When it comes to animated legends, DreamWorks has never played by the rules—and that’s exactly why we love them. From swamp-dwelling ogres to sword-swinging cats, DreamWorks Animation has gifted audiences with some of the most memorable, quirky, and unexpectedly deep characters in modern cinematic history. Since bursting onto the scene with Antz and The Prince of Egypt, DreamWorks has built a kingdom of heroes, villains, sidekicks, and misfits that challenge the traditional norms of animated storytelling. These aren’t just characters—they’re icons who dance to their own theme music, crash through conventions, and leave behind unforgettable quotes and emotional moments in their wake. Whether they’re flying through the skies of Berk, kung-fu fighting in ancient China, or simply trying to keep their swamp to themselves, these characters have become part of pop culture lore. Their stories made us laugh, cry, cheer, and maybe even see ourselves a little more clearly. So grab some waffles, saddle your dragon, and cue the Smash Mouth—because we’re counting down the top 10 DreamWorks characters of all time. Let’s dive into the animation studio where weird is wonderful, and heart always finds a way to shine through the chaos.
#10: Mr. Peabody (Mr. Peabody & Sherman)
Mr. Peabody is not just a dog—he’s a Nobel Prize-winning, time-traveling genius with more class and wit than most humans. With his dry humor, brilliant inventions, and fatherly devotion to Sherman, Mr. Peabody offers a perfect balance of intellect and heart. His time-traveling antics not only make history fun but redefine how animated films can teach and entertain simultaneously. What makes Mr. Peabody truly stand out is his multidimensional character—he’s not just smart, he’s emotionally complex, grappling with the challenges of being a non-traditional parent in a judgmental world. His journey to gain society’s acceptance mirrors broader themes of inclusion and identity, making him one of DreamWorks’ most nuanced and heartwarming characters.
#9: Eep Crood (The Croods)
In a prehistoric world full of danger and discovery, Eep Crood stands out with her fearless curiosity and raw emotional drive. As the rebellious daughter of an overprotective father, Eep’s yearning to explore the unknown feels incredibly relatable. She embodies the spirit of change, evolution, and the human need for connection. With her wild hair, physical strength, and passionate voice (courtesy of Emma Stone), Eep brings a refreshing dose of realism and intensity to the animated screen. She’s not your typical princess or adventurer—she’s bold, impulsive, and authentically raw. Her dynamic arc, which involves challenging the past and embracing the future, makes her a powerful symbol of growth and independence in the DreamWorks legacy.
#8: Puss in Boots (Shrek franchise & Puss in Boots films)
Puss in Boots is the purr-fect blend of charm, wit, and swashbuckling finesse. Introduced in Shrek 2, this feisty feline quickly clawed his way into fan-favorite status. With his adorable “sad eyes” weapon and Zorro-like swordsmanship, he balances humor and heroism in equal measure. Antonio Banderas’s sultry, exaggerated accent makes every line delivery memorable. But beyond the theatrics, Puss has a soft, loyal heart that often gets overlooked beneath the bravado. His solo outings, especially Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, expanded his depth, showing vulnerability and a fear of mortality that added layers to his previously comedic persona. A true testament to DreamWorks’ ability to mix spectacle with soul.
#7: Tigress (Kung Fu Panda series)
Tigress is discipline, strength, and intensity personified. As the fierce second-in-command of the Furious Five, she may not be the loudest character, but her power radiates in every scene. Voiced by Angelina Jolie, Tigress is the stoic foil to Po’s chaotic charm, and her growth throughout the Kung Fu Panda series reveals a vulnerable, loyal, and deeply honorable warrior. She stands out not just for her fighting prowess but for the emotional weight she brings—her struggle to balance emotion and responsibility gives her a sense of realism rarely seen in animated films. Tigress represents the internal battles we all face, especially when duty overshadows personal desires, making her an enduring figure of emotional strength.
#6: King Julien (Madagascar series)
Lemurs weren’t exactly top-tier comedy gold until King Julien burst onto the scene. Voiced to perfection by Sacha Baron Cohen, King Julien is the flamboyant, self-absorbed party monarch who steals every scene he’s in. His catchphrases (“I like to move it, move it!”), over-the-top declarations, and questionable leadership make him one of the funniest DreamWorks characters ever. But beneath the glitter and dance moves, Julien has surprising depth—his occasional brushes with insecurity and loyalty add nuance to his otherwise absurd antics. Whether he’s commanding lemurs or clashing with Mort, King Julien proves that even the most ridiculous characters can reign supreme in our hearts.
#5: Hiccup (How to Train Your Dragon series)
Hiccup starts off as an awkward, lanky Viking who would rather sketch dragons than slay them—and that’s exactly what makes him unforgettable. His journey from outcast to chief is one of the most well-developed in any animated franchise. Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless redefines the bond between human and creature, and his leadership style—based on empathy, innovation, and understanding—sets him apart from traditional heroes. Voiced by Jay Baruchel, Hiccup brings a quiet strength that grows with each film. His evolution represents growth not through force, but through compassion and creativity, proving that intelligence and heart are just as powerful as brute strength.
#4: Megamind (Megamind)
Megamind turns the superhero genre on its head by making the “villain” the real hero. Voiced by Will Ferrell, Megamind is a misunderstood genius with a flair for theatrics and a soft spot for justice—he just didn’t know it yet. His transformation from insecure supervillain to lovable, flawed hero is a masterclass in character development. DreamWorks made a bold move flipping the traditional dynamic, and it paid off brilliantly. Megamind’s vulnerability, humor, and eventual redemption strike a chord, particularly with audiences tired of cookie-cutter hero stories. Plus, his one-liners, ridiculous disguises, and evil laugh are pure gold. He’s a villain we didn’t know we needed to root for.
#3: Po (Kung Fu Panda series)
Po is the ultimate underdog—overweight, clumsy, and obsessed with kung fu to an almost embarrassing degree. But that’s exactly why we love him. Voiced by Jack Black, Po brings infectious enthusiasm and surprising depth to the screen. His transformation into the Dragon Warrior is not about gaining strength—it’s about self-acceptance. Po’s journey teaches us that our perceived weaknesses are often our greatest strengths, and that destiny doesn’t require perfection. His hilarious antics, heartwarming relationships (especially with his adoptive father, Mr. Ping), and incredible fight sequences make him one of DreamWorks’ most iconic protagonists. He’s every dreamer who dared to believe they could be more.
#2: Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon series)
Toothless is a masterpiece in non-verbal storytelling. With catlike mannerisms, expressive eyes, and boundless loyalty, this Night Fury stole the hearts of audiences worldwide without saying a word. Toothless is more than Hiccup’s dragon—he’s his equal, his partner, and ultimately, a symbol of trust and understanding. The animation team crafted him to be both majestic and mischievous, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with every head tilt and playful nudge. Toothless’s emotional depth rivals that of any human character, and his bond with Hiccup is one of the strongest relationships in animated film history. He’s the silent heart of a saga that changed animation forever.
#1: Shrek (Shrek series)
There’s no question—Shrek is DreamWorks’ crown jewel. The grumpy green ogre flipped the fairy tale world upside down, and in doing so, revolutionized animated storytelling. Voiced by Mike Myers, Shrek’s layers (like onions!) peel back to reveal a deeply relatable character—someone who hides behind sarcasm and isolation because the world has judged him unfairly. His journey of self-worth, love, and unexpected heroism gave DreamWorks its identity: irreverent, bold, emotional, and hilarious. Shrek wasn’t just a character—he was a cultural phenomenon. From the iconic soundtrack to the groundbreaking humor, Shrek showed that animated films could be as meaningful as they were mischievous.
