Every ‘Ice Age’ Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

Before you dive into a marathon with Manny, Sid, Diego, and Scrat, here’s a handy countdown through all the feature-length entries in the franchise. Each blurb gives you the essentials—who made it, who’s in it, key plot beats, and notable production or release details—so you can pick your next watch with confidence and context.

6. ‘The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild’ (2022)

Directed by John C. Donkin, this spin-off follows Buck, Crash, and Eddie on a return trip to the Lost World, with Simon Pegg reprising Buck alongside a new voice ensemble. It was produced by 20th Century Animation with animation by Bardel Entertainment and released as a Disney+ original, expanding the series beyond its theatrical roots. The story centers on Crash and Eddie striking out on their own and teaming with Buck and new ally Zee to confront a brainy Protoceratops antagonist. The film marks the first main entry in the series released after Blue Sky Studios’ closure and under the Walt Disney Pictures banner.

5. ‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ (2016)

Helmed by Michael Thurmeier, this installment sends Scrat into space, triggering an asteroid threat that pushes the Herd—plus Buck—into a planet-saving quest. Produced by Blue Sky Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox, it features returning voices including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, and Simon Pegg. Composer John Debney scored the film, incorporating motifs from earlier series composers David Newman and John Powell. It grossed over $400 million worldwide and introduced locations like Geotopia and characters voiced by Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Jessie J.

4. ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ (2012)

Co-directed by Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier for Blue Sky Studios, this chapter sets the Herd adrift on an iceberg after global shifts split the continents. The voice cast adds Peter Dinklage as pirate Captain Gutt, with Keke Palmer, Drake, and Nicki Minaj joining returning leads Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Queen Latifah. The movie premiered at CineEurope and was accompanied in theaters by the Maggie Simpson short ‘The Longest Daycare’. Its marketing featured Scrat-centric teasers, and the soundtrack mixed John Powell’s score with pop tracks used in end credits.

3. ‘Ice Age: The Meltdown’ (2006)

Directed by Carlos Saldanha, this sequel follows the Herd’s race to safety as a melting ice dam threatens to flood their valley. It introduces Ellie, Crash, and Eddie to the core cast, with Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, and Josh Peck joining Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary. Produced by Blue Sky Studios and released by 20th Century Fox, the film features a score by John Powell. It expanded the franchise’s worldbuilding with water-based set pieces and aquatic predators awakened by thawing ice.

2. ‘Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs’ (2009)

Also from Blue Sky Studios, this third entry sends the characters into a subterranean realm of dinosaurs while introducing Buck, voiced by Simon Pegg. Carlos Saldanha returned to direct, and the ensemble again features Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Queen Latifah. The film became the series’ highest global earner, driven by strong international turnout and 3D exhibition. Its production emphasized creature design and action set pieces specific to the Lost World environment.

1. ‘Ice Age’ (2002)

Directed by Chris Wedge, the original film launched Blue Sky Studios’ feature career and introduced Manny the mammoth, Sid the sloth, and Diego the smilodon, with voices by Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary. Distributed by 20th Century Fox, it pairs the Herd’s journey with the human baby subplot and Scrat’s acorn-chasing antics. The movie earned a Best Animated Feature nomination and established the tone, characters, and visual style that fueled multiple sequels and spin-offs. Its box-office success made it one of the year’s top-grossing animated releases and set up a long-running franchise.

What’s your own order for the Herd’s adventures—drop your picks in the comments!