DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek series first kicked off in 2001 with Shrek, which took home the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and spawned three more successful sequels. Although the film series trailed off in 2010, it remains surprisingly relevant today. In fact, it has experienced multiple resurgences in recent years due to viral Shrek memes and audiences seeking it out for nostalgia. Now, Shrek 5 is on the way, set to release 17 years after the series’ last installment.
If you’ve seen the memes and wondered what the big deal about Shrek was, this guide will help you discover how to delve into the series and where to find all Shrek movies and spin-offs in release order on platforms like Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, and more.
Shrek (2001)
At the time of its premiere, Shrek was an unusual spin on the modern fairy tale, given its focus on a somewhat antagonistic ogre. In the film, several misplaced fairy tale characters disrupt Shrek’s (Mike Myers) quiet swamp home until he cuts a deal with them to help overthrow their oppressive leader, Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow).
Shrek is still appealing today for the same reason it was back then: It’s different. It puts a wholly unique and new spin on the fairy tale genre, differentiating itself from Disney and other fairy tale adaptations. Shrek is a funny, unpredictable film that boasts exceptional voice performances, particularly Eddie Murphy’s iconic role as Donkey. Between its subtle adult humor and moral lessons about acceptance, Shrek will appeal to audiences of all ages. If you love fairy tale adaptations like Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) that think outside the box or are looking for an animated film perfect for all ages, you’re bound to enjoy Shrek.
Shrek 2 (2004)
The sequel to Shrek, Shrek 2, sees Shrek meet Princess Fiona’s (Cameron Diaz) family for the first time, which is a bit complicated considering they’re unaware she married an ogre.Shrek 2 is one of those rare sequels that is just as good, if not even better, than the original. It heightens the humor and entertainment while further solidifying Donkey as one of the best animated characters ever.
The sequel also stands out for introducing yet another icon, Puss in Boots (Antonia Banderas). Between its fun Meet the Parents (2000) vibes and slate of beloved, hilarious characters, Shrek 2 offers adults and children alike laugh-out-loud jokes and a wildly entertaining story. Viewers who loved the first movie will find Shrek 2 just as satisfying. Additionally, fans of notable computer-animated sequels like Toy Story 2 (1999) and How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) won’t want to miss Shrek 2, one of the best animated sequels of all time.
Shrek the Third (2007)
Shrek the Third continues Shrek’s story, as he and Fiona prepare to settle down in his swamp. However, their quiet life is interrupted once more when Shrek finds himself set to inherit King Harold’s (John Cleese) kingdom. Shrek the Third isn’t as sharp, thoughtful, or iconic as its predecessors, but it still boasts unique strengths.
The film distinguishes itself from previous installments with a greater emphasis on subtle adult humor and pop culture references. While still a children’s movie, a lot of the jokes will go over children’s heads, but amuse adult audiences with references to things like Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). Shrek the Third is perfect for fans of DreamWorks' sillier animated works, like Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) and Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (2023). It will also appeal to you if you love catching adult humor in computer-animated kids’ movies like Cars (2006) and Toy Story (1995).
Shrek Forever After (2010)
Shrek Forever After marks the fourth installment in the Shrek series, which DreamWorks initially marketed as the final film. In the movie, Shrek starts to grow tired of being a family man and misses his older, more private life as a grumpy ogre.
Shrek Forever After is a worthy addition to the Shrek franchise, returning to the original movie’s clever humor and heartwarming tone. It also continues the series’ appeal to older audiences, who won’t miss the strong and amusing parallels to It’s A Wonderful Life (1946). At the time, the funny and lightly sentimental premise felt like the perfect farewell to Shrek. Ultimately, Shrek Forever After is on par with other computer-animated fourth installments, such as Toy Story 4 (2019), Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), and the aforementioned Kung Fu Panda 4, in that it keeps the franchise going in a way sure to satisfy longtime fans, even if it’s a little sillier and less original than previous entries.
Puss in Boots (2011)
Puss in Boots marked the first Shrek spin-off movie, which tells the origin story of the iconic Shrek character, who seeks to restore his honor after a childhood friend’s betrayal led him to become an outlaw. The film is stunning and vibrant with cutting-edge computer animation bursting with color. Storywise, Puss in Boots is charming, witty, and mischievous, featuring dashing characters and non-stop action, making it perfect for both adults and children.
It also pays homage to Shrek’s roots with its unique renditions of fairy tale characters from Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) to Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris), bolstered by surprising and fantastic voice performances. Ultimately, if you love the Shrek series and are looking for something with a similar fairy tale vibe but a fresh twist, Puss in Boots is an excellent choice.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the long-awaited sequel to Puss in Boots, which sees Puss set off on a journey to restore eight of his nine lives after realizing he’s on his last life. The Last Wish is the best installment in the Shrek franchise since Shrek 2. The film matures significantly from the original, featuring dazzling action scenes that will impress even adult audiences and a darker, yet more heartfelt tone as it explores ideas of mortality and living life to the fullest.
Like Shrek, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is one of those rare films that genuinely appeals to audiences of all ages. Its jokes and earnestness works for kids, while adults will appreciate the sophisticated animation and phenomenal storytelling. Viewers who enjoy DreamWorks' more mature and emotionally-charged projects, such as How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) and Orion and the Dark (2024), will especially enjoy Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Shrek 5 (2027)
After years of teasing another Shrek movie, DreamWorks finally officially confirmed Shrek 5 in February of 2025. The fifth installment will see the return of Myers, Murphy, and Diaz, reprising their roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, respectively. Additionally, Zendaya joined the cast as the voice of Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, Felicia.
The film is set to release on June 30, 2027. While plot details remain unknown, the return of Shrek’s most iconic characters and the addition of Zendaya bode well for Shrek 5.
