10 Best DreamWorks Movies to Watch After How to Train Your Dragon
If How to Train Your Dragon left you wanting more animated adventures with heart, DreamWorks has plenty to offer. The studio’s films range from quest stories and buddy comedies to fairy-tale parodies and big-hearted family adventures, and many of them share the same mix of humour and emotion that made the Viking and dragon story so beloved. Some of the studio’s films will feel familiar, while others will introduce you to a new favourite.
This list counts down ten DreamWorks films that work well as a next watch after How to Train Your Dragon. The picks span several decades and styles, from 1998 to 2024, so you can see how the studio’s storytelling has grown while keeping its warmth and wit.
Each entry below explains what the film is about, why it ranks where it does and why fans still recommend it. The order reflects how strongly each film combines heart, humour, a memorable central character and a satisfying story. Some entries are full family favourites, while others are smaller, sharper films with a strong personal core.
DreamWorks films often work because they give their heroes a clear want. Po wants to be a kung fu master, Shrek wants to be left alone, and the Croods want to survive a changing world. Those simple goals make the adventures easy to follow, and they give the comedy and emotion room to land.
Here is how I ranked them. I looked at how strong the central character is, how well the humour and emotion balance, how distinctive the animation is and how often viewers return to the film. Some entries are the studio’s biggest hits, while others are quieter films that reward a second watch.
The films have moved between platforms over the years, so availability changes. In the US, many of these titles have been on several services, and availability in the UK and elsewhere differs, so check your region before you press play. Use the notes in each entry to choose the film you want to revisit first.
Think of this list as a starting point rather than a fixed rulebook. If your favourite is ranked lower than you would like, that is fine. The goal is to give you a clear route from How to Train Your Dragon to the next DreamWorks film you enjoy.
Whether you are watching with children or just want a cosy animated night in, there is a film here for you. Get comfortable, grab a snack and let's start 👇
If you love this, check out: Best Schitt’s Creek Episodes, Ranked
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What Makes a Great DreamWorks Film?
The best DreamWorks films share a few traits. The hero has a clear personal problem, the humour comes from character rather than random gags, and the emotional payoff is earned. When those pieces fit, the film feels like a story that adults and children can share. You can read more about the studio on Wikipedia.
Animation matters too. DreamWorks has used distinct visual styles over the years, from the sharp, painterly look of its fairy-tale films to the expressive, stylised action of its later adventures. Those choices help each film feel like its own world.
How the Studio’s Films Have Changed
The earlier films on this list lean on fairy-tale parody and broad family comedy. Shrek sets the template with sharp jokes about fairy-tale conventions, while Kung Fu Panda builds a warm underdog story around martial arts. The later films explore bigger ideas, from the mythic scale of The Prince of Egypt to the emotional questions of The Wild Robot.
Watching roughly in order of release is a good way to see the studio’s development. Early entries use comedy to make their points, while later films trust their characters to carry bigger emotions. In each case, the family themes remain at the centre, which is why the films fit so well after How to Train Your Dragon.
If you enjoy family films with a strong heart, see Best Pixar Movies for Family Emotions. For a sitcom with a warm ensemble, try Best Sitcoms Like Modern Family.
How to Choose Your Next DreamWorks Film
Start with the age of the viewers. If you are watching with younger children, begin with the brighter films such as Kung Fu Panda or Megamind. If you want more emotional weight, try The Prince of Egypt or The Wild Robot. The film overviews on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes are useful if you want to compare audience reactions before you choose.
Then think about your mood. Some films are best as an easy watch, while others reward a full, attentive viewing. You can also explore Explore This Amazon Offer for more ways to stream these films while you decide.
10. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Spirit is a wild mustang who is captured and taken to a US Army fort, where he refuses to be broken. The 2002 film is a sweeping, mostly wordless adventure built around the horse’s courage and his bond with the people who help him. Matt Damon voices Spirit, and the film’s striking visuals give it a grand, epic feel.
Why it ranks here: It ranks tenth because it is a beautiful, heartfelt film, but its story is quieter and more restrained than the studio’s comedy hits.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans admire its bold visual style and its refusal to rely on dialogue, which gives the story real emotional force.
Who should watch: Fans of animal adventures and epic, quiet stories. For another film about an unlikely bond, see Best Friends to Lovers Movies With a Slow-Burn Romance.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Want more stories about unlikely friendships? Listen to That Love Podcast for audio dramas and comedies with plenty of heart.
9. Megamind
Megamind, a supervillain voiced by Will Ferrell, finally defeats his hero Metro Man, only to find that without a rival he has no purpose. The 2010 film turns that idea into a funny, warm story about identity and finding a new direction. Its sharp dialogue and playful villain make it a memorable pick.
Why it ranks here: It ranks ninth because it has a clever premise and a strong comic voice, though its supporting cast is less memorable than the films above it.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love Megamind’s self-aware humour and the way the film turns a villain into a sympathetic lead.
Who should watch: Fans of villain-led comedies and playful family stories. For another character with a surprising arc, see Best Schitt’s Creek Characters, Ranked.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
8. The Croods
The Croods follows a prehistoric family led by the overprotective Grug, who must adapt when their cave is destroyed. They meet Guy, an inventive young man, and the film turns their clash of outlooks into a funny, warm story about change and trust. Emma Stone is among the voices, and the visual gags are a constant delight.
Why it ranks here: It ranks eighth because it is a warm family comedy with a clear message, though its story is a little more familiar than the top films.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans enjoy the comic chemistry of the family and the way the film makes adapting to change feel like an adventure.
Who should watch: Fans of family comedies about change. For another group of people who grow together, see Best Friends Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
7. Kung Fu Panda 2
In the sequel, Po faces Lord Shen, a peacock villain with a dangerous weapon, and learns more about his own past. The 2011 film mixes martial arts action with a deeper story about identity and family, and Po’s growth gives the sequel a strong emotional centre.
Why it ranks here: It ranks seventh because it has a strong emotional arc and exciting action, though it sits just below the original in many fans’ minds.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans enjoy the action set pieces and the way Po’s backstory turns the film into a story about where he comes from.
Who should watch: Fans of martial arts adventures and family comedy. For another sequel with a bigger story, see Best Shows to Watch If You Miss Schitt’s Creek.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
6. Rise of the Guardians
Jack Frost, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman team up to protect children from the Boogeyman, Pitch Black. The 2012 film is a colourful, action-packed fantasy about belief and wonder, and Chris Pine gives Jack Frost a cheeky, lonely charm.
Why it ranks here: It ranks sixth because it is a bold, imaginative fantasy, though its story is more crowded than the films ranked higher.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love the ensemble of legendary characters and the way the film turns childhood belief into a heroic quest.
Who should watch: Fans of fantasy team-ups and magical adventures. For another group of friends with a shared mission, see Best Friends Christmas Episodes, Ranked.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
5. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Puss in Boots has used up eight of his nine lives, and he must face his final one. The 2022 film is a witty, action-packed adventure that mixes swashbuckling with a surprisingly moving story about mortality and second chances. Antonio Banderas returns as Puss, and the film’s stylish animation is a highlight.
Why it ranks here: It ranks fifth because it is a stylish, funny adventure with real emotional depth, though it is a spin-off rather than a franchise centrepiece.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans enjoy its gorgeous visual style, its humour and the way the film treats a playful cat’s fear with real sincerity.
Who should watch: Fans of swashbuckling adventures and emotional animation. For another story about a charming lead, see Best Sitcoms Like Superstore.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
4. Shrek
Shrek is a grumpy ogre whose swamp is invaded by fairy-tale creatures, and he sets out to get them back with a reluctant talking donkey. The 2001 film is a sharp parody of fairy tales, with a love story that subverts every expectation. Mike Myers gives Shrek a gruff charm, and the film’s humour still lands decades later.
Why it ranks here: It ranks fourth because it is a landmark of animated comedy, though its satire is more pointed than the films ranked higher.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love its sharp jokes, its fairy-tale parody and its warm, unexpected love story.
Who should watch: Fans of fairy-tale parodies and sharp family comedy. For another comedy with a memorable central pairing, see Best Characters From The Office, Ranked.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
3. The Prince of Egypt
The Prince of Egypt retells the story of Moses, from his childhood as a prince of Egypt to his return as the leader who frees the Hebrew people. The 1998 film is a sweeping, musical epic, with songs that carry the emotional weight of the story. Its scale and sincerity make it one of the studio’s most ambitious films.
Why it ranks here: It ranks third because it is an ambitious, moving epic with memorable music, though its tone is more serious than the comedies above it.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans admire its songs, its visual scale and its willingness to treat a sacred story with dignity and power.
Who should watch: Fans of musical epics and faith-based drama. For another story about a bold journey, see Best Near-Perfect Coming-of-Age Shows.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
2. Kung Fu Panda
Po is a clumsy noodle-shop worker who dreams of becoming a kung fu master, and he is chosen as the Dragon Warrior. The 2008 film is a funny, warm underdog story about self-belief, and Jack Black gives Po an infectious energy. Its training sequences and martial arts action are a joy to watch.
Why it ranks here: It ranks second because it is a warm, funny underdog story with strong action and a clear heart, though it is a little less ambitious than the top entry.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love Po’s energy, the lively martial arts scenes and the film’s message that anyone can find their place.
Who should watch: Fans of underdog stories and martial arts comedy. For another story about finding your place, see Best Near-Perfect Coming-of-Age Shows.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Before the top spot, listen to That Love Podcast for a companion listen while you watch.
1. The Wild Robot
Roz, a robot, is stranded on a remote island and must learn to survive among the animals. Lupita Nyong’o voices Roz, and the film’s gentle story about a machine learning to care for an orphaned gosling is both funny and deeply moving. Its animation is soft and expressive, and its heart is the reason it ranks first.
Why it ranks here: It ranks first because it combines a striking central character, a moving story about family and belonging, and a gentle tone that suits every age.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love Roz’s growth from a machine into a caring parent, and the film’s warm, thoughtful approach to nature and family.
Who should watch: Anyone who loved the heart of How to Train Your Dragon. Pair it with Best Schitt’s Creek Episodes, Ranked for another show built on warmth and growth.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Want to see more family films with this kind of heart? Visit That Love Podcast for audio dramas and comedies, and check out our sponsorship options if your brand wants to reach our audience.
Why These Films Suit Fans of the Dragon Story
Fans of How to Train Your Dragon often enjoy the same things: a heroic underdog, a loyal companion and a story where kindness matters as much as courage. DreamWorks has returned to those themes again and again, and the films below share that heart even when their settings are very different.
The best of these films also understand that family is more than blood. Friends, mentors and found families appear across the list, which is why the films feel as warm on a second viewing as they do the first time.
If you want more family adventures with a strong heart, explore Amazon Prime to see which films are included on your account.
For more ways to stream the studio’s films and similar family titles, explore this Amazon offer.
Also try Best Sitcoms Like The Big Bang Theory and Binge-Worthy Prime Video Sitcoms for more comedy with a strong ensemble.
Final Thoughts
DreamWorks has built a strong library of family films, and this list shows how varied it is. From the warm underdog story of Kung Fu Panda to the gentle, moving The Wild Robot, the studio’s best films combine humour, heart and striking animation. If you are new to the studio, start with the first film on the list you like most, then work your way through the rest.
If this list helped you find your next animated film, consider supporting our work at Donate to That Love Podcast. Our advertising partners can also reach our readers through sponsorship options, and you can always listen to That Love Podcast for more. Or try Amazon Prime to see what is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DreamWorks movie to watch after How to Train Your Dragon?
The Wild Robot is the top pick, because it combines a striking central character with a moving story about family and belonging.
Is Shrek a DreamWorks film?
Yes. Shrek is a 2001 DreamWorks film, and it is a sharp fairy-tale parody with a warm love story.
Who voices Po in Kung Fu Panda?
Jack Black voices Po in the Kung Fu Panda films.
Who voices Roz in The Wild Robot?
Lupita Nyong’o voices Roz in The Wild Robot.
What is Megamind about?
Megamind is a supervillain who defeats his hero, only to find he has no purpose without a rival.
What is The Croods about?
The Croods follows a prehistoric family who must adapt when their cave is destroyed.
Is The Prince of Egypt a musical?
Yes. It is a musical epic retelling the story of Moses, with songs that carry the emotional weight.
Who is Puss in Boots?
Puss in Boots is a swashbuckling cat voiced by Antonio Banderas, and The Last Wish is his spin-off adventure.
Where can I watch these DreamWorks films?
Availability varies by service and region, so check your local services before you press play.
Are there more family lists on That Love Podcast?
Yes. Our Pixar family-emotions guide is a good next read if you enjoy the films in this list.
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