Forget Shrek Already: Dreamworks’ Best Animated Film Remains a Hidden Masterpiece
There are many lists of the best animated series ever created, but The Prince of Egypt rarely makes it there, even though it is a masterpiece. Why is that? Let's find out.
When people think of DreamWorks Animation, franchises like Shrek or Kung Fu Panda often come to mind. But among these blockbusters is a cinematic gem that stands as one of the studio's most ambitious projects.
We are talking about The Prince of Egypt which came out in 1998. This animated adaptation of the biblical story of Moses was DreamWorks' first traditional animated feature and arguably its most daring.
What Is The Prince of Egypt About?
The film tells the powerful story of Moses, from his privileged upbringing in Pharaoh's palace to his spiritual awakening and mission to free the Hebrew slaves. Despite the fact that it's an animated film, The Prince of Egypt is not a light-hearted romp, but a dramatic story at its core that demonstrates the creators' commitment to emotional depth.
The film pays enough respect to its religious source material, but pays attention to universal themes of identity, freedom, and faith, which makes it accessible to audiences of all backgrounds. What also sets this film apart is its stunning hand-drawn animation: visually, the film is an absolute gem, rich in color and its powerful landscapes.
Another thing that makes the movie a standout is the music. The soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer with songs by Stephen Schwartz, includes the Oscar-winning “When You Believe,” performed by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. The music used in the movie makes it next level, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
The voice cast is equally impressive, featuring Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Sandra Bullock.
However, despite its critical acclaim and respectable box office performance, The Prince of Egypt has never quite received the widespread recognition it deserves. Perhaps it was overshadowed by the rising popularity of computer-animated films or the broader comedic appeal of later DreamWorks projects.
What Do Fans and Critics Think of the Movie?
- On Rotten Tomatoes, The Prince of Egypt has 80% from critics and 90% from viewers.
- On IMDb, The Prince of Egypt has 7.2/10.
“The music, the animation, the characters, the storytelling, the epic scope, the relatable script and marvelous voice acting, everything. It's a Bible movie that doesn't feel like a Bible movie. You don't even have to be religious to appreciate it,” Redditor Half-Hazard said.
