Ranking Every Shrek Movie: Which One Reigns Supreme?

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Summary

  • Shrek 5 will feature fan-favorite characters.
  • Shrek Forever After is a perfect ending for the franchise.
  • Shrek 2 is a perfect sequel.

In the year 2001, a fresh colossus emerged in the realm of animation as Shrek made its debut. This film introduced us to a large green ogre and his journey to save Princess Fiona to reclaim his swamp. It turned out that beneath his gruff exterior, this ogre was much more complex, just like an onion with many layers. The initial movie received widespread critical praise and earned more than $250 million at the box office, catapulting its memorable cast of characters into global recognition.

The initial movies’ success sparked a blockbuster franchise worth millions, featuring numerous sequels and offshoot films, and another major production scheduled for release in December 2026. However, the unveiling of images for Shrek 5 has stirred debate among fans due to character design concerns. Regardless, this franchise has maintained its strength over the past twenty years, with each installment offering unique qualities. Yet, when it comes to films set in the Shrek universe, which one stands as the best? This is a question that continues to spark discussion among fans.

6. Shrek The Third

The Third Entry Is Unfortunately The Weakest

In “Shrek the Third,” the third installment of the Shrek series, King Harold becomes unwell at the start of the film and eventually passes away. This sets off a journey to find a suitable successor for the throne. Just like its predecessors, this sequel is brimming with pop-culture nods and satire, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights attained by the earlier films.

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, I must say that in “Shrek the Third,” I encountered Prince Charming once again, this time orchestrating an attack on Far Far Away. Meanwhile, Princess Fiona joins forces with a group of fairytale princesses to put a stop to his mischief. This installment is known for its humor, standing out as one of the funnier films in the series. However, some might argue that it lacks the depth of plot compared to others in the franchise.

5. Puss In Boots

The First Spin-Off Is Entertaining If Not Spectacular

In 2011, the initial spin-off from the Shrek world, titled Puss in Boots, hit the screens. This film features Antonio Banderas voicing the dashing, outlaw feline character who embarks on a quest to restore his reputation and regain his honor by locating the legendary Golden Goose’s eggs. The story unfolds before the incidents depicted in Shrek 2, offering insights into Puss in Boots’ background prior to his encounters with Shrek and Donkey. Additionally, it introduces fresh characters to the universe, among them being Puss’s love interest, Kitty.

This animated film is filled with thrilling action and captivating adventure, making it hard to look away thanks to its stunning visuals and lovable characters. Despite being slightly overshadowed by other films within the Shrek universe, Puss In Boots comfortably holds down the fifth position when ranking movies from that universe.

4. Shrek Forever After

The Franchise’s Perfect Ending

The fourth film in the Shrek series concluded the initial movie series by telling a touching tale that embodies ‘be careful what you ask for’. This film follows Shrek striking a deal with the scheming and power-hungry Rumpelstiltskin to become an actual ogre for a day. This arrangement allows Rumpelstiltskin to seize the throne and alter history, prompting Shrek on a quest to rescind the contract and get back to his previous life, having gained a newfound appreciation for what he already had.

In the fourth movie, Shrek takes on a different role, battling to reclaim his life. This change was considered an upgrade over Shrek the Third and what seemed like a fitting farewell for our beloved green ogre, until news broke about Shrek 5.

3. Shrek

The Original Is Still An All-Time Classic

In 2001, Shrek made its debut, tasked with introducing audiences to fresh characters while going toe-to-toe with animation powerhouses Disney and Pixar. The film’s immense humor and compelling narrative that satirized classic fairy tales, along with offering a new champion for fans to cheer on, propelled it to massive success.

In the tale, Lord Farquaad hires Shrek to retrieve Princess Fiona as his future spouse, yet during their journey, Shrek and the princess develop feelings for each other. Bursting with humor and satire, Shrek not only offers a captivating and emotionally resonant storyline but also set a benchmark for subsequent films.

2. Shrek 2

A Perfect Sequel That Improves On The Original

After the triumph of Shrek, setting another hit was a challenge, but Shrek 2 surpassed the original in numerous ways. It introduced a fresh antagonistic pair – the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming – while delving deeper into Fiona’s past by presenting her family background. Additionally, Puss in Boots was integrated into the storyline as well.

As a die-hard movie buff, I must say that in the continuation of Shrek’s tale, our lovable ogre is on a mission to win over his in-laws by shedding his ogre skin and becoming human. However, things don’t go as planned, and he finds himself rejected. This predicament leads him to take the Happily Ever After potion, causing him to transform into a human and embark on an adventure to return to Fiona. The expansion of this universe unveils the enchanting kingdom of Far Far Away, introduces Fiona’s family, and offers so much more, making Shrek 2 an exceptional sequel that truly lives up to its name.

1. Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

A Stunningly Animated Story

Among the top films in the Shrek universe and one of the standout animated features from the past two decades, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” certainly deserves its spot at the summit of any list. In this movie, Puss finds himself using his last life, confronting his own mortality, pursued by Death, and embarking on a quest to find the Wishing Star in hopes of acquiring more lives.

During the journey, Puss in Boots encounters obstacles from the Goldilocks gang (consisting of Goldilocks and the three bears), Jack Horner, and even Death himself. However, he receives assistance from Kitty and Perrito along the way. The film’s artistic presentation makes it stand out, while Puss’s past indifference towards death lends a somber tone to the movie. Death emerges as one of the most striking animated antagonists in recent memory, with his whistle becoming instantly recognizable and inducing dread whenever he appears on screen.

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2025-03-09 10:37