Ranking All DreamWorks Movie Franchises

Overview of DreamWorks Animation Franchises

The Shrek franchise sets the standard for DreamWorks, known for its memorable characters and engaging entertainment.
The Kung Fu Panda series features remarkable villains and star-studded casts, maintaining both critical acclaim and commercial success.
How to Train Your Dragon presents epic adventures with stunning visuals while exploring themes of friendship and family.

DreamWorks Animation made its cinematic debut in 1998 with the release of Antz, a collaboration between industry veterans Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. Merging expertise from animation powerhouses like Disney and Spielberg’s Amblimation, the studio aimed to fuse CGI with traditional animation techniques, ushering in a new age of animated storytelling. While their initial movies, Antz and The Prince of Egypt, were critically acclaimed, they didn’t dominate the box office. However, the release of Shrek in 2001 marked a definitive turning point, establishing DreamWorks as a formidable competitor against Disney in the realm of animation.

Over the course of the last two decades, DreamWorks has produced numerous successful franchises that have solidified their reputation alongside industry giants like Disney and Pixar. While several franchises have emerged, determining which one stands out among the rest is a topic of considerable debate, especially considering that only franchises with a minimum of two theatrical releases are eligible for ranking.

7. Boss Baby

A Super-Spy Baby Begins the Ranking

The Boss Baby franchise, initiated in 2017, stars Alec Baldwin as a baby who doubles as a spy for BabyCorp in a covert war against puppies vying for their owners’ affection. Each entry in the series features some entertaining moments that resonate with adult viewers; however, the humor tends to lean toward a younger audience, making it less impactful for older viewers.

Despite its occasional charm, many view the Boss Baby franchise as lacking in story depth and pacing, leading to critiques of its humor. While it may offer a light-hearted option for a family movie night, it comfortably occupies the last position in the DreamWorks portfolio.

6. Trolls

A Musical Journey for All Ages

The first installment of the Trolls franchise premiered in 2016, receiving a generally positive response with a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This franchise combines vivid animations with a jukebox musical format as characters like Poppy and Branch, voiced by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, embark on quests filled with catchy tunes and vibrant visuals.

With entertaining soundtracks featuring hits like “Can’t Stop The Feeling, ”the trilogy is enjoyable for families, landing the Trolls series firmly in the middle tier within DreamWorks’ catalog.

5. The Croods

A Prehistoric Adventure

Beginning in 2013, The Croods franchise takes audiences on a thrilling adventure with a prehistoric family searching for a new home after their cave is destroyed by an earthquake. With an impressive voice cast that includes Nicolas Cage and Emma Stone, each film is filled with humor and touching family dynamics.

While both films promise abundant laughs and heartfelt moments, they haven’t quite reached the same heights as other DreamWorks franchises, although the potential for future installments remains.

4. Madagascar

An Animal Adventure from Urban Zoo to the Wild

The Madagascar franchise encompasses three main films and a spin-off, showcasing the escapades of animals like Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra, voiced by Chris Rock and Ben Stiller respectively, as they journey from New York City’s Central Park Zoo to exotic locales.

Combining humor with touching narratives about friendship, the series effectively captivates audiences across generations, securing its place as a beloved franchise in the DreamWorks universe.

3. Kung Fu Panda

Epic Martial Arts and Self-Discovery

The Kung Fu Panda franchise, featuring the delightful journey of Po, the Dragon Warrior, showcases impressive villains like Tai Lung and Lord Shen. This series, which includes four fantastic films, is characterized by its sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and a star-studded cast, including Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman.

As Po learns to master Kung Fu and embrace his true potential, the franchise has garnered both critical and commercial success, solidifying its reputable status within DreamWorks Animation’s offerings.

2. How To Train Your Dragon

Breathtaking Adventures and Heartfelt Themes

How to Train Your Dragon presents an engaging trilogy set in a Viking world, where the traditional conflict of Vikings versus dragons transforms into a story of friendship and understanding when Hiccup befriends a dragon. This franchise captivates audiences with its stunning animation, rich storytelling, and emotional depth.

With a focus on themes like exploration, family bonds, and the beauty of acceptance, How to Train Your Dragon delivers three memorable films that continue to resonate with viewers, although it narrowly misses the top spot in our ranking.

1. Shrek

The Iconic Franchise that Started It All

Undoubtedly, Shrek reigns supreme as DreamWorks’ most successful franchise, featuring four main films and two spin-offs centered around Puss in Boots. Since the original film’s groundbreaking debut in 2001, the series has set a benchmark for animation excellence.

What elevates Shrek to the top is its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless humor—elements that resonate with audiences of all ages. With an incredible voice cast including Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, coupled with the standout talents of Antonio Banderas, the Shrek franchise has not just become iconic but remains a cornerstone of animated filmmaking.

Source & Images