After the "Shrek" premiered in 2001, the fairy tale landscape shifted beyond the perspectives of princes and princesses. The film-turned-franchise is loosely based on the 1990 fantasy picture book of the same name by William Steig.
"Shrek!" (the book) tells the tale of the eponymous green-skinned, fire-breathing monster who leaves his childhood swamp, travels the world and marries an ugly princess. This, however, isn't quite the story audiences came to know through the DreamWorks' films.
The beloved series − starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas − left a major impact on entertainment, sparking spin-offs, short films, a television show, a Tony-nominated Broadway musical and amusement park attractions.
With the announcement of "Shrek 5" set for release in 2026, the franchise isn't ogre yet. Here's how many “Shrek” movies there are, including the original series.
The 2001 original film follows Shrek the ogre (Mike Myers) whose swamp becomes overrun with fairy tale creatures cast out by Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). To get his swamp back, Shrek is tasked by Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). For his quest, he enlists the help of Donkey (Eddie Murphy).
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The 2004 sequel finds Shrek, Fiona and Donkey in the kingdom of Far Far Away to meet Fiona's parents, King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews). Shrek and Donkey must team up with Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to stop Fairy Godmother's (Jennifer Saunders) plan to end Shrek and Fiona's marriage.
The movie, released in 2007, begins with Shrek and Fiona inheriting the throne of Far Far Away following King Harold's death. Shrek − feeling unfit to rule − seeks to find another heir, persuading Fiona's 16-year-old cousin Arthur (Justin Timberlake) to become king instead. At the same time, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) plots to seize the throne to avenge his mother's death.
The series' fourth film, released in 2010, finds Shrek struggling with domestic life and his role as a father. He longs for the days when he was a wild, feared ogre with no responsibilities. But after making a deal with Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), there are tragic consequences Shrek must fix to restore normalcy and get his true love back.
'We are the Shrek band':Smash Mouth's Paul DeLisle embraces 'All Star' legacy 20 years later.
In 2011, DreamWorks released the series' first spin-off, "Puss in Boots." The movie chronicles the origin story of Puss in Boots. In the film, Puss − along with Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) and Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) − sets out to take down outlaws Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) who have legendary magical beans that lead to valuable golden goose eggs.
Its sequel "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" was released December 21, 2022. In it, Puss discovers he used eight of his nine lives and sets out to find the mythical wishing star to regain them. Puss enlists the help of Kitty Softpaws and newcomer Perro (Harvey Guillén). All the while, the trio must be "one step ahead" of Goldilocks (Florence Pugh), the Three Bears Crime Family, "Big" Jack Horner (John Mulaney) and the Big Bad Wolf (Wagner Moura), according to DreamWorks.
There are also eight short films in the Shrek franchise:
Looking back at on 'Shrek' premiere:April 22, 2001.
If you're planning a "Shrek" movie marathon to prep for the release of "Shrek 5", here's how to watch the franchise in chronological order:
On July 8, it was confirmed that "Shrek 5" is in the works. The film comes just in time for the 25th anniversary of the original movie's release, slated for July 1, 2026. For years, there had been speculation of a fifth installment but nothing was official.
While promoting his film "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F", Eddie Murphy revealed he was doing voice work for the new film, as well as for a potential Donkey spin-off. In an interview with Collider released June 24, Murphy says, "We started doing 'Shrek' four or five months ago. I recorded the first act, and we'll be doing it this year, we'll finish it up."
"Another 'Shrek' is coming out, and Donkey's gonna have his own movie," he adds.
As for "Shrek 5", Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Murphy will all be returning to their iconic voice roles. The studio did not announce plans for Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots.
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