his community. Will Smith headlines Shark Tale‘s cast as Oscar, while Robert De Niro (Don Lino), Jack Black (Lenny), and Renée Zellweger (Angie) bring other major characters to life. Enhancing the movie’s vibrant narrative is an upbeat soundtrack that includes songs like “Car Wash” and “Gotta Be Real.”. With its compelling storytelling, impressive vocal performances, and a dynamic soundtrack, DreamWorks; Shark Tale continues to deliver an engaging cinematic experience.
1 Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
In 2002, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron raced onto screens as a family adventure that follows Spirit, a Kiger Mustang colt, as he protects and leads his herd. The movie’s allure is anchored in its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters. Matt Damon narrates the DreamWorks film, telling the story of the old West “through the heart of a horse.” Spirit is a valiant and heroic figure, and his story contains invaluable lessons about loyalty and perseverance.
Further enhancing the film’s emotional impact is an entirely original soundtrack by Bryan Adams, which effectively amplifies crucial moments from Spirit’s journey. By seamlessly weaving together a captivating storyline, heart-racing action, and a moving score, DreamWorks masterfully crafts a cinematic experience that’s sure to impress any viewer.
