Summary
In 2001,the world was introduced to a new juggernaut in the world of animation with the release ofShrek. The movie about the big green ogre and his adventure to rescue Princess Fiona to get his swamp back showed the world that, despite his prickly demeanor, this ogre, just like an onion, had plenty of layers. The first film garnered mass critical acclaim and grossed over $250 million at the box office, making the incredible cast of characters household names around the world.
The initial films' success launched a multi-million-dollar franchise with multiple sequels and spin-off movies, with a fifth major motion picture set for release in December 2026.The recent announcement images forShrek 5have split opinions among fans, with some being unhappy with the designs of the characters. Despite this, the franchise has stayed consistently strong over the last two decades, with each entry in the franchise having its own merits. But when it comes to the films in theShrekuniverse, which movie takes the crown as the best?
The third entry into theShrekuniverse,Shrek the Third,sees King Harold fall ill and pass away at the movie’s opening, resulting in a quest to find a new heir to the throne. This sequel is packed full of pop-culture references and satire like the first two movies, but unfortunately doesn’t hit the same highs as the others.
Shrek the Thirdalso sees a returning villain in the form of Prince Charmingas he leads an assault on Far Far Away, whilst Princess Fiona teams up with some other fairytale princesses to take him down.Shrek the Thirdshines with its comedy, being one of the funnier entries in the franchise. However, it contains what many consider to be the weakest plot.
The first spin-off within theShrekuniverse,Puss in Boots, was released in 2011. The filmstars Antonio Banderas as the swashbuckling outlaw catas he aims to clear his name and regain his honor by finding the eggs of the fabled Golden Goose. The movie is set before the events ofShrek 2,exploring Puss in Boots' story prior to meeting Shrek and Donkey. It also introduces a new cast of characters to the universe, including Puss’s love interest Kitty.
The movie is packed with action and adventure, and commands attention with its animation and the charm of its characters. Only placing lower due to the quality of the other films in theShrekuniverse,Puss In Bootssits firmly in fifth place when ranking movies in theShrekuniverse.
The fourth entry into theShrekfranchise capped off the original run of movies with a heartfelt story encapsulating the phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’. The movie sees Shrek make a deal with the villainous and power-hungry Rumpelstiltskin to be a ‘real ogre’ for a day. This allows Rumpelstiltskin to take the throne and rewrite history, leadingShrek on an adventure to break the contract and return to his old life, having learned to better appreciate what he has.
The fourth entry flips the script of the previous sequels, having Shrek fight to get his life back. This marked a definite improvement onShrek the Thirdand what was seen as a great final appearance of the lovable green ogre, until the announcement ofShrek 5.
Shrekwas released in 2001 with thebig task of introducing viewers to a new cast of characterswhilst simultaneously competing against the animation juggernauts Disney and Pixar. The movie became a smash hit due to its incredible comedy and great story that lampooned traditional fairytales, whilst giving fans a new hero to root for.
The story sees Lord Farquaad hire Shrek to rescue Princess Fiona to become his bride, but along the way, the princess and Shrek fall in love. Filled to the brim with jokes and satire whilst delivering a compelling and emotional narrative,Shrekset a high standard for the movies that followed.
Following the success ofShrekwas always going to be a tall-order, butShrek 2took everything from the first entry and improved on it exponentially. It added in a new villainous duo in the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming, whilst expanding on Fiona’s backstory by introducing her family, and also adding Puss in Boots to the mix.
The story sees Shrek looking to impress his in-laws and being rejected due to being an ogre. This leads to him taking the Happily Ever After potion, turning him human and fighting to return to Fiona.The expansion of the universe, introducing the kingdom of Far Far Away, Fiona’s family, and more, makesShrek 2a perfect sequel.
The best movie in theShrekuniverse andone of the best animated features of the last two decades,Puss in Boots: The Last Wishis well-worthy of topping this list. The movie sees Puss on the last of his nine lives and grappling with his own mortality, being hunted by Death, and attempting to secure new lives by finding the Wishing Star.
Along the way, Puss in Boots is challenged by thecrime family Goldilocks and the three bears, Jack Horner, and Death, whilst being aided by Kitty and Perrito. The art style allows the movie to shine, whilst the subject of Puss’s previous disregard for death brings real gravitas to the movie. Death becomes one of the most memorable animated villains in years, with his whistle becoming iconic, generating fear upon his arrival.
