More than two decades after Shrek first waddled out of his swamp and changed animated filmmaking forever, the franchise is gearing up for a long-awaited return. The recently released trailer for Shrek 5 has reignited excitement across the internet, giving fans a fresh look at the next chapter in Far Far Away while introducing a new generation to everyone’s favorite ogre.

For many, Shrek was a cornerstone of childhood, blending sharp humor, lovable characters, and endlessly quotable moments. With the franchise making its big comeback, there is no better time to revisit every movie and rank them from worst to best.

6. Shrek the Third (2007)

As the third installment in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved franchise, Shrek the Third continues the story that began with Shrek and Shrek 2. After King Harold’s death, Shrek discovers he is next in line for the throne of Far Far Away. Unwilling to become king, he sets off with Donkey and Puss in Boots to find Arthur Pendragon, a distant heir who can take the crown instead. At the same time, Prince Charming returns to seek revenge for the events of Shrek 2, while Shrek grapples with the news that Fiona is pregnant.

Based on characters from William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek!, the film was directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui. Although it became a major box office success, many fans consider it the weakest entry in the series.

Still, the movie helped keep the franchise thriving, especially as Puss in Boots’ popularity eventually led to his own successful spin-off films.

5. Puss in Boots (2011)

Puss in Boots is the first spin-off in the Shrek universe and serves as an origin story for the fan-favorite feline long before he crossed paths with Shrek. Directed by Chris Miller for DreamWorks Animation, the film follows Puss as he teams up with Kitty Softpaws and his estranged childhood friend Humpty Dumpty to steal magical beans that can grow a giant beanstalk leading to a legendary Golden Goose. Set in a Spanish-inspired world filled with dusty towns, canyons, and swashbuckling adventure, the movie leans heavily into Puss’ charming personality.

Voiced by Antonio Banderas, he is a fearless swordsman, romantic rogue, and easily distracted house cat. The film was a major commercial success, earning more than $550 million worldwide and proving Puss could carry his own franchise. Fans praised its action, humor, and fresh setting, while critics responded positively enough to earn it an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, paving the way for future spin-offs.

4. Shrek Forever After (2010)

Originally marketed as the final chapter of the franchise, Shrek Forever After turned out to be a fitting bridge to the upcoming Shrek 5. Directed by Mike Mitchell for DreamWorks Animation and based on characters created by William Steig, the film follows a frustrated Shrek who feels trapped in the routines of family life. After striking a magical deal with Rumpelstiltskin, he finds himself in a dark alternate reality where he was never born. In this twisted version of Far Far Away, Fiona leads an Ogre Resistance, Donkey fears him, and Puss in Boots has become hilariously overweight.

The film unfolds across two contrasting settings: Shrek’s lively family swamp and a dystopian kingdom ruled by Rumpelstiltskin. Fans and critics saw it as a welcome return to form after Shrek the Third, praising its emotional story, higher stakes, and clever alternate-universe concept. Most importantly, the ending leaves Shrek content with family life, setting the stage for Shrek 5 to explore the next chapter: raising teenage ogre children.

3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Many fans consider Puss in Boots: The Last Wish the finest film in the entire Shrek universe since Shrek 2, and it is easy to see why. The story follows Puss after he discovers he has burned through eight of his nine lives. Facing mortality for the first time, the fearless outlaw embarks on a quest to find the magical Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. Alongside Kitty Softpaws and the endlessly optimistic Perrito, he ventures into the ever-changing Dark Forest while being hunted by the Wolf, the literal embodiment of Death.

Directed by Joel Crawford and co-directed by Januel Mercado for DreamWorks Animation, the film stunned audiences with its gorgeous storybook-inspired animation and surprisingly mature themes about fear, aging, and appreciating life. Critics and fans embraced it as one of the best animated films of the decade. The ending even reconnects Puss to Far Far Away, making the movie a crucial bridge between the spin-offs and the upcoming Shrek 5.

2. Shrek (2001)

This is the movie that started it all. Released in 2001, Shrek transformed animated filmmaking and launched one of the most successful franchises in cinema history. Based on William Steig’s children’s book and directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson for DreamWorks Animation, the film follows a grumpy ogre whose peaceful swamp is overrun by fairy-tale creatures. To reclaim his home, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad, only to discover that Fiona is hiding a magical secret and that he may have found true love along the way.

Set across iconic locations like Shrek’s swamp, the kingdom of Duloc, and the Dragon’s Keep, the film cleverly parodied classic fairy tales while creating a story with genuine heart. Behind the scenes, the production became famous for Mike Myers’ last-minute Scottish accent and the recasting of Shrek following Chris Farley’s death. A critical and commercial sensation, Shrek won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and became a pop culture phenomenon.

1. Shrek 2 (2004)

There is a reason Shrek 2 sits at the top of so many franchise rankings. The 2004 sequel takes Shrek’s fairy-tale formula and elevates it in every way imaginable. The story follows Shrek and Fiona as they journey to Far Far Away, where Fiona’s parents are shocked to discover their daughter has married an ogre and chosen to remain one herself. As tensions rise, the Fairy Godmother launches a scheme to push Fiona toward Prince Charming instead.

The movie introduces some of the franchise’s most memorable characters, including the scene-stealing Puss in Boots, while turning Far Far Away into one of animation’s most creative settings. Audiences loved its blend of humor, romance, and adventure, helping it become one of the highest-grossing animated films of its era. From its endlessly quotable jokes to its spectacular finale, Shrek 2 is widely viewed as the moment the franchise reached its creative peak. From ogres to fairy tale chaos, that is every Shrek movie ranked.

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