Since its first film, Antz, in 1998, DreamWorks Animation has consistently challenged Pixar as a leading animation studio. While Pixar often creates deeply meaningful films that appeal to both children and adults (like Up and WALL-E), DreamWorks has generally preferred quicker-paced stories with big-name stars. However, DreamWorks is equally capable of making emotionally resonant and thematically rich movies, and these are often the films that launch successful franchises – Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon being prime examples of the studio at its best.
DreamWorks has made some excellent movies that don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Films like Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Over the Hedge, and Bee Movie are all well-made animated features that people seem to have forgotten about. However, one DreamWorks adventure that really stands out as underrated is Monsters vs. Aliens, which was released 17 years ago today.
How Did Monsters vs. Aliens Do & What Makes It So Effective?
Although Monsters vs. Aliens didn’t get a traditional movie sequel, there were a few follow-up releases. One was a 2009 TV special called Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space, which aired on NBC shortly after the film. The original voice cast – including Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland – all reprised their roles, with Rainn Wilson taking on a new villain.
In 2016, a second short film, Night of the Living Carrots, came out, but only Seth Rogen and Alan Sutherland returned to voice their characters. Then, in 2013, Nickelodeon created a TV series based on the shorts. However, it only lasted for 26 episodes and didn’t include any of the original actors.
Despite its success, it’s surprising a sequel was never made. The film earned over $380 million at the box office, with a budget of $175 million. While not a massive hit, it was definitely profitable.
This movie stands out as better than some other DreamWorks sequels, like The Croods, Trolls, and even Madagascar. It’s definitely a step up from The Boss Baby, thanks to its obvious affection for classic 1950s sci-fi and horror films, combined with heartwarming messages about self-acceptance and appreciating others’ differences.
It’s a shame we won’t be getting a Monsters vs. Aliens 2, but honestly, the first movie was hilarious thanks to the amazing cast! Paul Rudd was perfect as the slightly self-absorbed weatherman and Reese Witherspoon’s fiancé, and Stephen Colbert was brilliant as the President. What really made the movie special, though, was the chemistry between Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, and Will Arnett – their personalities just bounced off each other so well!
If you enjoy classic, slightly cheesy sci-fi movies like It Came from Outer Space, The Blob, The Thing from Another World, or the older Godzilla films, this movie is worth watching. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids to that kind of fun, old-school entertainment.
Did you see Monsters vs. Aliens when it was in theaters? If you could get a sequel made to any DreamWorks movie that only had one film, which one would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-03-27 19:43