Not Only Shrek: 5 Underrated but Brilliant Dreamworks Animated Movies
Even the strictest adults will smile at Sinbad, the cowardly chicken, and Spirit the Stallion.
Just like tech companies, big studios have their “flagships” – characters from beloved, classic animations that never leave viewers’ sights: Ariel, Shrek, and the Minions, for example. But what about lesser-known stories?
1. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, 2003
In order to save his friend's life, the rogue Sinbad must find and return the priceless Book of Peace. The problem is that Eris, the beautiful and dangerous goddess of chaos, is behind the theft of the artifact.
This fairy tale was released after the era of traditional, 2D animation had ended. Since viewers were much more interested in 3D animated films, Sinbad failed miserably at the box office.
2. The Road to El Dorado, 2000
Tulio and Miguel, two swindlers, win a map showing the way to the legendary, gold-filled city of El Dorado.
After accidentally ending up on the ship of the famous conquistador Hernán Cortés, the duo set off on their journey. However, when they reach their destination, the inhabitants of El Dorado mistake them for the long-awaited gods.
The filmmakers put a lot of work into the film; the artists even traveled to Mexico to draw inspiration from the ancient Mayan cities.
3. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, 2002
Spirit is a wild and free mustang who lives on the banks of the Cimarron River. One day, his curiosity leads him to people, and he is captured.
After making friends with a freedom-loving Indian named Little Creek, Spirit escapes, but not for long. Many hardships await him ahead.
The wonderful music of Hans Zimmer, pleasant animation, and adult themes make this movie primarily interesting for an adult audience. Younger viewers will also enjoy it, although they will definitely need additional explanations.
4. Rise of the Guardians, 2012
For centuries, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman have watched over children, protecting their dreams and hopes. Suddenly, these heroes are challenged by Pitch Black, a villain who replaces children's dreams with nightmares.
The Guardians are not strong enough to resist him. They decide to turn to a mischievous spirit named Jack Frost for help, but he is reluctant to become a team player.
5. Chicken Run, 2000
Ginger the hen and her friends have been trying to escape Mrs. Tweedy's farm for a long time since they could be used as pie filling at any moment.
They were already starting to lose hope when Rocky the Rooster literally fell from the sky. With his help, Ginger hopes to teach her friends to fly and save them from their terrible fate.
Nick Park, the world-renowned animator and creator of Wallace and Gromit, approached the matter with imagination and humor. He based his film on the Hollywood classic The Great Escape, only replacing the prisoners of war with cowardly chickens and making the plot more harmless and childish.