Fans Are Still Flocking to DreamWorks’ $492M Fantasy Masterpiece 24 Years Later

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DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures have seen great results with the recent live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, and DreamWorks is getting a lot of attention for the sequel, The Bad Guys 2, which is considered one of the top animated films of 2025. While Disney and Pixar remain leaders in animation, DreamWorks is also famous for popular movie series like Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar. However, their most financially successful franchise overall is , bringing in billions of dollars for the studio.

The Shrek franchise started with the 2001 film of the same name, which was a huge hit and became one of the year’s biggest movies. This success led to a large and beloved universe, often praised for its clever way of tackling everyday problems within a children’s story. Even after many years, fans continue to love Shrek, particularly its creative world and well-developed characters, making it a widely appreciated film for viewers of all ages and generations.

Shrek Is a Masterpiece For Multiple Generations

A lot of Shrek fans remember seeing it when they were kids in the early 2000s, when it first came out in theaters. The film was a huge hit in 2001 and is remembered as one of the best animated movies not made by Disney. Because it’s remained so popular, the first movie led to several sequels, short films, spin-off movies about Puss in Boots, and various TV shows and specials. Even after more than twenty years, people still love the world of Shrek.

The story of the original film, released in the early 2000s, starts with Shrek, a lonely ogre who enjoys living a peaceful, private life. His quiet existence is disrupted when Lord Farquaad exiles fairytale creatures to his swamp. To get them off his property, Shrek enters and wins a tournament hosted by the lord, leading him on a quest to rescue a princess from a dragon-guarded tower. After Shrek and his talking donkey friend, successfully save Fiona, she’s upset that Lord Farquaad didn’t come to her rescue himself. As the unusual trio begins the trip back to Duloc, Fiona’s nighttime transformation creates a setback for their journey.

Shrek uses a classic storyline – a hero embarking on a quest to rescue someone and improve the world. While the basic plot is similar to many other movies, the film stands out due to its quirky characters, both main and supporting, which are a departure from typical fairytale narratives. Traditionally, ogres are portrayed as villains, not heroes, but this unconventional choice for the lead role is a key reason why the movie became so popular.

It Perfectly Subverts the Fairytale Expectations

This story goes against what viewers expect from a Disney Princess movie, offering something truly different. While it *does* have a happy ending and a sweet love story, it’s not the usual tale of a helpless princess and a perfect prince that fuels the (often unrealistic) dreams of young romantics. Instead, the unique and welcome romance between Shrek and Fiona shows us that everyone deserves love, regardless of whether they fit traditional standards. It’s also a story of winning through hardship and never giving up.

Right away, it’s clear the hero struggles with who he is, worried she won’t accept him because he’s an ogre, not a charming prince. Fiona first appears to fit the stereotype of a snobbish princess, but actually, she’s distressed to discover her rescuer is an ogre, as she’s insecure about her own secret – that she’s the same type of creature villagers hunt with pitchforks and torches. This couple isn’t often seen in stories, but their connection is sweet and grows from a friendship into romance through shared experiences and common interests.

The movie features a number of supporting characters who break away from traditional fairytale tropes. For example, the dragon – usually depicted as a fearsome beast guarding a princess – is actually a lonely creature longing for friendship. Donkey is arguably the most surprising and amusing character in the series, acting as a comical sidekick who unexpectedly offers remarkably wise and insightful advice to those around him. While these characters initially seem to fit familiar fairytale molds, they also challenge those expectations by subverting them.

No One Is Too Old for Shrek

Those who grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s are the first fans of Shrek, often remembering it as a favorite part of their childhood and a standout animated film. But the appeal of Shrek isn’t limited to millennials and older Gen Z. This popular DreamWorks series has connected with multiple generations – including adults who enjoyed it when it first came out, and even today’s children who weren’t yet born when the original movie was released.

A key reason why Shrek appeals to audiences of all ages is its powerful and meaningful themes. The story does more than just challenge typical tropes and offer insightful observations about societal expectations and the prejudice that arises when people don’t fit in. While those themes are important, the most significant message might be about learning to love yourself. Characters like Shrek and Fiona are judged based on how they look, which also leads them to doubt their own value. This sets them on a path to discover their self-worth, regardless of what others think.

Beyond the charming story that appeals to viewers of all ages, the film’s humor is a major highlight. There’s comedy for everyone, including innocent gags that children will love – like when Donkey tries to make light of his comments about Shrek’s swamp by complimenting a rock. But there are also jokes that older audiences will appreciate, cleverly written so kids won’t even notice, such as Shrek and Donkey teasing Lord Farquaad about his height. While some parents might find a few jokes questionable for a children’s film, these clever moments continue to make the movie enjoyable even for grown-ups long after they’ve outgrown childhood.

The Franchise Will Continue Over 25 Years Later

Besides the Puss in Boots series, the most recent Shrek movie was Shrek Forever After, the fourth film in the main series, released in 2010. Now, fifteen years later, fans are very excited for any updates about the next Shrek movie, which has faced some delays but is currently expected to come out in June 2027. We know that Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy will return as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. Also, it’s been revealed that Shrek 5 will feature Zendaya, who will voice Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter.

Currently, fans know the upcoming story will follow Shrek and Fiona as they navigate the difficulties of raising three teenage kids, with a central focus on the ups and downs of parenthood. What makes this franchise so special is its ability to grow alongside its characters, addressing relatable, real-life problems that appeal to an older audience, all while remaining fun and engaging for younger viewers who might not grasp the deeper themes. Over the years, Shrek has continued to captivate millions thanks to a storyline that is both deeply moving and consistently funny.

While not every Shrek movie has been a critical or audience favorite, excitement for the next installment remains high. This continued enthusiasm for a series that started over twenty-four years ago makes sense when you remember how much of a cultural phenomenon the first film was – it’s still impactful and relatable even decades later. With its memorable characters and the creatively imagined world of Far, Far Away, Shrek truly stands as a masterpiece that continues to influence pop culture today.

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2025-10-04 04:52