The Road to El Dorado

Two slick con artists, Miguel and Tulio, cheat their way through a scheme that goes wrong, leaving them aboard a ship bound for a remote land. They end up in the fabled city of El Dorado, welcomed by a civilization eager to believe their act. Mistaken for deities, the pair must improvise to keep up appearances as the locals rally behind them, offering friendship while the truth hides in plain sight. As their ruse spirals, they discover that city's splendor masks deeper tensions and that legends are easier to claim than to control. Their luck shifts as they realize the consequences of deception extend beyond themselves and the people they meet along the way. Stakes rise, forcing choices about loyalty.

Directed by Bibo Bergeron and Don Paul, The Road to El Dorado offered DreamWorks Animation a globe trotting adventure born from an original screenplay by Terry Rossio, Ted Elliott, and Ronnie del Carmen. The project drew international talent and color.

The film grossed approximately 76.4 million worldwide on a production budget of 95 million, reflecting a solid family audience turnout but a modest commercial performance for a high profile animated release from DreamWorks. Its performance influenced DreamWorks' approach to animation.

Musically the film features songs by Elton John and Tim Rice that helped it stand out among animated musicals of its era, and its bright color palette plus fast banter gave family audiences a breezy adventure feel that lingered for fans of the era. Tulio and Miguel remain memorable together.

On release the film drew generally positive notices for its humor and character dynamic between Miguel and Tulio, while critics also noted its vibrant visuals and light hearted tone. It explores deception, friendship, and the lure and limits of myth making. Critics noted its balance of humor and heart well.