DreamWorks is one of the most recognized names in animation and entertainment. People often wonder who owns DreamWorks today after its major changes over the years.
This article explores its ownership, history, CEO, revenue, and related companies.
History of DreamWorks
DreamWorks was founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. It was originally called DreamWorks SKG, named after the initials of its founders. Their goal was to create a new type of entertainment company that could compete with the biggest names in Hollywood.
In its early years, DreamWorks produced both live-action films and animated movies. Some of its first hits included Saving Private Ryan, Shrek, and Gladiator. DreamWorks Animation was officially spun off as a separate public company in 2004. The animation division focused on movies like Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and How to Train Your Dragon.
In 2016, a major shift occurred. DreamWorks Animation was acquired by a larger media company, changing who owns DreamWorks today.
Who Owns DreamWorks in 2025
DreamWorks Animation is currently owned by NBCUniversal, which itself is a division of Comcast Corporation. The ownership journey of DreamWorks reflects several important milestones, acquisitions, and control changes.
DreamWorks Pictures, the live-action division, is separately managed under Amblin Partners and is not part of NBCUniversal. When discussing who owns DreamWorks, it mainly refers to DreamWorks Animation today.
Acquisition of DreamWorks by Comcast
In April 2016, Comcast, through its NBCUniversal division, announced it would acquire DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion. The deal closed officially in August 2016.
Before the acquisition, DreamWorks Animation was an independent publicly traded company. After the acquisition, it was fully absorbed into Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, part of NBCUniversal’s broader media operations.
Comcast acquired DreamWorks Animation to strengthen its position in family and animated entertainment. DreamWorks’ library of characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar provided Comcast with valuable intellectual property that could be expanded across movies, television, consumer products, and theme parks.
The acquisition also allowed NBCUniversal to better compete with Disney and its powerhouse, Pixar Animation Studios.
Control Over DreamWorks
Post-acquisition, DreamWorks Animation is fully controlled by NBCUniversal executives. The company operates as a distinct brand under Universal Filmed Entertainment Group.
Strategic and financial decisions about DreamWorks Animation are overseen by senior leadership at Universal Pictures. This includes Donna Langley, Chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, and the executive teams reporting up to NBCUniversal CEO, Mike Cavanagh (appointed in 2023).
Ultimately, Comcast’s Board of Directors holds the final decision-making authority through NBCUniversal. Within Comcast, Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO, maintains substantial voting power due to his control of special Class B shares.
Thus, Comcast controls DreamWorks Animation not just financially, but also through corporate governance.
DreamWorks Pictures Ownership
DreamWorks Pictures, the live-action studio originally founded alongside DreamWorks Animation, is now part of Amblin Partners.
Amblin Partners was formed in 2015 by Steven Spielberg, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment (an Indian media company), and Entertainment One (eOne, owned by Lionsgate as of 2024).
DreamWorks Pictures primarily produces live-action films under the Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks labels. It operates independently and is no longer associated with DreamWorks Animation or NBCUniversal.
Thus, ownership of DreamWorks is split:
- DreamWorks Animation: Owned and controlled by Comcast via NBCUniversal.
- DreamWorks Pictures: Operates under Amblin Partners, led by Steven Spielberg and several investors.
Why Comcast Acquired DreamWorks
Comcast’s acquisition was strategic for several reasons:
- To build a competitive portfolio against Disney, especially in animated content.
- To expand Universal Studios theme parks with DreamWorks characters.
- To boost television production through DreamWorks Animation Television, which produces hits for platforms like Netflix.
- To create merchandising opportunities with established brands like Trolls, Boss Baby, and How to Train Your Dragon.
DreamWorks’ existing relationships with Netflix, Apple TV+, and other global platforms also added value to Comcast’s broader streaming and digital strategies.
Who is the CEO of DreamWorks?
As of 2025, Margie Cohn serves as the President and CEO of DreamWorks Animation. She assumed this role in 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her previous tenure as the head of DreamWorks Animation Television. Under her leadership, the studio has continued to produce successful animated features and television series, maintaining its reputation for high-quality family entertainment.
Cohn’s strategic vision focuses on expanding DreamWorks’ global footprint and leveraging its rich portfolio of intellectual properties across various platforms, including streaming services and theme parks. Her leadership has been instrumental in steering the company through the evolving landscape of the animation industry.
Past Leadership
Before Margie Cohn, DreamWorks Animation was led by Jeffrey Katzenberg, one of the studio’s co-founders. Katzenberg served as CEO from the company’s inception in 1994 until its acquisition by NBCUniversal in 2016. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, establishing DreamWorks as a major player in the animation industry.
Following the acquisition, Katzenberg transitioned to a new role, focusing on digital ventures, while the studio’s operations were integrated into NBCUniversal’s broader organizational structure.
Who Controls DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation operates as a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, which is itself a division of NBCUniversal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. This hierarchical structure places DreamWorks under the umbrella of one of the world’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates.
Comcast Corporation
At the top of the corporate hierarchy is Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company headquartered in Philadelphia. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal in 2011 and subsequently gained full ownership in 2013. In 2016, NBCUniversal expanded its portfolio by acquiring DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion.
Comcast’s extensive resources and distribution networks have provided DreamWorks with enhanced capabilities to produce and distribute content on a global scale.
NBCUniversal
Within Comcast, NBCUniversal oversees a diverse range of media and entertainment assets, including Universal Pictures, NBC Television Network, and various cable channels. DreamWorks Animation functions as part of Universal Pictures’ Filmed Entertainment Group, benefiting from shared services and collaborative opportunities across the company’s divisions.
NBCUniversal’s integrated approach allows for synergistic collaborations between DreamWorks and other entities within the conglomerate, facilitating cross-promotion and unified branding strategies.
Executive Oversight
While Margie Cohn manages the day-to-day operations of DreamWorks Animation, strategic decisions and overall direction are influenced by the leadership at NBCUniversal and Comcast. This includes Michael J. Cavanagh, who serves as the President of Comcast and leads NBCUniversal, and Brian L. Roberts, the Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation.
Roberts, in particular, holds significant control over Comcast due to his ownership of all Class B supervoting shares, granting him approximately 33⅓% of the company’s voting power. This structure ensures a cohesive vision and streamlined decision-making process across the various subsidiaries, including DreamWorks Animation.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of DreamWorks
DreamWorks Animation experienced a remarkable financial performance in 2024, marking its most successful year since 2014. The studio’s annual revenue reached approximately $866.4 million, driven by the box office successes of Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Wild Robot. Kung Fu Panda 4 grossed $547.7 million worldwide, while The Wild Robot added $318.4 million, collectively surpassing previous records.
As of early 2025, DreamWorks Animation’s estimated net worth stands at $199 million, reflecting a steady increase from previous years.
Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to be another landmark year for DreamWorks Animation, with a slate of four major releases, including Dog Man, How to Train Your Dragon (live-action adaptation), The Bad Guys 2, and Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. This ambitious lineup positions the studio to potentially surpass its previous financial milestones.
Here’s an overview of the annual revenue and net worth of DreamWorks for the last 10 years:
| Year | Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $916 million | $3.54 billion |
| 2016 | $915.9 million | $3.54 billion |
| 2017 | $900 million* | $3.50 billion* |
| 2018 | $920 million* | $3.55 billion* |
| 2019 | $940 million* | $3.60 billion* |
| 2020 | $850 million* | $3.40 billion* |
| 2021 | $870 million* | $3.45 billion* |
| 2022 | $890 million* | $3.50 billion* |
| 2023 | $910 million* | $3.55 billion* |
| 2024 | $866.4 million | $3.54 billion |
| 2025 | N/A | $199 million |
Brands and Companies Owned by DreamWorks
As of 2025, DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal under Comcast Corporation, oversees a diverse portfolio of brands and subsidiaries that span feature films, television series, and international collaborations. These entities contribute significantly to DreamWorks’ global presence in the entertainment industry.
Here’s a list of the brands and companies owned by DreamWorks:
| Company/Brand | Relevant Details |
|---|---|
| DreamWorks Animation Television | Produces TV shows like Gabby’s Dollhouse, The Boss Baby: Back in Business, and Bearbrick; strong presence on Netflix, Apple TV+, and Peacock. |
| DreamWorks Classics | Manages classic IPs like Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, and Rocky and Bullwinkle; focuses on reboots and merchandise. |
| DreamWorks Theatricals | Adapts animated films into live stage shows like Shrek the Musical and Madagascar Live!. |
| DreamWorks Press | Publishes books and digital interactive media based on DreamWorks properties. |
| DreamWorks New Media | Focuses on digital platforms, online games, and interactive experiences tied to DreamWorks IPs. |
| DreamWorks Channel | 24-hour TV network broadcasting DreamWorks content internationally. |
| Pacific Data Images (PDI) | Formerly a major animation studio behind Shrek and Madagascar; technological legacy still influences DreamWorks Animation. |
| Pearl Studio | Former joint venture (now fully Chinese-owned); continues occasional collaborations like Abominable. |
| Gabby’s Dollhouse | Popular preschool franchise with multiple seasons and a feature film; emphasizes creativity and education. |
| The Bad Guys | Animated franchise based on Aaron Blabey’s books; first film released in 2022, sequel coming in 2025. |
| Dog Man | Animated film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s hit graphic novels; 2025 release targets family audiences. |
| Bearbrick | Animated musical comedy series based on the collectible toy line; launched on Apple TV+ in 2025. |
DreamWorks Animation Television
Established in 2013, DreamWorks Animation Television (DWATV) serves as the studio’s television production arm. It has produced numerous acclaimed series for platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Peacock. Notable productions include Gabby’s Dollhouse, The Boss Baby: Back in Business, and Bearbrick. DWATV continues to expand DreamWorks’ reach in the streaming landscape.
DreamWorks Classics
Acquired in 2012, DreamWorks Classics manages a vast library of classic characters and franchises, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, and Rocky and Bullwinkle. This division focuses on revitalizing these timeless properties through new content and merchandise, preserving their legacy for new generations.
DreamWorks Theatricals
DreamWorks Theatricals adapts the studio’s popular animated films into stage productions. Successful adaptations include Shrek the Musical and Madagascar Live!, which have toured globally, bringing DreamWorks’ stories to life in a theatrical setting.
DreamWorks Press
DreamWorks Press is responsible for publishing books and interactive media based on the studio’s film and television properties. This division extends the narratives of beloved characters into the literary world, offering fans additional ways to engage with their favorite stories.
DreamWorks New Media
DreamWorks New Media focuses on digital content creation and distribution. It develops online experiences, games, and interactive platforms that complement the studio’s traditional media offerings, ensuring a comprehensive digital presence.
DreamWorks Channel
The DreamWorks Channel is a 24-hour family entertainment network that broadcasts DreamWorks’ animated series and films. Available in various international markets, the channel aims to provide continuous access to the studio’s content for global audiences.
Pacific Data Images (PDI)
Pacific Data Images was a computer animation production company acquired by DreamWorks in 2000. PDI played a pivotal role in creating early DreamWorks hits like Shrek and Madagascar. Although PDI was closed in 2015, its technological innovations continue to influence DreamWorks’ animation techniques.
Pearl Studio
Originally a joint venture between DreamWorks and Chinese partners, Pearl Studio (formerly Oriental DreamWorks) became fully Chinese-owned in 2018. While no longer under DreamWorks’ ownership, the studio collaborates on projects like Abominable, showcasing the enduring partnership between the two entities.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Gabby’s Dollhouse is a preschool television series produced by DreamWorks Animation Television. Premiering on Netflix, the show has garnered a significant following, leading to multiple seasons and a feature film adaptation. The franchise emphasizes creativity and problem-solving, resonating with young audiences worldwide.
The Bad Guys
Based on the children’s book series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys franchise includes an animated film released in 2022 and a sequel slated for 2025. The series follows a group of reformed villains attempting to do good, blending humor and action in a family-friendly format.
Dog Man
Dog Man is an animated film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s popular graphic novel series. Released in 2025, the movie combines elements of comedy and superhero genres, appealing to both children and adults. The film’s success has solidified Dog Man as a valuable addition to DreamWorks’ portfolio.
Bearbrick
Bearbrick is an animated musical comedy series produced by DreamWorks Animation Television in collaboration with Dentsu Entertainment. Premiering on Apple TV+ in 2025, the show is based on the collectible toy line and explores themes of friendship and creativity through its unique storytelling approach.
DreamWorks Animation Movies List
Here’s a list of the animation movies by DreamWorks:
| Movie Title | Year of Release | Overview/Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shrek | 2001 | A grumpy ogre embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, subverting fairy tale norms. Grossed $484 million, won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. |
| Madagascar | 2005 | A group of zoo animals finds themselves stranded on Madagascar. Grossed $532 million, leading to multiple sequels and a spin-off. |
| Kung Fu Panda | 2008 | A clumsy panda is chosen as the Dragon Warrior, blending action, humor, and a story of self-discovery. Grossed $631 million and led to sequels. |
| How to Train Your Dragon | 2010 | A Viking befriends a dragon, defying traditions. Grossed $495 million and led to sequels and a TV series. |
| Shrek 2 | 2004 | The sequel where Shrek meets Fiona’s parents and Puss in Boots is introduced. Grossed $935 million. |
| Shrek the Third | 2007 | Shrek seeks the rightful heir to the throne, with Prince Charming as the antagonist. Grossed $813 million. |
| Shrek Forever After | 2010 | Shrek experiences an alternate reality where he never existed, marking the end of the saga. Grossed $752 million. |
| Trolls | 2016 | Poppy and Branch fight to save the Trolls from the gloomy Bergens. Grossed $346 million and led to a sequel and a TV series. |
| The Boss Baby | 2017 | A suit-wearing baby is a secret agent in a corporate world. Grossed $528 million and led to a sequel, Family Business in 2021. |
| Abominable | 2019 | A young girl and her friends help a Yeti return to the Himalayas. Grossed $190 million. |
| The Croods | 2013 | A prehistoric family embarks on an adventure to survive a changing world. Grossed $587 million. |
| Megamind | 2010 | An evil genius struggles to find a new rival after defeating his longtime foe. Grossed $321 million. |
| Puss in Boots | 2011 | A swashbuckling cat embarks on adventures. Grossed $555 million, with a sequel The Last Wish in 2022. |
| Turbo | 2013 | A garden snail gains incredible speed and competes in the Indianapolis 500. Grossed $282 million. |
| Home | 2015 | An alien and a young girl team up to save Earth and find her mother. Grossed $386 million. |
| The Penguins of Madagascar | 2014 | A spin-off following the Penguins’ covert missions. Grossed $373 million. |
| Rise of the Guardians | 2012 | Iconic childhood figures unite to stop an evil force. Grossed $306 million. |
| Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron | 2002 | A wild horse seeks freedom in the American West. Grossed $122 million. |
| Kung Fu Panda 2 | 2011 | Po discovers his origins and faces a new villain, Lord Shen. Grossed $665 million. |
| Kung Fu Panda 3 | 2016 | Po reunites with his biological father and faces the villain Kai. Grossed $521 million. |
| The Croods: A New Age | 2020 | The Croods meet a more evolved family. Grossed $215 million globally. |
| Trolls World Tour | 2020 | Poppy and Branch discover musical realms to stop the evil Queen Barb. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, grossing $100 million in digital sales. |
| Boss Baby: Family Business | 2021 | Tim and Ted return to action to stop a new villain. Grossed $58 million globally. |
Shrek (2001)
Shrek was DreamWorks Animation’s breakthrough film, based on William Steig’s fairy tale book. It follows the story of Shrek, a grumpy and reclusive ogre who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, only to find that things are not as they seem. The film’s unique blend of humor, heart, and subversion of fairy tale tropes made it an instant classic. Shrek grossed over $484 million worldwide and won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The success of the film led to the creation of a franchise that includes Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010). Shrek’s lasting impact on animation and pop culture remains significant, with the character becoming a symbol of DreamWorks Animation’s creative approach.
Madagascar (2005)
Madagascar follows a group of zoo animals—Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo—who find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar after an attempt to escape their captivity goes awry. The film became a favorite for its vibrant characters, comedic antics, and colorful animation. Madagascar grossed $532 million worldwide, and its success led to a series of sequels, including Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012). The movie also inspired a spin-off, Penguins of Madagascar (2014), which focused on the highly entertaining penguins from the original film. The franchise remains one of DreamWorks’ most successful.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
In Kung Fu Panda, Po, a clumsy and overweight panda, is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior, a position of immense honor in the world of kung fu. Tasked with defeating the villainous Tai Lung, Po must overcome his insecurities and learn kung fu, ultimately finding his true strength in the process. The film was praised for its beautiful animation, comedic timing, and heartwarming story, which combined action with a touching journey of self-discovery. Kung Fu Panda grossed over $631 million worldwide and became one of DreamWorks’ flagship franchises. It led to the release of sequels: Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016), as well as a TV series. A fourth installment is currently in development, continuing Po’s adventures.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is an emotional and visually stunning film set in a Viking village where young Hiccup, the son of the village chief, befriends a dragon named Toothless. This friendship challenges the traditional animosity between Vikings and dragons, leading to a deep bond and a journey of mutual understanding and respect. The film was lauded for its breathtaking animation, especially in the dragon flight sequences, and its emotionally rich storyline. How to Train Your Dragon grossed over $495 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, becoming a beloved franchise for its storytelling and characters. The film spawned two successful sequels: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019). The franchise also includes a television series and short films, cementing its place as one of DreamWorks’ most cherished properties.
Shrek 2 (2004)
Following the massive success of the original Shrek, Shrek 2 picks up with Shrek and Fiona returning from their honeymoon, only to face Fiona’s parents, who disapprove of Shrek as her husband. This sequel expanded on the first film’s humor and heart, introducing memorable characters like Puss in Boots and the evil Fairy Godmother. Shrek 2 grossed $935 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The film’s success further solidified the Shrek franchise as one of the most iconic in animation history.
Shrek the Third (2007)
In Shrek the Third, Shrek embarks on another adventure to find the rightful heir to the throne after the death of King Harold. As Shrek struggles with the idea of becoming a father, he must also face new challenges, including a rebellious Prince Charming. While not as well-received as the first two films, Shrek the Third still grossed $813 million globally and helped maintain the franchise’s momentum. The film featured the return of familiar characters and continued the Shrek series’ unique mix of humor and emotional depth.
Shrek Forever After (2010)
Shrek Forever After serves as the final chapter of Shrek’s story. After growing tired of his family life, Shrek is tricked by Rumpelstiltskin into experiencing an alternate reality where he was never born. The film explores themes of self-acceptance and the importance of family. It marked the conclusion of the main Shrek saga and grossed $752 million worldwide, proving to be a fitting end to the character’s arc.
Trolls (2016)
Trolls is a colorful, musical film centered around the positive and optimistic Trolls who must fight against the gloomy Bergens, who believe they can only feel happiness by eating a Troll. The film features a star-studded voice cast including Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake. Trolls was a commercial hit, grossing $346 million worldwide, and it led to a sequel, Trolls World Tour (2020), which was released digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The franchise also includes a TV series, merchandise, and theme park attractions.
The Boss Baby (2017)
The Boss Baby follows a young boy named Tim whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of his new baby brother, who is actually a suit-wearing, scheming corporate agent. The film was a surprising success, grossing $528 million worldwide and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. It led to a sequel, The Boss Baby: Family Business (2021), and has continued to captivate audiences with its quirky concept and humorous take on family dynamics.
Abominable (2019)
Abominable is an adventurous tale about a young girl named Yi who befriends a Yeti named Everest. The trio embarks on a journey to return Everest to his home in the Himalayas, while evading those who wish to capture him. The film was praised for its animation, music, and heartwarming story, and it grossed $190 million worldwide. Abominable stands out as DreamWorks Animation’s first collaboration with China’s Pearl Studio, furthering the studio’s global reach.
The Croods (2013)
The Croods is set in a prehistoric world and follows a family of cavemen as they embark on a journey to survive and adapt to a changing world. The film blends humor with themes of family and survival. The Croods grossed $587 million globally, and its success led to a sequel, The Croods: A New Age (2020), which explored the family’s encounter with a more evolved group of humans. The Croods franchise remains a successful part of DreamWorks’ legacy.
Megamind (2010)
Megamind is a superhero comedy that follows the story of an evil genius, Megamind, who, after defeating his longtime rival Metro Man, faces the unexpected challenge of finding a new villain to fight. The film flips the typical superhero narrative, making the “bad guy” the protagonist. Megamind earned $321 million at the global box office and has since become a cult classic due to its unique approach and memorable characters, voiced by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Brad Pitt.
Puss in Boots (2011)
A spin-off of the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots focuses on the swashbuckling adventures of the charming feline character, Puss. The film dives into Puss’s backstory, detailing his origins and his search for the legendary Goose that lays golden eggs. It was a commercial success, grossing $555 million worldwide. The film also received critical praise for its visuals and character depth. A sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, was released in 2022, exploring further adventures of the iconic cat.
Turbo (2013)
Turbo tells the story of a garden snail named Theo who dreams of becoming the fastest snail in the world. After an accident involving a supercharged car, he gains incredible speed and embarks on a journey to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Though Turbo didn’t perform as well as some of DreamWorks’ other films, grossing $282 million worldwide, it has found an audience with children thanks to its colorful animation and exciting premise. The film also led to a short-lived Netflix series.
Home (2015)
Home is an animated sci-fi comedy about an alien named Oh who befriends a young girl named Tip after his race of aliens, the Boov, colonizes Earth. The unlikely duo work together to stop a dangerous invasion and find Tip’s mother. Featuring a star-studded voice cast, including Jim Parsons, Rihanna, and Steve Martin, Home grossed $386 million worldwide. The film’s heartwarming story about friendship and belonging resonated with audiences, especially younger viewers.
The Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
A spin-off of the Madagascar series, The Penguins of Madagascar centers around the antics of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private as they take on a covert mission to stop the villainous octopus Dr. Octavius Brine. While the film didn’t perform as strongly as its predecessors, grossing $373 million globally, it still found success with fans of the original Madagascar films. The Penguins remain some of the most beloved characters from the franchise.
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Based on William Joyce’s The Guardians of Childhood book series, Rise of the Guardians brings together iconic childhood figures like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman. These characters must band together to stop the evil Pitch Black from plunging the world into darkness. The film earned $306 million worldwide and was praised for its stunning animation, particularly in the detailed depictions of the various holiday landscapes.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is a hand-drawn animated film that tells the story of Spirit, a wild horse in the American West, and his journey toward freedom. Unlike typical animated features, the film is largely without dialogue and relies on stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack, composed by Bryan Adams, to convey the story. The film grossed $122 million worldwide and remains a standout for its unique narrative and visual style.
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
The sequel to the immensely popular Kung Fu Panda, Kung Fu Panda 2 continues Po’s journey as he uncovers the truth about his origins and faces off against the villainous Lord Shen. The film deepens Po’s character arc, delving into themes of identity and inner peace. Kung Fu Panda 2 grossed $665 million globally and received critical acclaim for its animation, story, and action sequences. It is often regarded as one of the rare sequels that improves upon its predecessor.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
In Kung Fu Panda 3, Po reunites with his long-lost biological father, Li Shan, and discovers a hidden village of pandas. Meanwhile, a new villain, Kai, threatens to steal the chi from kung fu masters. The film received positive reviews and grossed over $521 million worldwide. It continued the successful blend of humor, action, and heart that the series is known for and further cemented Po’s place as a beloved animated character.
The Croods: A New Age (2020)
A sequel to The Croods (2013), The Croods: A New Age sees the prehistoric family meeting a more evolved family, the Bettermans, who have found a utopia-like life in a more modern world. The film’s themes of family, adaptation, and co-existence struck a chord with audiences. The Croods: A New Age grossed $215 million globally, and its success during the pandemic era made it one of the standout animated films in 2020.
Trolls World Tour (2020)
Following the success of Trolls (2016), Trolls World Tour expands on the colorful, music-filled universe. Poppy and Branch discover that their world is one of six musical realms, each devoted to a different genre of music, and they must unite to stop the evil rock queen, Barb. The film was released during the COVID-19 pandemic and was made available for digital streaming, grossing $100 million in digital sales. It remains one of the first big animated films to embrace streaming in such a way.
Abominable (2019)
Abominable tells the heartwarming story of Yi, a young girl who befriends a Yeti named Everest. Along with her friends Jin and Peng, Yi sets out on a journey to return Everest to his home in the Himalayas while avoiding people who want to capture him. The film was praised for its breathtaking animation and emotional depth. It grossed $190 million worldwide and was DreamWorks Animation’s first collaboration with China’s Pearl Studio, which helped the film resonate with international audiences.
Boss Baby: Family Business (2021)
The sequel to The Boss Baby (2017), Boss Baby: Family Business continues the story of Tim and his younger brother, Ted, now adults. The two are called back into action when Tim’s daughter, Tabitha, needs their help to stop a villainous plot. While not as successful as its predecessor, Boss Baby: Family Business grossed over $58 million globally and was released both theatrically and via streaming.
Conclusion
DreamWorks has evolved significantly from its founding in the 1990s. Today, the answer to who owns DreamWorks points to Comcast through NBCUniversal. With the backing of a giant media empire, DreamWorks Animation remains a major force in the entertainment industry. Its movies, series, and characters continue to charm audiences worldwide.
FAQs
Who owns DreamWorks Animation?
DreamWorks Animation is owned by NBCUniversal, which is a division of Comcast Corporation.
Who owns DreamWorks Pictures?
DreamWorks Pictures operates separately through Amblin Partners, led by Steven Spielberg, and is not part of Comcast.
How much did Comcast pay for DreamWorks?
Comcast paid about $3.8 billion to acquire DreamWorks Animation in 2016.
Is DreamWorks part of Disney?
No, DreamWorks is not part of Disney. While both are major animation studios, DreamWorks Animation has always operated independently. However, it has sometimes been compared to Disney due to its success in the animated film industry. DreamWorks Animation was founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg, and David Geffen in 1994.
How much did Steven Spielberg sell DreamWorks for?
Steven Spielberg, along with his co-founders, sold DreamWorks SKG to Viacom (now Paramount Global) in 2006 for around $1.6 billion. However, the sale of DreamWorks Animation was a separate transaction. In 2016, DreamWorks Animation was sold to Universal Pictures (owned by Comcast) for $3.8 billion.
Why does Universal own DreamWorks?
Universal Pictures (a subsidiary of Comcast) acquired DreamWorks Animation in 2016 for $3.8 billion. The acquisition allowed Universal to expand its animation portfolio, particularly following the success of the Despicable Me franchise. The deal gave Universal control over DreamWorks Animation’s vast library of films, characters, and intellectual properties.
Has DreamWorks ever won an Oscar?
Yes, DreamWorks Animation has won several Oscars. Most notably, Shrek won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002. Other DreamWorks films, including How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda, have also received Academy Award nominations, with How to Train Your Dragon winning multiple awards in the animation category.
What is DreamWorks’ biggest movie?
As of 2025, DreamWorks’ biggest movie in terms of worldwide box office revenue is Shrek 2 (2004), which grossed approximately $935 million globally. The film was both a critical and commercial success, helping to solidify the Shrek franchise as one of DreamWorks’ most iconic properties.
What is the most expensive DreamWorks movie?
The Prince of Egypt (1998) is often considered DreamWorks’ most expensive animated film, with a production budget of around $70 million. However, in more recent years, films like How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) had larger budgets, estimated at around $150 million each.
Is Ice Age DreamWorks?
No, Ice Age is not a DreamWorks film. It was produced by Blue Sky Studios, which was acquired by Disney in 2021 as part of their purchase of 21st Century Fox. DreamWorks Animation and Blue Sky are separate animation studios.
Is DreamWorks owned by Universal?
Yes, DreamWorks Animation is owned by Universal Pictures, which is a subsidiary of Comcast. Universal acquired DreamWorks Animation in 2016 for $3.8 billion.
Who owns the DreamWorks company?
DreamWorks Animation is currently owned by Universal Pictures, a division of Comcast. Universal acquired DreamWorks Animation in 2016.
Who owns DreamWorks Pictures?
DreamWorks Pictures, the live-action film studio, is now a subsidiary of Amblin Partners, which is co-owned by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment manages DreamWorks Pictures, though the company is separate from DreamWorks Animation, which is owned by Universal.
Who owns DreamWorks SKG?
DreamWorks SKG, the original entertainment company founded by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen, was dissolved in 2008. The film production part of DreamWorks SKG was sold to Paramount Pictures (Viacom), and the animation division became DreamWorks Animation, which was later acquired by Universal in 2016.
Is DreamWorks owned by Universal?
Yes, DreamWorks Animation is owned by Universal Pictures, a subsidiary of Comcast. Universal acquired DreamWorks Animation in 2016, expanding its portfolio of animated films.