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Shrek

Shrek

The greatest fairy tale never told.

200190 minPGMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Directors
Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson
Starring
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Shrek?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Shrek streaming on Peacock and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Shrek?

Shrek earns 12 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Oscar Winner.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Shrek worth watching?

Shrek's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 3.9M ratings across 6 sources. 89% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

97th percentile among Animation98th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Animation98th percentile among 2000s

Critics 84 · Audience 81

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

89% liked it

97th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Animation98th percentile among 2000s
89% rated it 7–1011% rated it 1–6

Critics 89% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

1 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 36 wins / 56 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Animated Feature
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

99th percentile

3.9M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 21% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$42M
Domestic gross$270M
Worldwide gross$490M

Returned 8.2× its budget — 96th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a parody that deliberately subverts fairy-tale conventions with a mix of crude and clever humor.

Fans praised

  • groundbreaking CGI animation that set new standards
  • smart dual-level humor parodying fairy tales and Disney
  • strong character chemistry between Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona

Detractors panned

  • overreliance on crude body-function and toilet humor
  • mean-spirited satire without genuine wit or originality
  • predictable plot rehashing fairy-tale clichés it mocks

What stands out

Acting85

Voice cast brings characters to life with distinct, memorable performances

Characters80

Shrek, Donkey, Fiona and Farquaad are layered, iconic creations

DialogueDivisive80

Witty banter, quotable lines, and pop-culture references

OriginalityDivisive80

Fresh take on fairy tales with meta-humor and self-awareness

HumorDivisive75

Broad spectrum from gross-out gags to clever adult innuendo

Sound and music75

Iconic soundtrack with Smash Mouth and well-chosen pop songs

Cinematography70

Vibrant, detailed environments and expressive character animation

Plot and storyDivisive60

Familiar quest structure enlivened by parody but criticized as formulaic

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Shrek like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It is gentle and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulRomanticAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its fairy-tale parody with a knowing wink while maintaining genuine heart.
The rideThe film maintains a mostly light, comedic mood, with the most heartfelt and emotional stretch occurring at the climax and resolution.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning (Shrek's swamp invaded), middle (the quest), and end (the wedding climax).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's celebration of self-acceptance and love leaves the viewer uplifted and warm.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeShrek must rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower to reclaim his swamp, while Fiona hides a curse that transforms her at night.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% (this title) · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of filmsPrejudice · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeShrek's journey is about overcoming his insecurity from being judged by others and finding self-acceptance through love and friendship.
StanceThe film celebrates self-acceptance and true love, affirming that inner beauty matters more than appearances.

The world

TimelessRuralWildernessInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · Harry Gregson-Williams
SettingA fairy-tale kingdom with a swamp, Duloc castle, and a dragon-guarded tower.
MusicIncludes iconic pop songs like 'I'm a Believer' and 'All Star' that drive key moments.

Content guide

Is Shrek okay for kids?

PG

Shrek is rated PG: “Rated PG for mild language and some crude humor” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (46/100), sexual content at moderate (43/100), language at moderate (45/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (39/100) and frightening material at moderate (43/100). Overall it is heavier than 81% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 29 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • ArgentinaATP
  • Belgium9
  • CLTE
  • CzechiaU
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceG
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • LTV
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • Poland7
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia6+
  • SpainAi
  • Sweden7
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 32% of all filmsHeavier than 81% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 75%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 87%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 86%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 86%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 66%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 75% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Shrek have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Shrek?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Mike Myers
as Shrek
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eddie Murphy
as Donkey
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Cameron Diaz
as Princess Fiona
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Lithgow
as Lord Farquaad
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Vincent Cassel
as Monsieur Hood
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Peter Dennis
as Ogre Hunter
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Clive Pearse
as Ogre Hunter
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jim Cummings
as Captain of Guards
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Bobby Block
as Baby Bear
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Cody Cameron
as Pinnochio
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Shrek?

Movies like Shrek include Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007) and Aladdin (1992). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by William Steig, and most are stories about princes.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Shrek?

75 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: monster. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.