History of Shark Tale in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

Shark Tale is an animated DreamWorks film about Oscar, a small fish who becomes famous after falsely taking credit for killing Frankie, the son of shark mob boss Don Lino. To maintain the charade, Oscar teams up with Lenny, Don Lino's vegetarian son who doesn't want to be a killer. As Oscar enjoys his newfound fame and fortune, he struggles with the guilt of his lie and the potential consequences from Don Lino. Ultimately, Oscar and Lenny expose the truth, leading to acceptance and change within their underwater society.

1972: Reference to The Godfather

In a review of Shark Tale, Roger Ebert referenced the 1972 movie The Godfather to point out how many jokes may be missed by the target audience.

2002: Production Begins on Sharkslayer

In 2002, production began on the film, initially titled Sharkslayer.

September 2003: Sharkslayer Retitled Shark Tale

In September 2003, Sharkslayer was retitled to Shark Tale to make it sound less violent and more family-friendly.

September 10, 2004: Shark Tale Premieres at Venice Film Festival

On September 10, 2004, Shark Tale premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

September 21, 2004: Release of Shark Tale: Motion Picture Soundtrack

On September 21, 2004, the Shark Tale: Motion Picture Soundtrack was released, featuring new music by various artists.

September 29, 2004: Video Game Based on Shark Tale Released

On September 29, 2004, a video game based on Shark Tale was released for multiple platforms, published by Activision.

Loading Video...

November 5, 2004: Original Release Date of Shark Tale

Originally, Shark Tale was scheduled for release on November 5, 2004, but was moved up to October 1.

2004: Shark Tale Ninth-Highest-Grossing Film of the Year

In 2004, Shark Tale became the ninth-highest-grossing film of the year.

2004: Release of Shark Tale

In 2004, Shark Tale, an American animated adventure comedy film directed by Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, and Rob Letterman, was released. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, it featured the voices of Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, and Martin Scorsese.

February 8, 2005: Shark Tale Released on VHS and DVD

On February 8, 2005, Shark Tale was released on VHS and DVD.

February 5, 2019: Shark Tale Released on Blu-ray

On February 5, 2019, Shark Tale was released on Blu-ray by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

April 2023: Shark Tale Debuts on Netflix

In April 2023, Shark Tale began streaming on Netflix.

2024: Shark Tale Reaches Netflix's Top 10

In 2024, Shark Tale reached number 10 on Netflix's top 10 movies list, 20 years after its theatrical release.

November 2025: Elliott Joins Fan Campaign to Release "Car Wash" on Streaming Services

In November 2025, Missy Elliott joined a fan campaign to release "Car Wash" on streaming services, posting on X and tagging Universal Music Group and Geffen Records.

Loading Video...