Watch order guide · DreamWorks Animation

How to watch the DreamWorks Animation movies in order

Updated October 21, 2026 · 34 min read · 51 titles · 80 hours

DreamWorks Animation films stand alone except for their series: Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods, Trolls, The Boss Baby and The Bad Guys. Watch each series in release order; the standalone films work in any order.

Titles

51

Films

51

Watch time

80 hours

Box office

$18.7 billion

Avg IMDb

6.8

DreamWorks Animation movies in release order

Here is every DreamWorks Animation title in the order it came out, 1998 to 2026: 51 films.

DreamWorks Animation timeline: movies in chronological order

The same titles in story order, by when they take place, with the year or era each one is set in.

Release or chronological: which order is best?

Release order and story order disagree on 47 titles here. In release order you start with Antz (1998); in story order you start with Antz.

First time through, watch in release order. That is how the twists, returning characters and callbacks were built to land, and later entries assume you have seen the earlier ones. On a rewatch, try story order. It turns DreamWorks Animation into one continuous story and makes the prequels play as setup instead of backstory.

DreamWorks Animation also runs 10 separate continuities: Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, The live-action remake, The Croods, The Boss Baby, Trolls, Spirit, and The Bad Guys. Each has its own line on the timeline, so you can watch them on their own without breaking the main story.

Where to start

Every DreamWorks Animation movie, explained

One entry per title in release order: what it is about, why it matters to the bigger story, who is in it and how it did.

No. 01 · 1998 · Film · 1h 23m

Antz

A neurotic worker ant in love with a rebellious princess rises to unlikely stardom when he switches places with a soldier. Signing up to march in a parade, he ends up under the command of a bloodthirsty general. But he's actually been enlisted to fight against a termite army.

Why it matters: DreamWorks Animation's first film.

Starring

Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, and Dan Aykroyd

Director

Eric Darnell and Tim Johnson

Box office

$172 million on a $60 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 92%

No. 02 · 1998 · Film · 1h 39m

The Prince of Egypt

The strong bond between two Royal Egyptian brothers is challenged when their chosen responsibilities set them at odds, with extraordinary consequences.

Why it matters: The story of Moses, hand-drawn.

Starring

Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, and Michelle Pfeiffer

Director

Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells

Box office

$219 million on a $70 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 79%

No. 03 · 2000 · Film · 1h 30m

The Road to El Dorado

Stowing away after a failed con, a pair of swindlers end up on El Dorado, the fabled "city of gold", where they quickly get in over their heads when they are mistaken as gods by the inhabitants.

Why it matters: Two con men in the lost city of gold.

Starring

Kenneth Branagh, Kevin Kline, and Rosie Perez

Director

Bibo Bergeron and Don Paul

Box office

$76 million on a $95 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 49%

No. 04 · 2000 · Film · 1h 24m

Chicken Run

The creators of Wallace & Gromit bring you an exciting and original story about a group of chickens determined to fly the coop–even if they can’t fly! It’s hardly poultry in motion when Rocky attempts to teach Ginger and her feathered friends to fly…but, with teamwork, determination and a little bit o’ cluck, the fearless flock plots one last attempt in a spectacular bid for freedom.

Why it matters: Aardman's stop-motion great escape.

Starring

Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, and Imelda Staunton

Director

Peter Lord and Nick Park

Box office

$225 million on a $45 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 97%

No. 05 · 2001 · Film · 1h 30m · 25th in story order

Shrek

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey.

Why it matters: An ogre, a donkey and a princess; the place to start.

Starring

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz

Director

Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson

Box office

$490 million on a $60 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 89%

No. 06 · 2002 · Film · 1h 23m · 48th in story order

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

A captured mustang remains determined to return to his herd no matter what.

Why it matters: A wild stallion in the Old West, hand-drawn.

Starring

Matt Damon, James Cromwell, and Daniel Studi

Director

Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook

Box office

$123 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.2 · Rotten Tomatoes 69%

No. 07 · 2003 · Film · 1h 26m · 5th in story order

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas

The 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.

Why it matters: Sinbad and the Book of Peace.

Starring

Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Michelle Pfeiffer

Director

Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore

Box office

$81 million on a $60 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 44%

No. 08 · 2004 · Film · 1h 32m · 26th in story order

Shrek 2

Happily ever after never seemed so far far away when a trip to meet the in-laws turns into a hilariously twisted adventure for Shrek and Fiona. With the help of ever-faithful Donkey, Shrek takes on the potion-brewing Fairy Godmother, pompous Prince Charming, and infamous ogre-killer Puss In Boots.

Why it matters: Shrek meets Fiona's parents; often called the best.

Starring

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz

Director

Conrad Vernon, Kelly Asbury, and Andrew Adamson

Box office

$933 million on a $150 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 89%

No. 09 · 2004 · Film · 1h 30m · 6th in story order

Shark Tale

Oscar is a small fish whose big aspirations often get him into trouble. Meanwhile, Lenny is a great white shark with a surprising secret that no sea creature would guess: He's a vegetarian. When a lie turns Oscar into an improbable hero and Lenny becomes an outcast, the two form an unlikely friendship.

Why it matters: A fish who pretends to slay sharks.

Starring

Will Smith, Robert De Niro, and Renée Zellweger

Director

Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, and Rob Letterman

Box office

$367 million on a $75 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6 · Rotten Tomatoes 35%

No. 10 · 2005 · Film · 1h 26m · 30th in story order

Madagascar

Four animal friends get a taste of the wild life when they break out of captivity at the Central Park Zoo and wash ashore on the island of Madagascar.

Why it matters: Zoo animals stranded in Madagascar.

Starring

Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and David Schwimmer

Director

Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath

Box office

$542 million on a $75 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 55%

No. 11 · 2005 · Film · 1h 25m · 7th in story order

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Cheese-loving eccentric Wallace and his cunning canine pal Gromit run a business ridding the town of garden pests. Using only humane methods, which turns their home into a halfway house for evicted vermin, the pair stumble upon a mystery involving a voracious vegetarian monster that threatens to ruin the annual veggie-growing contest.

Why it matters: Wallace & Gromit's feature film.

Starring

Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, and Helena Bonham Carter

Director

Steve Box and Nick Park

Box office

$193 million on a $30 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 95%

No. 12 · 2006 · Film · 1h 23m · 8th in story order

Over the Hedge

A 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.

Why it matters: Animals discover the suburbs.

Starring

Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, and Steve Carell

Director

Karey Kirkpatrick and Tim Johnson

Box office

$343 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 75%

No. 13 · 2006 · Film · 1h 25m · 9th in story order

Flushed Away

London high-society mouse, Roddy is flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. Hang on for a madcap adventure deep in the sewer bowels of Ratropolis, where Roddy meets the resourceful Rita, the rodent-hating Toad and his faithful thugs, Spike and Whitey.

Why it matters: Aardman's CG sewer adventure.

Starring

Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, and Ian McKellen

Director

David Bowers and Sam Fell

Box office

$178 million on a $149 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.6 · Rotten Tomatoes 72%

No. 14 · 2007 · Film · 1h 33m · 27th in story order

Shrek the Third

After the King of Far Far Away dies, Shrek and Fiona are to succede. However, Shrek wants to return to his cozy swamp and live in peace and quiet, so when he finds out there is another heir to the throne, he and Donkey set off to bring him back to rule the kingdom.

Why it matters: Shrek hunts for an heir to the throne.

Starring

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz

Director

Chris Miller

Box office

$808 million on a $160 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 41%

No. 15 · 2007 · Film · 1h 31m · 10th in story order

Bee Movie

Barry B. Benson, a recent college graduate who wants more out of his life than making honey, decides to sue the human race after learning about the exploitation of bees at the hands of mankind. What will happen next?

Why it matters: A bee sues humanity.

Starring

Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, and Matthew Broderick

Director

Simon J. Smith and Steve Hickner

Box office

$288 million on a $150 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 49%

No. 16 · 2008 · Film · 1h 30m · 34th in story order

Kung Fu Panda

Chosen by prophecy but doubted by all, Po is an unlikely choice for the mystical title of the Dragon Warrior—a clumsy panda thrust into the world of kung fu as a deadly enemy threatens the Valley of Peace. Under reluctant guidance by Master Shifu and the Furious Five, Po must embrace who he is to unlock the power that no scroll can teach.

Why it matters: Po becomes the Dragon Warrior.

Starring

Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, and Angelina Jolie

Director

Mark Osborne and John Stevenson

Box office

$632 million on a $130 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.6 · Rotten Tomatoes 87%

No. 17 · 2008 · Film · 1h 29m · 31st in story order

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Alex, Marty, and other zoo animals find a way to escape from Madagascar when the penguins reassemble a wrecked airplane. The precariously repaired craft stays airborne just long enough to make it to the African continent. There the New Yorkers encounter members of their own species for the first time. Africa proves to be a wild place, but Alex and company wonder if it is better than their Central Park home.

Why it matters: The gang reaches Africa.

Starring

Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and David Schwimmer

Director

Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath

Box office

$604 million on a $150 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 64%

No. 18 · 2009 · Film · 1h 34m · 11th in story order

Monsters vs. Aliens

When Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches. The military jumps into action and captures Susan, secreting her away to a covert government compound. She is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters...

Why it matters: Monsters save the planet.

Starring

Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, and Hugh Laurie

Director

Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon

Box office

$382 million on a $175 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 73%

No. 19 · 2010 · Film · 1h 38m · 38th in story order

How to Train Your Dragon

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.

Why it matters: Hiccup befriends Toothless.

Starring

Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson

Director

Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders

Box office

$495 million on a $165 million budget

Scores

IMDb 8.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 99%

No. 20 · 2010 · Film · 1h 33m · 28th in story order

Shrek Forever After

A midlife-crisis burdened Shrek, longing for the days of when he felt like a real ogre, makes a pact with magic deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin. But when he's duped and sent to a twisted version of Far Far Away—where Rumpelstiltskin is king, ogres are hunted, and he and Fiona have never met—he sets out to restore his world and reclaim his true love.

Why it matters: Shrek in a world where he never existed.

Starring

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz

Director

Mike Mitchell

Box office

$753 million on a $165 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 58%

No. 21 · 2010 · Film · 1h 36m · 12th in story order

Megamind

After Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain, defeats his long-time nemesis Metro Man, Megamind creates a new hero to fight, but must act to save the city when his "creation" becomes an even worse villain than he was.

Why it matters: A supervillain without a hero.

Starring

Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, and Tina Fey

Director

Tom McGrath

Box office

$322 million on a $130 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 73%

No. 22 · 2011 · Film · 1h 31m · 35th in story order

Kung Fu Panda 2

Po is finally living the dream as the Dragon Warrior—until a shadow from his past comes roaring back. When the ruthless peacock Lord Shen unleashes a devastating new weapon used to wipe out kung fu masters across the land, Po and the Furious Five race across China to put an end to his plans. But if Po is to have any hope of stopping him, he must first confront the truth of his origins—and find inner peace before his past tears him apart.

Why it matters: Po's origins and Lord Shen.

Starring

Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and Dustin Hoffman

Director

Jennifer Yuh Nelson

Box office

$666 million on a $150 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 82%

No. 23 · 2011 · Film · 1h 30m · 24th in story order

Puss in Boots

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend... The Boots.

Why it matters: A Shrek spin-off set before Puss met Shrek.

Starring

Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, and Zach Galifianakis

Director

Chris Miller

Box office

$555 million on a $130 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.6 · Rotten Tomatoes 85%

No. 24 · 2012 · Film · 1h 33m · 32nd in story order

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Animal pals Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria 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 picks up their scent, Alex and company are forced to hide out in a traveling circus.

Why it matters: The gang joins a circus.

Starring

Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and David Schwimmer

Director

Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, and Conrad Vernon

Box office

$747 million on a $145 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 78%

No. 25 · 2012 · Film · 1h 37m · 13th in story order

Rise of the Guardians

When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

Why it matters: Jack Frost joins the Guardians.

Starring

Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, and Jude Law

Director

Peter Ramsey

Box office

$307 million on a $145 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.2 · Rotten Tomatoes 75%

No. 26 · 2013 · Film · 1h 39m · 42nd in story order

The Croods

The prehistoric Croods family live in a particularly dangerous moment in time. Patriarch Grug, his mate Ugga, teenage daughter Eep, son Thunk, and feisty Gran gather food by day and huddle together in a cave at night. When a more evolved caveman named Guy arrives on the scene, Grug is distrustful, but it soon becomes apparent that Guy is correct about the impending destruction of their world.

Why it matters: A cave family faces a changing world.

Starring

Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds

Director

Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders

Box office

$587 million on a $135 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 71%

No. 27 · 2013 · Film · 1h 36m · 14th in story order

Turbo

The tale of an ordinary garden snail who dreams of winning the Indy 500.

Why it matters: A snail who wants to race.

Starring

Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, and Michael Peña

Director

David Soren

Box office

$283 million on a $135 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 68%

No. 28 · 2014 · Film · 1h 32m · 15th in story order

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

A young boy and his dog, who happens to have a genius-level IQ, spring into action when their time-machine is stolen and moments in history begin to be changed.

Why it matters: A genius dog and his time machine.

Starring

Ty Burrell, Max Charles, and Ariel Winter

Director

Rob Minkoff

Box office

$273 million on a $145 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 81%

No. 29 · 2014 · Film · 1h 42m · 39th in story order

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Five years after uniting the dragons and Vikings of Berk, Hiccup and Toothless soar beyond their homeland, charting the vast unknown. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons—and a mysterious dragon rider with a startling connection to Hiccup. And as the ruthless conqueror Drago Bludvist rises to seize control of both dragons and people alike, Hiccup must step into his role as a true leader and, alongside his friends and Toothless, protect Berk from a devastating war.

Why it matters: Five years later; Hiccup finds his mother.

Starring

Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, and Gerard Butler

Director

Dean DeBlois

Box office

$622 million on a $145 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 92%

No. 30 · 2014 · Film · 1h 32m · 33rd in story order

Penguins of Madagascar

Skipper, 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.

Why it matters: The penguins' spin-off.

Starring

Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, and Christopher Knights

Director

Simon J. Smith and Eric Darnell

Box office

$374 million on a $132 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 74%

No. 31 · 2015 · Film · 1h 34m · 16th in story order

Home

When Earth is taken over by the overly-confident Boov, an alien race in search of a new place to call home, all humans are promptly relocated, while all Boov get busy reorganizing the planet. But when one resourceful girl, Tip, manages to avoid capture, she finds herself the accidental accomplice of a banished Boov named Oh. The two fugitives realize there’s a lot more at stake than intergalactic relations as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime.

Why it matters: An alien befriends a girl on occupied Earth.

Starring

Jim Parsons, Rihanna, and Steve Martin

Director

Tim Johnson

Box office

$369 million on a $135 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 53%

No. 32 · 2016 · Film · 1h 35m · 36th in story order

Kung Fu Panda 3

While Po and his father are visiting a secret panda village, an evil spirit threatens all of China, forcing Po to form a ragtag army to fight back.

Why it matters: Po finds his father and the panda village.

Starring

Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, and Dustin Hoffman

Director

Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni

Box office

$521 million on a $145 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 87%

No. 33 · 2016 · Film · 1h 32m · 46th in story order

Trolls

After the monstrous Bergens invade Troll Village, Princess Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and overly-cautious, curmudgeonly outcast Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Their mission is full of adventure and mishaps, as this mismatched duo try to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.

Why it matters: Poppy and Branch save the Trolls.

Starring

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Zooey Deschanel

Director

Mike Mitchell

Box office

$347 million on a $125 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 76%

No. 34 · 2017 · Film · 1h 37m · 44th in story order

The Boss Baby

A story about how a new baby's arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7 year old named Tim.

Why it matters: A baby in a suit runs the family.

Starring

Miles Bakshi, Alec Baldwin, and Jimmy Kimmel

Director

Tom McGrath

Box office

$528 million on a $125 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 53%

No. 35 · 2017 · Film · 1h 29m · 17th in story order

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Based on the bestselling book series, this outrageous comedy tells the story of George and Harold, two overly imaginative pranksters who hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s an enthusiastic, yet dimwitted, superhero named Captain Underpants.

Why it matters: Two kids hypnotise their principal.

Starring

Kevin Hart, Thomas Middleditch, and Ed Helms

Director

David Soren

Box office

$125 million on a $38 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.2 · Rotten Tomatoes 87%

No. 36 · 2019 · Film · 1h 44m · 40th in story order

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.

Why it matters: Ends the animated trilogy.

Starring

Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, and F. Murray Abraham

Director

Dean DeBlois

Box office

$540 million on a $129 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 90%

No. 37 · 2019 · Film · 1h 37m · 18th in story order

Abominable

A group of misfits encounter a young Yeti named Everest, and they set off to reunite the magical creature with his family on the mountain of his namesake.

Why it matters: A yeti heads home to Everest.

Starring

Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, and Suzy Eddie Izzard

Director

Jill Culton

Box office

$190 million on a $75 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 83%

No. 38 · 2020 · Film · 1h 35m · 43rd in story order

The Croods: A New Age

Searching for a safer habitat, the prehistoric Crood family discovers an idyllic, walled-in paradise that meets all of its needs. Unfortunately, they must also learn to live with the Bettermans -- a family that's a couple of steps above the Croods on the evolutionary ladder. As tensions between the new neighbors start to rise, a new threat soon propels both clans on an epic adventure that forces them to embrace their differences, draw strength from one another, and survive together.

Why it matters: The Croods meet the Bettermans.

Starring

Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds

Director

Joel Crawford

Box office

$216 million on a $65 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 76%

No. 39 · 2021 · Film · 1h 28m · 49th in story order

Spirit Untamed

Lucky Prescott's life is changed forever when she moves from her home in the city to a small frontier town and befriends a wild mustang named Spirit.

Why it matters: A new story inspired by the TV series.

Starring

Isabela Merced, Julianne Moore, and Marsai Martin

Director

Elaine Bogan

Box office

$43 million on a $30 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 48%

No. 40 · 2021 · Film · 1h 47m · 45th in story order

The Boss Baby: Family Business

The Templeton brothers — Tim and his Boss Baby little bro Ted — have become adults and drifted away from each other. But a new boss baby with a cutting-edge approach and a can-do attitude is about to bring them together again … and inspire a new family business.

Why it matters: The brothers grown up.

Starring

James Marsden, Alec Baldwin, and Amy Sedaris

Director

Tom McGrath

Box office

$147 million on a $82 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 47%

No. 41 · 2022 · Film · 1h 40m · 50th in story order

The Bad Guys

When the Bad Guys, a crew of criminal animals, are finally caught after years of heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal to save them all from prison.

Why it matters: Animal criminals try to go good.

Starring

Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, and Awkwafina

Director

Pierre Perifel

Box office

$250 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 87%

No. 42 · 2022 · Film · 1h 43m · 29th in story order

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: He has burned through eight of his nine lives, leaving him with only one life left. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives.

Why it matters: Puss on his last life; a spin-off sequel.

Starring

Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, and Harvey Guillén

Director

Joel Crawford

Box office

$485 million on a $90 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 95%

No. 43 · 2023 · Film · 1h 32m · 19th in story order

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

Ruby Gillman, a sweet and awkward high school student, discovers she's a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queens. The kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids. Destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, Ruby must use her newfound powers to protect those she loves most.

Why it matters: A teenage kraken.

Starring

Lana Condor, Toni Collette, and Annie Murphy

Director

Kirk DeMicco

Box office

$46 million on a $70 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 65%

No. 44 · 2023 · Film · 1h 31m · 47th in story order

Trolls Band Together

When Branch's brother, Floyd, is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious pop-star villains, Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop-culture obscurity.

Why it matters: Branch's brothers reunite.

Starring

Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and Camila Cabello

Director

Walt Dohrn

Box office

$210 million on a $95 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6 · Rotten Tomatoes 64%

No. 45 · 2024 · Film · 1h 34m · 37th in story order

Kung Fu Panda 4

Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon who conjures villains from the past.

Why it matters: Po chooses his successor.

Starring

Jack Black, Awkwafina, and Viola Davis

Director

Mike Mitchell

Box office

$548 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 71%

No. 46 · 2024 · Film · 1h 42m · 20th in story order

The Wild Robot

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Why it matters: A robot raises a gosling on a wild island.

Starring

Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, and Kit Connor

Director

Chris Sanders

Box office

$332 million on a $78 million budget

Scores

IMDb 8.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 97%

No. 47 · 2025 · Film · 1h 29m · 21st in story order

Dog Man

When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve—and fetch, sit and roll over. As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief, he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat.

Why it matters: Half dog, half cop.

Starring

Peter Hastings, Pete Davidson, and Lil Rel Howery

Director

Peter Hastings

Box office

$146 million on a $40 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 82%

No. 48 · 2025 · Film · 2h 5m · 41st in story order

How to Train Your Dragon

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

Why it matters: The live-action remake of the first film.

Starring

Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler

Director

Dean DeBlois

Box office

$637 million on a $150 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 99%

No. 49 · 2025 · Film · 1h 44m · 51st in story order

The Bad Guys 2

The now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.

Why it matters: The reformed gang pulled into one more heist.

Starring

Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, and Awkwafina

Director

Pierre Perifel

Box office

$240 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 88%

No. 50 · 2025 · Film · 1h 38m · 22nd in story order

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie

When her beloved dollhouse is accidentally claimed by an eccentric cat lady during a road trip to Cat Francisco, Gabby embarks on a real-world adventure to reunite the Gabby Cats and rescue her most prized possession before it is too late.

Why it matters: The preschool series on the big screen.

Starring

Laila Lockhart Kraner, Gloria Estefan, and Kristen Wiig

Director

Ryan Crego

Box office

$80 million on a $32 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 85%

No. 51 · 2026 · Film · 1h 49m · 23rd in story order

Forgotten Island

While celebrating their last night together, high school graduates and best friends Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa must race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

Why it matters: Two friends trapped on a magical island.

Starring

H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco

Director

Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford

Box office

$50 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 94%

DreamWorks Animation box office and budgets

The 51 DreamWorks Animation films with reported numbers have grossed $18.7 billion worldwide on about $5.34 billion in combined budgets, roughly 3.5 times what they cost. The biggest is Shrek 2 at $933 million, 5% of the franchise's total on its own, followed by Shrek the Third ($808 million) and Shrek Forever After ($753 million).

Measured against what it cost, the best return belongs to Shrek, which made 8.2 times its $60 million budget. The weakest was Forgotten Island at 63% of its $80 million budget. As a rule of thumb, a film needs about two and a half times its budget at the box office to cover marketing and the theaters' cut.

The best and worst rated DreamWorks Animation movies

Across 51 rated titles, DreamWorks Animation averages 6.8 on IMDb. The top of the list is How to Train Your Dragon at 8.1, then The Wild Robot (8.1) and Shrek (7.9). At the bottom: Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie (5.4) and Spirit Untamed (5.5). Money and quality don't line up perfectly: the highest grosser, Shrek 2, is only the 10th best rated.

1. How to Train Your Dragon8.1 · RT 99%
2. The Wild Robot8.1 · RT 97%
3. Shrek7.9 · RT 89%
4. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish7.9 · RT 95%
5. How to Train Your Dragon 27.8 · RT 92%
6. How to Train Your Dragon7.7 · RT 99%
7. Forgotten Island7.7 · RT 94%
8. Kung Fu Panda7.6 · RT 87%
9. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit7.5 · RT 95%
10. Shrek 27.4 · RT 89%

Who appears in the most DreamWorks Animation movies

Seth Rogen leads with 6 appearances as Ship Captain and Mantis, ahead of Conrad Vernon (5) and Antonio Banderas (5). Counted from each title's top-billed cast.

DreamWorks Animation directors and creators

42 filmmakers have directed or created DreamWorks Animation; Tom McGrath has the most, with 6.

• Tom McGrathMadagascar (2005), Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Megamind (2010), Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012), The Boss Baby (2017), and The Boss Baby: Family Business (2021)
• Eric DarnellAntz (1998), Madagascar (2005), Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012), and Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
• Tim JohnsonAntz (1998), Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003), Over the Hedge (2006), and Home (2015)
• Dean DeBloisHow to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019), and How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
• Conrad VernonShrek 2 (2004), Monsters vs. Aliens (2009), and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)
• Chris SandersHow to Train Your Dragon (2010), The Croods (2013), and The Wild Robot (2024)
• Mike MitchellShrek Forever After (2010), Trolls (2016), and Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
• Joel CrawfordThe Croods: A New Age (2020), Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), and Forgotten Island (2026)
• Steve HicknerThe Prince of Egypt (1998) and Bee Movie (2007)
• Bibo BergeronThe Road to El Dorado (2000) and Shark Tale (2004)
• Nick ParkChicken Run (2000) and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
• Andrew AdamsonShrek (2001) and Shrek 2 (2004)
• Vicky JensonShrek (2001) and Shark Tale (2004)
• Kelly AsburySpirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) and Shrek 2 (2004)
• Rob LettermanShark Tale (2004) and Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
• Chris MillerShrek the Third (2007) and Puss in Boots (2011)

How long it takes to watch every DreamWorks Animation movie

All 51 titles add up to 80 hours. That is about 40 two-hour evenings, or 8 days of ten-hour binges. The longest film is How to Train Your Dragon at 2h 5m.

Upcoming DreamWorks Animation movies

• How to Train Your Dragon 2June 11, 2027
• Shrek 5June 30, 2027
• The Wild Robot EscapesDate to be announced

Common questions

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