10 Best DreamWorks Characters for Shrek Fans
You have watched Shrek enough times to know the swamp, the onions and the parfaits by heart, and now you want more DreamWorks characters who feel like they belong in the same irreverent, soft-centred corner of animated film. This ranking gives you ten of them, with the story behind each one and a clear reason for every position, so you can pick your next watch without scrolling for an hour.
The brief is strict. Every character here comes from outside the Shrek films, which means no Donkey, no Puss in Boots from the original movies, no Fiona and no Lord Farquaad. What you get instead is the wider DreamWorks Animation family, the studio founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen and now part of Universal Pictures. Plenty of these characters share Shrek’s habit of poking fun at a genre while still making you care about the person in the middle of it.
So what separates the strongest picks from the rest? We looked at four things. First, how well the character’s story works for someone who has never seen the film. Second, how funny and how human the voice performance feels, because DreamWorks lives and dies by its voice cast. Third, how much emotional weight the character carries once the jokes stop. Fourth, how closely the character matches what Shrek fans already love: underdogs, outsiders, fairy-tale and genre parody, and a big heart hidden under a lot of attitude.
You will meet a teenage kraken, a baby in a business suit, a giantess, a time-travelling dog, a nervous chihuahua, two stars of Madagascar, a Viking who befriends a dragon, a blue supervillain and a very hungry panda. Some of these are among the best animated movies of the last twenty years, and some are smaller films that deserve a second look. Either way, if you are hunting for movies like Shrek or planning a family movie night that does not feel like homework, this is a sensible place to start.
A quick note on how the list works. We count down from No. 10 to No. 1, and the final pick is the one we think best answers the question in the title. Each entry starts with the story, because a name on its own tells you very little, and then explains the performance, the comedy and why the character sits exactly where it does. Some entries are loud crowd-pleasers and others are quieter, so the order reflects both fun and staying power. Streaming rights change constantly, so we point you to your local listings rather than promise a service that may have moved on by the time you read this.
Let’s get into it 👇
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, That Love Podcast may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Love movies and streaming? Try Amazon Prime
Support That Love Podcast
If you enjoy our film and entertainment coverage, you can help keep independent reviews and original audio stories coming. Donate to That Love Podcast
10. Ruby Gillman from Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Ruby Gillman is a shy sixteen-year-old at Oceanside High who just wants to blend in, make friends and impress her crush, Connor. Her mother, Agatha, has strict rules about staying out of the sea, and Ruby follows them until the day she breaks one to save Connor from the water. That rescue turns her into a giant kraken and reveals a family secret: the Gillman women are sea monsters, and Ruby is next in line to protect the oceans from dangerous mermaids. Now she has to balance a secret destiny with homework, friendships and a first crush.
Lana Condor gives Ruby an awkward, likeable warmth, and the supporting cast is full of strong names, including Toni Collette as Agatha, Jane Fonda as the formidable Grandmamah, Colman Domingo as Ruby’s father and Annie Murphy as Chelsea. Directed by Kirk DeMicco for DreamWorks Animation, the 2023 film borrows the teenage-monster idea that Shrek fans will recognise: the creature everyone should fear is the one who just wants to be liked. The animation is bright and the sea-monster designs are fun, though the jokes are gentler than the studio’s sharpest comedies.
Why it ranks here: Ruby opens the countdown because her film is the smallest in scale and the least quotable on the list. The coming-of-age theme is lovely, but the story follows a familiar path, and the characters above her have bigger personalities or longer franchises behind them. She earns a place because she is the most direct heir to Shrek’s message about accepting what makes you different.
Who should watch it: Teens, younger viewers and anyone who enjoyed the animated coming-of-age mood of Turning Red.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as streaming rights move around.
🎧 Need something to listen to after your binge?
Discover original romantic audio dramas, comedies and stories from That Love Podcast. Listen to That Love Podcast
9. Boss Baby from The Boss Baby
Seven-and-a-half-year-old Tim Templeton loves being an only child, so he is not thrilled when his parents bring home a new baby brother. The baby wears a suit, carries a briefcase and talks like a company executive whenever the adults leave the room. After Tim catches him, the infant reveals he is on a secret mission from Baby Corp: find out why love for babies is falling, since he blames the puppies at his parents’ workplace. If he fails, he faces a dire fate. Tim reluctantly agrees to team up.
Alec Baldwin plays the title role with a perfectly pitched deadpan, and Miles Bakshi is a believable foil as Tim, with Steve Buscemi as the villain, Francis E. Francis. Tom McGrath, who also directed Madagascar and Megamind, keeps the gags coming at a quick pace. The film’s best idea is turning sibling jealousy into a corporate thriller, which has the same cheerful silliness Shrek fans enjoy. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and led to a sequel, The Boss Baby: Family Business, in 2021.
Why it ranks here: Boss Baby sits above Ruby because his concept is sharper and Baldwin’s voice work is far more distinctive. He lands below Susan because the second half leans on chase scenes more than character, and the emotional payoff is lighter than in the films above.
Who should watch it: Families with an older child who has just met a younger sibling, and fans of brisk, silly comedy.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as availability depends on your region.
8. Susan Murphy/Ginormica from Monsters vs. Aliens
On her wedding day in Modesto, California, Susan Murphy is hit by a radioactive meteorite and grows into a fifty-foot giantess. The government captures her, renames her Ginormica and locks her in a secret facility with other monsters: the gelatinous B.O.B., the brilliant Dr. Cockroach, the Missing Link and Insectosaurus. When a giant alien robot attacks San Francisco, General W.R. Monger offers the monsters a deal. Fight the invader and win their freedom. Susan must learn to work with her odd new team while the alien targets the power inside her.
Reese Witherspoon voices Susan with real vulnerability, and the supporting cast is a joy: Seth Rogen as B.O.B., Hugh Laurie as Dr. Cockroach, Will Arnett as the Missing Link, Kiefer Sutherland as the General and Rainn Wilson as the villain Gallaxhar. The 2009 film was directed by Conrad Vernon and Rob Letterman. Vernon voiced Gingy in Shrek and co-directed Shrek 2, so the studio’s sense of humour is right there in the film. Susan’s journey from being overshadowed to owning her size echoes Fiona’s story.
Why it ranks here: Susan beats Boss Baby and Ruby because her arc about self-worth is more moving and her team is more fun. She misses the top five because the film is a little uneven and its monster-movie jokes are broader than the character writing deserves.
Who should watch it: Fans of B-movie parody and anyone who likes a team of misfits.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as streaming rights change often.
Planning a bigger movie night? Explore More on Amazon
7. Mr. Peabody from Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Mr. Peabody is a genius dog who has invented a time machine called the WABAC and adopted a human boy named Sherman. He uses the machine to teach Sherman history first-hand. Trouble starts on Sherman’s first day of school, when he corrects a classmate, Penny Peterson, about the George Washington cherry-tree story, and they end up in a fight. Child-protection agent Ms. Grunion arrives, convinced that a dog cannot raise a boy. Peabody must prove he is a good father before Sherman is taken away, while the pair’s time travel causes chaos across history.
Ty Burrell brings a dry, fussy charm to Peabody, and Max Charles plays Sherman with sweetness. Allison Janney, Ariel Winter, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann and Stanley Tucci, as Leonardo da Vinci, add polish. Rob Minkoff directed the 2014 film, which is based on the Peabody’s Improbable History segments of Jay Ward’s Rocky & Bullwinkle. Taking an old cartoon and updating it with modern jokes is exactly what Shrek did to fairy tales, and the father-and-son bond gives the puns an emotional anchor.
Why it ranks here: Peabody enters the top seven because his dynamic with Sherman is the warmest of the lower half. He stays below Perrito because the plot gets a little tangled once the time-travel gags multiply, and he never quite builds the same affection.
Who should watch it: History lovers, parents and anyone who enjoys wordplay.
Where to watch: Check your local listings for rent, buy or streaming options.
6. Perrito from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Puss in Boots has used up eight of his nine lives, and after a close call he retires to live as a house cat with Mama Luna. His peace ends when the Three Bears crime family visits and he learns of a map leading to the Wishing Star, which could restore his lives. Puss sets off, joined by Perrito, a cheerful chihuahua disguised as a cat who dreams of becoming a therapy dog. Rival treasure hunters chase the same prize, while a sinister wolf called Death hunts Puss himself.
Harvey Guillén gives Perrito a wide-eyed optimism that works as a perfect counter to Antonio Banderas’s weary Puss. Directed by Joel Crawford, the 2022 film is a spin-off from the Shrek series, but Perrito is new, which is why he qualifies here. He is the comic relief that everyone remembers, yet he also carries the film’s message about choosing joy while knowing life is short. The movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and Perrito is a big reason it feels so warm.
Why it ranks here: Perrito beats Peabody because his emotional impact is much stronger and every scene he steals is memorable. He sits below Alex because he is a supporting player, and Alex carries a whole movie and a franchise.
Who should watch it: Viewers who loved the Shrek spin-offs, and anyone who wants an animated film with real emotional depth.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as availability varies by country.
🎧 Taking a break from the screen?
Listen to original romance, comedy and drama stories from That Love Podcast. Explore the latest episodes
Advertise With That Love Podcast
Want to put your film, brand, streaming service, product or business in front of readers who love movies, television, books and pop culture? That Love Podcast offers sponsorship and advertising opportunities across the website, podcast and newsletter. Learn more: Advertise with us
You May Also Like
Still not finished with the swamp or the studio? These ranked lists and reviews keep the animated fun going.
5. Alex from Madagascar
Alex is a lion and the biggest star at New York’s Central Park Zoo, where he performs for crowds and lives alongside his best friends: Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. When Marty becomes restless and dreams of the wild, he slips out of the zoo, and his friends chase after him. Everyone is captured and shipped to a nature reserve in Kenya, but a group of scheming penguins hijacks the ship and the crates wash up on the beach of Madagascar. Alex finds himself far from his comfortable stage, and his natural instincts become a real problem.
Ben Stiller supplies the showman’s vanity and the nervous energy, and Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith complete the four-way friendship. Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath directed the 2005 film. Alex is a comic hero who is vain, anxious and secretly dependable, much like a certain green ogre. The friendship at the centre keeps the franchise going through several sequels.
Why it ranks here: Alex moves into the top five because he leads a whole film, grows across it and gives the franchise its heart. He sits just below King Julien because the lemur is the funnier, more unpredictable scene-stealer, and Alex works best as part of a group.
Who should watch it: Families, fans of buddy comedies and anyone who wants an animated adventure with a lot of laughs.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as streaming rights shift between services.
4. King Julien from Madagascar
King Julien is the ring-tailed lemur king of Madagascar, a self-appointed ruler who loves parties, music and being adored. His loyal advisor Maurice, an aye-aye, handles the sensible decisions, and the tiny Mort follows him everywhere. When four stranded New Yorkers wash up on the island, Julien sees something useful in the lion, Alex. The lemurs live in fear of the island’s predators, the foosa, and a lion might be the protection his kingdom needs. For the visitors, Julien is both a welcome and a complication.
Sacha Baron Cohen’s voice performance is one of the funniest in the studio’s history. His accent, his rhythm and his total lack of self-doubt turn a supporting role into a franchise favourite. Julien was so popular that he got his own Netflix series, All Hail King Julien, and the character continues the Shrek tradition of making a minor figure so entertaining that audiences want more of him. Every scene is a gift for quoting and impressions.
Why it ranks here: Julien takes No. 4 because he is the sharpest comic creation in the franchise and survives constant repetition in sequels and spin-offs. He misses the top three because he works as a scene-stealer rather than the emotional core of a story, which Hiccup, Megamind and Po all provide.
Who should watch it: Viewers who enjoy absurd comedy and character-led humour.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as availability changes from region to region.
3. Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon
On the Viking island of Berk, dragons raid the village constantly. Hiccup, the scrawny son of chief Stoick the Vast, is considered too weak to fight and spends his days working with the blacksmith, Gobber, building clever gadgets. During one raid, he shoots down a rare Night Fury, but nobody believes him. When he finds the wounded dragon in the forest, he cannot bring himself to kill it. Instead he befriends it, names it Toothless and builds a prosthetic tail fin so it can fly again. Hiccup begins to question everything his people believe.
Jay Baruchel brings an uncertain, funny voice to Hiccup, with Gerard Butler as Stoick, Craig Ferguson as Gobber and America Ferrera as the fierce Astrid. Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois directed the 2010 film, adapted from Cressida Cowell’s novels, and it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. John Powell’s score and the flying sequences give the film a sense of wonder rarely matched in animation. See the film’s Wikipedia entry for full production details.
Why it ranks here: Hiccup is a top-three character because his friendship with Toothless gives the film its emotional power and his growth from outcast to leader is beautifully drawn. He ranks below Megamind and Po because he is a little less like Shrek: the tone is more serious, with fewer jokes about the genre.
Who should watch it: Anyone who loves adventure, fantasy and animal-companion stories.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as streaming rights vary.
Want the dragons on your shelf? Browse How to Train Your Dragon on Amazon
2. Megamind from Megamind
Megamind is a brilliant, blue-skinned alien supervillain raised in a prison, while his rival Metro Man grows up in luxury and is adored by Metro City. For years Megamind schemes to take over the city and fails every time, usually with the help of his loyal sidekick Minion. Then, to his shock, he actually defeats Metro Man. Without a hero to fight, Megamind feels empty, so he builds a new one using Metro Man’s DNA. The result turns evil, and Megamind must save the city he has always tried to rule, with reporter Roxanne Ritchi caught in the middle.
Will Ferrell is hilarious as Megamind, with Brad Pitt as Metro Man, Tina Fey as Roxanne, Jonah Hill as Hal and David Cross as Minion. Tom McGrath directed the 2010 film. The central joke, that the villain is more interesting than the hero, matches Shrek’s approach to fairy tales, and it works as a superhero parody that still has its own heart. Megamind on Wikipedia lists the production background.
Why it ranks here: Megamind takes second place because he is the most Shrek-like character on the list: a misunderstood outsider who wants to be loved. He misses No. 1 only because he has the one film, while our winner carries an entire franchise.
Who should watch it: Fans of superhero parody and big-personality comedy.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as availability changes by country.
🎧 Before we reveal our No. 1 pick…
You can also discover original romantic audio dramas from That Love Podcast. Listen here
1. Po from Kung Fu Panda
Po is a clumsy, food-loving panda who dreams of being a kung fu master, but he spends his days serving noodles in his goose father’s shop in the Valley of Peace. When the wise Grand Master Oogway unexpectedly chooses him as the legendary Dragon Warrior, almost everyone is stunned, including Po. Master Shifu doubts him and puts him through brutal training hoping he will quit, while the Furious Five, Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper and Crane, struggle to accept him. Meanwhile, the escaped warrior Tai Lung is heading for the valley with revenge on his mind.
Jack Black is perfect casting: loud, silly and sincere, with Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, David Cross as Crane and James Hong as Mr. Ping. John Stevenson and Mark Osborne directed the 2008 film, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The animation and martial arts are gorgeous, and Kung Fu Panda on Wikipedia shows how the series grew to four films by 2024.
Why it ranks here: Po wins because he does everything the other nine do at once. Megamind has the better parody and Hiccup the stronger drama, but only Po combines a funny underdog, a moving father-son story and a martial-arts world in one lead, then sustains it across several sequels. Like Shrek, he proves that the character everyone laughs at can carry the whole film. Perrito and Julien steal scenes, but Po owns every scene, and Alex shares the screen with three friends.
Who should watch it: Everyone from young children to adults, especially anyone who wants a feel-good underdog story.
Where to watch: Check your local listings, as streaming rights change often. You can also visit the studio’s official DreamWorks site for the latest on its films.
Work With That Love Podcast
If you’re a brand, author, publisher, entertainment company or business looking to connect with an audience that loves movies, television, romance, books and pop culture, we’d love to hear from you. Discover advertising and sponsorship opportunities: Advertise with us
Final Thoughts on the Best DreamWorks Characters for Shrek Fans
What connects the strongest choices here is the same thing that made Shrek work. Each character begins as an outsider, whether that is a nervous Viking, a lonely supervillain or a noodle-shop panda, and each finds a place by being themselves rather than becoming someone else. The jokes get the laughs, but it is the feeling underneath that makes you rewatch.
Different viewers will land in different places. If you want the closest cousin to Shrek, start with Megamind. If you want a story with real emotional power, Hiccup and Perrito supply it, and if the whole family needs a laugh, King Julien and Alex are an easy pick. Smaller films such as Ruby Gillman and Mr. Peabody & Sherman deserve a look when you have finished the big names.
Po won because he is the most complete of the ten: funny, heartfelt and strong enough to carry a franchise. Now it is your turn. Who is your favourite DreamWorks character outside Shrek, and who did we miss? Tell us in the comments, and share this list with the person you always argue about animated movies with.
You May Also Like
More animation, nostalgia and movie fun from That Love Podcast.
Support That Love Podcast
If you enjoy our film and entertainment coverage, you can help keep independent reviews and original audio stories coming. Donate to That Love Podcast
Looking for something new to listen to? Listen to That Love Podcast
You May Also Like
Looking for your next watch? These lists cover comedy, superheroes and the best new releases.
Want to own the favourites? Shop Kung Fu Panda movies on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best DreamWorks character for Shrek fans?
Our pick is Po from Kung Fu Panda. He is an underdog who becomes a hero without losing his sense of humour, and Jack Black’s voice work gives him a big heart. Megamind is the closest to Shrek in spirit because he flips a genre in the same way, while Hiccup is the best choice for viewers who want more emotion. The list deliberately avoids Shrek characters so you can discover new favourites.
What DreamWorks movies are like Shrek?
Megamind, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Monsters vs. Aliens are the closest matches. Each mixes cheerful parody, pop-culture jokes and a warm story about outsiders. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is also a strong choice because it comes from the Shrek universe but has its own tone. Mr. Peabody & Sherman and The Boss Baby offer lighter family comedy with a similar sense of fun.
Who voices Po in Kung Fu Panda?
Jack Black voices Po in all the Kung Fu Panda films. He is joined in the original 2008 movie by Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, David Cross as Crane and Ian McShane as the villain Tai Lung. The franchise had four films by 2024.
Who voices Megamind?
Will Ferrell voices Megamind in the 2010 film. The cast also includes Brad Pitt as Metro Man, Tina Fey as Roxanne Ritchi, Jonah Hill as Hal and David Cross as Minion. Tom McGrath directed the film, and he also worked on Madagascar and The Boss Baby, which is why the three films share a similar fast, silly comic rhythm. Megamind is also a good starting point for adults, because its superhero jokes reward anyone who has watched a few comic-book movies.
Is Perrito a Shrek character?
No. Perrito is new to Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, voiced by Harvey Guillén. Puss himself first appeared in Shrek 2, but Perrito belongs to the 2022 spin-off only, which is why he qualifies for this list. He is a cheerful chihuahua who joins Puss on a quest for the Wishing Star and brings most of the film’s warmth.
Which character on the list is the funniest?
King Julien is probably the funniest, thanks to Sacha Baron Cohen’s unforgettable performance and the character’s total confidence. Boss Baby and Megamind are also very funny, with Alec Baldwin and Will Ferrell playing absurd characters in a completely serious way. Funny is subjective, so it depends whether you prefer deadpan, loud or silly humour. If you want pure comic chaos, begin with Madagascar and watch for every scene where the lemur king takes over.
Which DreamWorks film on this list is best for young children?
Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and The Boss Baby are the easiest options for younger viewers, thanks to their bright animation, broad jokes and clear stories. How to Train Your Dragon works well for slightly older children because some scenes are tense. As ever, check the age rating in your country before choosing a family movie night. Megamind and Monsters vs. Aliens suit slightly older children, who will enjoy the superhero and monster-movie jokes.
Are any of these films based on books or older cartoons?
Yes. How to Train Your Dragon is based on the novels by Cressida Cowell, while Mr. Peabody & Sherman comes from the Peabody’s Improbable History segments of Rocky & Bullwinkle, created by Jay Ward. The other films on the list are original stories, although Puss in Boots draws on the fairy-tale character who first appeared in Shrek 2. Megamind plays with superhero comics in a similar way, though it is not based on a specific title.
Which films on the list were nominated for an Oscar?
Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, The Boss Baby and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish were each nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Nominations do not decide this ranking, though. We placed each character according to story, performance and how well the character fits what Shrek fans enjoy. Po, Hiccup and Perrito all come from films with that recognition, which says something about how strong the studio’s recent work has been.
Where can I stream these DreamWorks movies in the UK?
Streaming rights change constantly, and DreamWorks titles move between services, so we recommend checking your local listings or searching the film title on a streaming guide such as JustWatch or TV Guide. Most of these films are also available to rent or buy digitally from the major stores, which is often the easiest route if a title has left your subscription service.
More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows
Want to keep exploring? These trusted sites cover cast lists, reviews, release dates and entertainment news.
IMDb: full cast and crew lists, trivia and user ratings.
Rotten Tomatoes: critic and audience scores with review roundups.
Metacritic: weighted critic scores and review excerpts.
Wikipedia: production history, release details and cultural impact.
TV Guide: streaming and TV listings.
Entertainment Weekly: film news, interviews and reviews.
Deadline: industry and box office news.
The Hollywood Reporter: entertainment news and analysis.
Enjoyed What You Read?
Enjoyed what you read? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for the latest reviews, entertainment recommendations, podcast updates and exclusive giveaways. You can sign up using the form at the bottom of our homepage (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com).
Studying and streaming? Explore Amazon Prime Student
Stay kind, stay beautiful, protect your heart, and always remember: you are deeply loved.
