For decades, DreamWorks Animation has been a heavyweight in family entertainment, giving us iconic franchises like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. While the 2000s and 2010s were all about sequels, the 2020s have seen the studio push creative boundaries with both original stories and bold continuations. From a teenage kraken discovering her royal destiny to a swashbuckling cat with one life left, these films have proven that DreamWorks is still a major player. Here’s our ranking of the best DreamWorks movies of the 2020s so far.
7. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
Despite a disappointing box office, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a hidden gem. It flips ocean mythology on its head, making krakens the noble guardians of the sea and mermaids the vain villains. The story follows Ruby (Lana Condor), a shy 16-year-old who discovers she’s next in line to become the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas. It’s a charming coming-of-age tale that tackles teenage awkwardness and social anxiety with heart. The voice cast, including Toni Collette, Coleman Domingo, and Jane Fonda, elevates the material, and the vibrant animation gives the film a unique identity. While it may not have made a splash at the box office, its warmth and clever subversion make it a worthy watch.
6. Orion and the Dark (2024)
This Netflix release, written by the brilliant Charlie Kaufman, is a thoughtful exploration of childhood anxiety. Orion (Jacob Tremblay) is a boy afraid of everything, especially the dark. But when the personified Dark (Paul Walter Hauser) takes him on a global adventure, Orion learns to confront his fears. The film’s genius lies in its casting—Hauser’s jovial voice makes Dark a comforting presence, not a monster. It’s a witty, existential, and deeply human story that normalizes fear without dismissing it. Orion and the Dark is a hidden treasure that deserves a wider audience.
5. The Bad Guys 2 (2025)
Sequels often disappoint, but The Bad Guys 2 improves on the original. The reformed criminal crew—Wolf, Shark, Piranha, Tarantula, and Snake—struggles to find legitimate work, only to be framed by a new villain, the Phantom Bandit, led by the formidable Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks). The film is a fast-paced, globe-trotting heist thriller with sharper animation and even more clever twists. The new characters, including Natasha Lyonne and Maria Bakalova, add fresh energy. It’s a high-octane, stylish adventure that proves this franchise has legs.
4. How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
DreamWorks took a big swing with a live-action remake of its beloved 2010 classic. Set on the rugged Isle of Berk, it follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young Viking who befriends a dragon instead of slaying it. Gerard Butler returns as Stoick, bringing gravitas to the role. The film faithfully recreates the magic of the original while adding stunning visual effects and a new emotional depth. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the story that it works so well in live-action, and it’s a must-see for fans old and new.
3. The Bad Guys (2022)
The original The Bad Guys was a breath of fresh air, a heist comedy with a stylish, almost Tarantino-esque vibe. The voice cast, led by Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, and Awkwafina, brought these reformed criminals to life with wit and charm. The animation was bold and dynamic, and the story about redemption and friendship resonated with audiences. It set the stage for the sequel and proved that DreamWorks could still create original IPs with mass appeal.
2. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
This sequel to the 2011 spin-off is a masterpiece. Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) discovers he’s used up eight of his nine lives and must find the mythical Last Wish to restore them. The film’s animation style is a stunning blend of 2D and 3D, reminiscent of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It’s a mature, emotionally resonant story about mortality and what truly matters in life. With a stellar supporting cast, including Salma Hayek and Harvey Guillén, The Last Wish is not just a great animated film—it’s one of the best films of the decade.
1. The Wild Robot (2024)
Topping our list is The Wild Robot, a breathtaking adaptation of Peter Brown’s novel. It follows ROZZUM 7134, a robot stranded on a wild island who must learn to survive and, in turn, becomes the adoptive mother of an orphaned gosling. The film is a visual and emotional triumph, exploring themes of nature, parenthood, and what it means to be alive. The voice cast, including Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal, delivers powerful performances. It’s a profound, beautiful film that proves DreamWorks is at the top of its game.
DreamWorks has had a remarkable decade, and these films showcase its range—from laugh-out-loud comedies to deeply moving dramas. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or looking for something new to stream, these movies are worth your time. And if you’re in the mood for more animated adventures, check out our list of hard sci-fi films that push the genre’s boundaries.
