Today marks the 20th anniversary of Shark Tale, the animated film that made a splash when it hit theaters on October 1, 2004. Directed by Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, and Rob Letterman, Shark Tale brought a vibrant underwater world to life, blending humor, adventure, and a star-studded cast to create a family favorite.
Set in a bustling aquatic metropolis, the film follows Oscar, a fast-talking, ambitious fish voiced by Will Smith, who dreams of rising to the top of the reef’s social ladder. When Oscar takes credit for the accidental death of a feared shark, his newfound fame brings both fortune and trouble as he gets entangled with the mob-like shark family led by Don Lino, voiced by Robert De Niro.
The film’s cast was packed with star power, including Angelina Jolie as Lola, the seductive fish who tries to win over Oscar, Renée Zellweger as Angie, Oscar’s loyal friend and love interest, and Jack Black as Lenny, the vegetarian shark who becomes Oscar’s unlikely ally. With such a dynamic ensemble, Shark Tale delivered plenty of humor for kids and adults alike, while cleverly incorporating pop culture references and nods to classic mafia films like The Godfather.
Visually, Shark Tale dazzled audiences with its bright, colorful animation and inventive underwater landscapes, which helped establish DreamWorks Animation as a major player in the animation industry. The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits from artists like Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott, added an extra layer of energy and fun.
