Movie Knight
Shrek
PG

Shrek

The greatest fairy tale never told.

2001 • 90 min • Animation · Comedy · Fantasy · Adventure · Family

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Synopsis

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey.

Our family guide

Best from age 6
91
Movie Knight Score
19078 reviews
  • 100 Reviewers · 4 · 60%
  • 78 Audience · 19074 · 40%

An ogre who loves his swamp sets out on a quest with a talking donkey to rescue a princess from a dragon and reclaim his home. This animated adventure upends classic fairy tale tropes with humor and heart, offering a fresh take on love and acceptance.

Violence & peril
2/10
Language
1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking
0/10
Romance & sensuality
1/10
Scary moments
3/10

Heads up

  • Some rude humor and mild crude language.
  • A fire-breathing dragon and intimidating creatures.

What it models well

  • Self-acceptance and inner beauty
  • Unlikely friendships
  • Breaking stereotypes
  • Courage and perseverance

Talk about it after

  • What makes someone a "hero" or "villain"?
  • Why is it important to be true to yourself?
  • How can initial impressions be misleading?
  • The meaning of true love beyond appearances

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Shrek. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson • Crew: Ted Elliott, Roger S.H. Schulman, Joe Stillman, Terry Rossio

Trailers & clips

25th Anniversary Trailer

Shrek Meets Donkey - Extended Preview

The Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Shrek! - Bonus Feature Spotlight

Trailer #1

Trailer

Reviewer notes

Recommended

Poor old ogre "Shrek" just want to be left alone, that's all - he's got a bit of the Greta Garbo's about him. Rather inconveniently, though, nasty Lord "Farquaad" who has a little of the Napoleon syndrome about him, banishes all the fairytale creatures from his lands and so they turn up on the doorstep of our green friend. How can he be rid of them all? Well together with his new (and frankly quite annoying friend...

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

It was so fun and a new try. 하하

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

Eddie Murphy was actually funny in this. I mean he was 1980s Eddie Murphy style funny in this. It was like he was at the top of his game again. It makes you miss Eddie. What we have today is not the glory that he once was. But, beyond the great return of funny Eddie...there is a wonderful dark humor that goes great with an otherwise wholesome and moving moral.

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

Shrek is a masterpiece! It helped subvert the Disney Renaissance formula with great humor and heart. Myers, Murphy, Diaz and Lithgow did a great job voicing the characters. Now that this film is 20 years old, I am glad it existed.

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Gallery

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Details

TMDB audience
7.8/10 (19,074)
Age rating
PG
Status
Released
Budget
$60,000,000
Box office
$489,676,241
Franchise
Shrek Collection
IMDb
tt0126029
Official site
www.dreamworksanimation.com

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