Have you ever thought when watching a film – “who produced this mastery I am watching”?
Well now you can find out as we have made a list of the top five movie production companies for you, alongside some of the best films they have produced.
5. DreamWorks
DreamWorks is one of the more modern movie companies on this list after it was only founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen. One of the most successful divisions of this company is DreamWorks Animation, that has produced some animated classics such as the Shrek trilogy, Chicken Run, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and many more.
Not only have they produced animation, but some of their best films include Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator and even Transformers. Since the 1990’s, DreamWorks’ main competitor has been Pixar – owned by Disney – as they both use the CGI feature format. Even though Pixar has been described as the “King of Animation”, DreamWorks are better in terms of putting their own spin on things such as the fairy tales, which they have been praised for.
This is why DreamWorks will continue in all of its success, not just because of its endless amounts of successful film repertoire, but because of their own unique way on some classic stories.
Shrek 2
Even though this may not be the first of the films, Shrek 2 is clearly the best out of the Shrek trilogy. Not only was Shrek 2 DreamWorks most successful film after producing $441 million worldwide, but it is their most beloved film. It takes place after Shrek and Fiona’s honeymoon. As they return home, they are invited to the Far Far away kingdom by Fiona’s parents. To the King and Queen’s surprise, Fiona is still an ogre and worst of all, she is married to an ogre! Fiona’s father, King Harold is not a fan of Shrek from the start, so he enlists the Fairy Godmother to get rid of Shrek, which leads to a new adventure for Shrek and his trusty accomplice and best friend, Donkey. Along the way they meet Puss in Boots and embark on a roller-coaster ride, but in the end, love prevails all. Shrek 2, a globally beloved film not only with a great storyline but also a star-studded cast.
4. Paramount Pictures
Paramount is regarded as one of the world’s “Big Six”: the largest movie media conglomerates in the world. It was founded in 1912, making it one of the oldest movie production companies, like Universal and was also a part of the “Big 3” in Hollywood’s Golden Age.
The studios have produced many popular movie series around the world including Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones and Transformers. Unlike many movie productions companies, Paramount has even produced films that have surpassed the $1 billion mark in worldwide box office sales including Titanic, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Paramount has many divisions including Paramount Animation, however this only started in 2011 after DreamWorks animations departed the studio after being brought out by Viacom. Like any other movie company, Paramount has a vast amount of history behind it and will continue to be one of the most successful film companies of all time.
Forrest Gump
If you don’t know some of the iconic quotes such as “Life is like a box of chocolates”, then where have you been? Forrest Gump is the 1994 Oscar-winning classic that tells the story of Greenbow, Alabama resident Forrest. Even though he may not be the smartest, or have any common sense, he is still someone with a heart of gold and in some ways “culturally experienced” after all he has seen! Forrest tells his life story as he sits on a park bench, waiting for the bus to see his childhood sweetheart Jenny. Forrest Gump is perhaps one of the most heart-warming yet heart-wrenching films of all time but is a perfect watch for the romantic film lover.
3. Universal
Universal is the oldest American film studio after being founded in 1912. Straight away when watching a film, you will know if it is a production by Universal with the entrance of its infamous music and the earth that appears on the screen alongside the bold “Universal” that lays upon it.
During Hollywood’s Golden Age, Universal pictures was a part of the “Little Three” as it played a vital part in the cinematic during this time of films. The studio is split up into many divisions including their animation studios that produces not only films but also TV series such as childhood favourite Curious George. Another division of Universal is Illumination, with its greatest success being Despicable Me as it has grossed $546.1 million globally.
Not only have the studios gained success through their films, but by working with some of the world’s best directors such as Steven Spielberg- who has worked with them on many occasions.
Jurassic Park
Did you ever think dinosaurs could come to life? No? Then you were wrong! Jurassic Park is the 1993 classic- produced by Steven Spielburg, that tells the story of Palaeontologists Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler that tour an island populated by real-life dinosaurs, created by prehistoric DNA. The Dinasour park that is presumed “safe” by billionaire owner John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), is proved not safe when the predators escape, meaning the palaeontologists must hunt to secure them once again. Jurassic Park is what a film fanatic would say must be on your “film bucket list” as it proved to be one of Universals most successful films of all time after grossing $1.032 billion worldwide.
2. Disney
A personal favourite of mine, and a opinion shared by millions around the world. Disney is the messiah of children and animated films, more recently live action films and was founded by the famous Walt Disney himself all the way back in 1923, just like Warner Bros. Disney has become one of the “Big Six” media conglomerates in the world as it not only deals in films but also TV, merchandise and theme parks, etc.
In recent years, it has brought many well-recognised brands such as Star Wars and Marvel. Unfortunately, the beloved Walt Disney died in 1966, however this did not stop “The Walt Disney Company” in its success as it kept his legacy going and still does to this day. What Disney does well is, for example how it takes fairy tales such as from the Grimm Brothers tales and turns them into the family friendly stories that anyone from age 1 to 100 can love. And, whatever your age, whether you admit to loving Disney or not – I will happily admit I love Disney – you guarantee will know the lyrics to at least one song from their never-ending film collection…
The Lion King
What is regarded as one of Disney’s most successful films, The Lion King- released in 1994, tells the story of Simba, the energetic Lion cub that is in line to take over the pride lands from his father, the great Mufasa. However, after tragedy strikes, Simba is forced by his Uncle Scar to leave the Pride Lands and never return. Scar then takes over as King of the Pride Lands, but not for the better. In the meantime, we see Simba grow up and is taken under the wing of Timone and Pumba who teaches him perhaps one of the most rememberable quotes in Disney history, Hakuna Matata (no worries, for the rest of your days). Simba eventually regains his courage and returns to claim back his throne. The Lion King made $968.5 million worldwide, therefore not only making it one of Disney’s most successful films but one of the most loved.
1. Warner Bros.
Founded in 1923, Warner Bros. paved the way for some of the greatest films ever seen on screen, with many other companies wanting to match up to their success. Not only have they produced some iconic movies but some historic franchises such as Harry Potter and Batman. For those superhero fans out there, Warner Bros. is especially popular as they also own the comic book publisher DC Comics, and much of their film repertoire includes not only Batman, but some other fan favourites such as Justice League, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and not forgetting, 2014’s The Lego Movie.
Clearly Warner Bros is the undefeated king of studios as not only have they produced more films than any other company, but all their films have the highest ratings on highly regarded review sites such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB, as well as exploring every genre so they can appeal to any audience.
The Shining
What is now known as a classic, The Shining is the 1980 horror about a family that move into “The Overlook Hotel”. Jack Torrance, played by the great Jack Nicholson, takes over as caretaker hoping to overcome his writers block. However, this hotel isn’t a normal one, as his younger son Danny starts to have visions that start to become a reality, leading to the terrorising of this family and a fatal ending. In 2019, Warner Bros released the much-awaited sequel Doctor Sleep, the story of Danny grown up, and answers any unanswered questions from the first one. The Shining is a must watch for any fan of the “classic horror”.
By Katie Green
Feature image: Casaenorden