Shrek is 25 years old – and it’s never been more chic to be a fan

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Today marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Shrek! The hilarious story of the famously grumpy ogre won an Academy Award and is returning to theaters in 4DX to celebrate this special occasion.

Back in 2001, nobody could have guessed that a cartoon about a clumsy green ogre simply wanting to use the bathroom in peace would become so popular. It’s gone on to create several sequels and spin-offs, and the fifth main movie is currently scheduled for release in 2027, although its release has been delayed twice already.

If you check the top four favorite movies of many Gen Z film lovers on Letterboxd, you’ll often find Shrek alongside more serious or classic films. On TikTok, countless video edits of Shrek are available, ranging from funny to surprisingly heartfelt. Last Halloween, we even saw three couples dressed up as Donkey and Dragon, showing just how popular the movie remains.

All of this begs the question – is it chic to be a Shrek fan now?

If you somehow haven’t seen the popular movie Shrek, it’s about an ogre and his donkey friend who go on a journey to rescue Princess Fiona. They’re sent by the villainous Lord Farquaad, who wants to marry her, and have to overcome a dragon to do it.

When Shrek meets Princess Fiona, they fall in love, but Fiona has a secret: she’s cursed to turn into an ogre every night and can only be saved by a true love’s kiss. There’s a surprising turn, though – kissing Shrek actually means Fiona will become an ogre permanently, and she’s perfectly fine with that… at least until the next movie.

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So, why do we still love Shrek? Even though it’s been turned into countless memes, the movie remains a genuinely funny classic. Jokes we didn’t get as kids now hit perfectly (think of Lord Farquaad!). Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy are a brilliantly funny pair, and they’re surrounded by a wonderfully quirky cast who playfully poke fun at typical fairytale endings.

Even after watching it multiple times, the way this story playfully twists familiar fairytale tropes feels new. It’s a welcome change to see a love story that doesn’t rely on typical beautiful princess and handsome prince characters, and it beautifully shows that love comes in all forms – even between a donkey and a dragon, despite their hilarious size difference.

Recently, a trend called ‘Medieval Y2K’ has become popular online. It’s been influenced by early 2000s movies that reimagine classic fairytales, like Ever After, Ella Enchanted, and A Knight’s Tale. The movie Shrek also captures this style, especially in Shrek 2 when Fiona’s hometown, Far Far Away, features parodies of well-known stores – for example, “Farbucks” and “Versarchery.”

The memorable soundtrack is a big part of Shrek’s appeal, featuring instantly recognizable songs like Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’ which are now strongly linked to the movies. The energetic musical finales, such as Donkey singing ‘I’m a Believer’ in the first film, also contribute to the franchise’s lasting impact.

Believe it or not, some people think your favorite Shrek character says a lot about your personality – just like your zodiac sign! (We’re torn between the Gingerbread Man and Dragon, personally.)

Everyone seems to agree that Shrek 2 is the better film, but the original Shrek started it all. Whether it’s just fond memories or something more, being a Shrek fan in 2026 is definitely a good thing! After all, Shrek fans are complex, just like ogres – or, as Shrek himself would say, like onions with layers.

You can now watch Shrek on Prime Video, and it’s also back in movie theaters, including in immersive 4DX!

Check out our Streaming Guide to quickly find out where you can watch all your favorite shows and movies.

I’m so excited! The latest issue of Living Legends is out, and it’s a special collector’s edition all about the royal family! You can grab a copy in newsagents or order it online – I already have mine!

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2026-05-15 16:19