To mark the re-release of Shrek 2 in theaters, The Focus has taken a look back through all of the movies in the Shrek and Puss in Boots franchise – here’s our ranking.
From humble beginnings with the release of the first movie in 2001, the Shrek franchise has grown to become one of the most beloved in Hollywood and now comprises the four main Shrek movies as well as two Puss in Boots spin-offs, the most recent of which hit screens in December 2022.
6. Shrek the Third
Where to watch: Available to buy/rent on digital stores
We begin our ranking of the Shrek movies with 2007’s Shrek the Third.
While the film felt like a fitting conclusion to the initial trilogy when I first watched it as a child, the years haven’t been quite so kind and it pales in comparison to other efforts in the series.
Despite being full of pop culture references, the humor, heart and charm don’t quite hit the same level as other entries.
- WHAT TO WATCH: All of the movies hitting theaters in April 2024
5. Shrek Forever After
Where to watch: Prime Video
Conversely, I wasn’t sold on Shrek Forever After when I first saw it in 2010. It seemed like a needless installment into the franchise and completely changed all of the characters we’d grown to know and love.
However, following subsequent re-watches, making Shrek a fish-out-of-water (or rather an ogre-out-of-his-swamp) seems increasingly inspired and having him encounter his former friends having lost their memories of him brings about some unexpected twists and turns to breathe just enough life into the movie.
4. Puss in Boots
Where to watch: Available to buy/rent on digital stores
Serving as both Puss in Boots’ origin story and a prequel to his appearance in Shrek 2, the 2011 movie stands above the final two Shrek movies as it oozes endless wit and charm.
Much of that is courtesy of a standout performance from Antonio Banderas as the titular feline but new arrivals such as Salma Hayek’s Kitty Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty are worthy additions to the franchise’s beloved cast of characters.
3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Where to watch: Netflix
You could make a very good argument for 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to sit higher on this list, or for it to be tied in second place at the very least.
Despite arriving 11 years after the previous entry, the film not only earned its place in the franchise but won recognition for being one of the best animated movies in recent years.
Boasting a stunning new animation style inspired by Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Last Wish steps fully into the world of fairy tales and while returning characters like Banderas’s Puss and Hayek’s Kitty still shine, the movie welcomes in several new fan-favorites, most notably Death, who takes the form of a genuinely terrifying red-eyed wolf who is brought to life by Wagner Moura.
2. Shrek
Where to watch: Peacock
Without 2001’s Shrek, the multi-billion-dollar franchise wouldn’t exist, making it fully deserving of second place in our ranking.
At a time when Disney was coming off the back of one of the most successful periods in its history, Shrek arrived like a plucky underdog and truly pulled the rug out from under the House of Mouse.
Packed full of wry humor, heartfelt charm and arguably career-defining performances from Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, the movie proved to be a recipe for success and would lay the foundations for a franchise that now spans more than 20 years.
1. Shrek 2
Where to watch: Peacock & re-releasing in theaters on April 12
And finally, taking the top spot in our ranking of the six movies in the Shrek franchise is 2004’s Shrek 2.
While the original Shrek introduced us to the titular ogre, Princess Fiona and Donkey, Shrek 2 expands the world in which they live by having the trio venture to the kingdom of Far Far Away, somewhere Shrek is very much out of his comfort zone.
Not only does this bring about the introduction of Fiona’s parents, wonderfully portrayed by John Cleese and Julie Andrews, but also the Fairy Godmother, a villain on par with, if not better than, The Last Wish’s Death.
Don’t get us started on Jennifer Saunders’ masterful rendition of Holding Out for a Hero – arguably better than the original by Bonnie Tyler – that plays as Shrek and the gang break into Far Far Away to foil her evil plan.
And, of course, Shrek 2 also gives the ogre a new sidekick with the introduction of Puss in Boots, who becomes a franchise classic just minutes into his first scene courtesy of those big black eyes.
If any of the Shrek movies were deserving of a theatrical re-release, it’s Shrek 2.
Shrek 2 will be re-released in theaters across the US for one week only from April 12, 2024.
