9 Best Shrek and Donkey Moments, Ranked
Shrek and Donkey are one of the most enjoyable double acts in animation. Their friendship drives the franchise, and their best moments mix sharp jokes with real warmth. This list counts down nine of the moments that define their partnership, from the first meeting to the chaotic adventures that follow. Their scenes are a good reason to revisit the whole series, one friendship moment at a time.
The pairing works because the two characters are so different. Shrek wants to be left alone, and Donkey will not stop talking. Each entry below explains what happens, why it earns its place and why fans still bring it up, so you know what to expect before you press play.
What makes their friendship so memorable is how it changes over the films. Early on, Donkey is a nuisance Shrek cannot shake. Later, he becomes the friend who sees Shrek clearly and helps him see himself. The best moments show that growth, which is why the relationship still feels earned.
Here is how I ranked them. I looked at how much the moment matters to the friendship, how well the scene is written, how strong the performances are and how often fans bring it up. Some entries are big set pieces, while others are quiet conversations that reveal what the two of them mean to each other.
The films have moved between platforms over the years, so availability changes. In the US, the films have been on several services, but availability in the UK and elsewhere differs, so check your region before you press play. Use the notes in each entry to choose the moment you want to revisit first.
Think of this list as a starting point rather than a fixed rulebook. If your favourite moment is ranked lower than you would like, that is fine. The goal is to give you a clear route through the best scenes between the two friends.
Whether you are a longtime fan or someone who only knows the famous lines, there is a moment here for you. Get comfortable, grab a snack and get ready to revisit the swamp. Let’s start 👇
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Their friendship is also a reminder of why the franchise has stayed so popular. The jokes land because the characters are specific, and the emotional moments land because the friendship is clearly tested and rebuilt across the films. Read on for the ranking, starting with Donkey’s loyalty and counting down to the nine moments that matter most.
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What Makes the Shrek and Donkey Friendship Work?
The friendship works because both characters change without losing themselves. Shrek learns to let people in, and Donkey learns that his loyalty can mean more than his chatter. The writers give each of them room to be funny and vulnerable, so the emotional beats never feel forced. You can read more about the franchise on Wikipedia.
Their scenes also work because the humour comes from character. Donkey’s constant talking, Shrek’s grumpiness and the way they bounce off each other make even quiet scenes funny. When a moment turns sincere, the laughter still lingers, which is part of why these scenes stay with viewers.
How the Friendship Grows Across the Films
The first film sets up the partnership. Shrek tries to get rid of Donkey, but Donkey keeps following him, and the two end up on a journey together. Their early arguments and jokes establish the bond that the rest of the series builds on. Those beats are small, but they explain why the later moments feel so earned.
The sequel develops the friendship further. Shrek and Donkey drink the Happily Ever After potion together, and their scenes show how their different outlooks still pull them into the same adventures. Puss in Boots joins the trio, but the core relationship remains the heart of the story. It is a film built on fast gags and warm, sharp exchanges.
If you want to see another friendship that grows over time, try Best Friends Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked, which focuses on group warmth. For another workplace comedy with a strong bond at its centre, see Best Characters From The Office, Ranked.
How to Choose Your Next Rewatch
Start with the mood you want. If you want big, silly chaos, begin with the potion and the journey through Far Far Away. If you want warm, quiet moments, choose the conversations about onions, fear and loyalty. The film overviews on IMDb and the character list on Wikipedia are useful if you want to check where each scene appears.
Then think about how much time you have. Some moments work well as quick clips, while others need the full context of the film. You can also explore Explore This Amazon Offer for more ways to stream the films while you decide.
9. Their Chaotic Adventures Through Far Far Away
Image source: Peacock · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
After Shrek and Donkey set out together, their journey through Far Far Away becomes a string of mishaps, arguments and sudden turns. The pair are never quite in step, and the chaos works because each of them reacts to every twist in a different way. Donkey’s enthusiasm pushes the group forward, while Shrek’s grumpiness keeps the trip from becoming too cheerful. Together, the adventures show how the duo fits even when they clash.
Why it ranks here: It ranks ninth because it is a broad run of adventures rather than one standout scene, so it works as a summary of the friendship in action.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans enjoy the energy of the trip and the way the two characters clash, bounce off each other and still end up as a team.
Who should watch: Fans of buddy comedies and road-trip adventures. For another group of friends who get into trouble together, try Best Friends Christmas Episodes, Ranked.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Listen to That Love Podcast for more stories with heart, and check the middle of this list for your next rewatch.
8. Donkey Supporting Shrek About Fatherhood
Image source: RTL · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
When Shrek faces the news that he is going to be a father, he is anxious and unsure how to handle it. Donkey steps in to help, and in the later films the two of them help raise the triplets. The moment is quieter than the set pieces, but it shows how far the friendship has come. Donkey’s steady support gives Shrek the confidence to face the change, and the scenes carry real warmth.
Why it ranks here: It ranks eighth because it is a warm, character-driven moment, but it is quieter than the big comic scenes higher on the list.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans appreciate how the friendship grows into real support, and the family scenes are often praised for their sincerity.
Who should watch: Fans of heartfelt family stories. For another show with a strong family-friendship core, see Best Sitcoms Like Modern Family.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
7. Donkey Clearing Up a Misunderstanding About Fiona
Image source: Clip.Cafe · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
Shrek and Fiona’s relationship hits a rough patch when Shrek misreads what is happening between them, and Donkey steps in to clear things up. His blunt, chatty honesty helps Shrek see how he feels about Fiona. The scene is funny because Donkey is so eager to help, but it also shows the emotional honesty that drives the friendship. It turns a small misunderstanding into a turning point.
Why it ranks here: It ranks seventh because it is a meaningful turning point, but the emotional payoff depends on the romance plot, so it sits below the bigger comic set pieces.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans like how Donkey’s loud, eager help becomes the thing that brings Shrek to his senses. The scene is often praised for mixing comedy with sincere feeling.
Who should watch: Fans of romance with heart and comedy. For another story about love that builds slowly, see Best Friends to Lovers Movies With a Slow-Burn Romance.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
6. Shrek and Donkey Traveling Together to Rescue Fiona
Image source: Medium · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
Once Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, he sets out with Donkey by his side. Their road trip is full of arguments, mishaps and quiet moments, and the two learn to rely on each other. The journey is less of a single gag than a steady stream of jokes, and the friendship grows with every step. It is a classic buddy-movie structure, and the franchise handles it with warmth and wit.
Why it ranks here: It ranks sixth because it captures the heart of the story, but it is a broad journey rather than one sharp moment.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans enjoy how the trip shows the pair’s chemistry, and the road-trip structure gives the film room to build its jokes and emotional beats.
Who should watch: Fans of buddy comedies and quest stories. Try Best Shows to Watch If You Miss Schitt’s Creek for another duo-driven comedy with warmth.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
5. Donkey Asking Why Shrek Pushes Everyone Away
Image source: Clip.Cafe · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
In a quieter moment, Donkey asks Shrek why he hates everyone and keeps people at a distance. The question is blunt, the way only Donkey can ask it, and it forces Shrek to face how he sees himself. The scene is less about jokes and more about honesty, though Donkey’s chatter keeps it from becoming too heavy. It shows the friend who sees Shrek most clearly.
Why it ranks here: It ranks fifth because it is a sincere, emotional beat that deepens the friendship, though it is less comically loud than the top entries.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans appreciate how the scene balances gentle humour with a moment of real honesty, which is a big part of why the friendship feels so strong.
Who should watch: Fans of heartfelt friendship stories. For a similar mix of warmth and honesty, see Best Near-Perfect Coming-of-Age Shows.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Before the top spots, listen to That Love Podcast for a companion listen while you revisit the films.
4. Shrek and Donkey Drinking the Happily Ever After Potion Together
Image source: El Imparcial · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
In Shrek 2, Shrek and Donkey drink the Happily Ever After potion alongside Puss in Boots, and the three wake up as humans. The scene is a classic mix of excitement and chaos, and it plays on the idea that the heroes will get what they want without thinking about the cost. The potion turns out to be part of a larger scheme, which makes the moment a clever twist as well as a laugh. Donkey’s reaction to his new life is a highlight.
Why it ranks here: It ranks fourth because it is a memorable turning point, but the laughs depend on the larger sequel plot.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love the way the potion becomes a running joke and a plot twist. The sequel’s scenes with the potion are widely praised for combining comedy and adventure.
Who should watch: Fans of fairy-tale comedy and sequel twists. For another story with a clever plot turn, see 10 Best Sitcoms Like Superstore.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
3. Shrek Rescuing Donkey From Dragon
Image source: SciFi-Universe · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
Dragon is a formidable presence in the first film, and Donkey finds himself in trouble with her. Shrek comes to his friend’s aid, and the scene shows how far Shrek will go for Donkey even when he insists he does not care. The rescue is funny because Shrek’s grumpy reactions clash with his obvious loyalty. It is one of the first clear signs that the pair have a bond that goes beyond their odd partnership.
Why it ranks here: It ranks third because it shows Shrek’s loyalty in action, though the comedy is less loud than the top two entries.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans like how the rescue reveals Shrek’s soft side and turns the friendship into something more than an odd pairing. It is a moment that many viewers remember fondly.
Who should watch: Fans of loyal friendships and rescue stories. For another group of people who look out for each other, see Best Schitt’s Creek Characters, Ranked.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
You’ll also love: Best Abbott Elementary Couples Relationships if you enjoy workplace comedy with warm relationships.
2. The Onions Have Layers Conversation
Image source: TF1 · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
In the first film, Donkey and Shrek sit by a fire, and their conversation about onions and layers becomes one of the franchise’s most quoted exchanges. Shrek tries to explain why he is so private, and Donkey’s blunt, endless chatter keeps pushing the talk into comedy. The scene is a good example of how the films mix sincerity with silliness. It is a turning point in their friendship and sets up the bond that carries the rest of the series.
Why it ranks here: It ranks second because it is a strong character moment with a famous line, but it is not as big a set piece as the top entry.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love the quotable line and the way the scene turns a simple metaphor into a joke about identity and friendship. It is one of the most frequently referenced moments in the franchise.
Who should watch: Fans of quotable character moments and warm friendships. Pair it with Best Friends Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked for more of that heart.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Explore this Amazon offer: Explore This Amazon Offer for more ways to stream the franchise and similar films.
1. Donkey Choosing to Follow Shrek Despite Being Told to Leave
Image source: Clip.Cafe · Image credit: DreamWorks Animation
Shrek tells Donkey to leave him alone, but Donkey refuses to go. He keeps following Shrek, talking the whole time, and the persistence becomes the foundation of their friendship. The comedy comes from the contrast between the grumpy ogre and the chatty donkey, and Eddie Murphy’s voice makes every line land. The moment sets up the partnership that defines the franchise, and it is still the clearest example of Donkey’s stubborn loyalty.
Why it ranks here: It ranks first because it sets up the entire friendship and shows Donkey’s loyalty in its purest form.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans love Donkey’s persistence and the way it turns a grumpy ogre’s irritation into affection. Eddie Murphy’s performance is widely praised, and the moment is quoted often by fans.
Who should watch: Anyone who loves Donkey and the franchise’s heart. Pair it with Best Schitt’s Creek Episodes, Ranked for another show built on warm, chatty friendship.
Where to watch: Streaming availability varies by region, so check your local services before you press play.
Want to see more sitcoms with this kind of heart? Visit That Love Podcast for audio dramas and comedies, and check out our sponsorship options if your brand wants to reach our audience.
Why the Pairing Still Works Today
Shrek and Donkey work because they keep finding new ways to test each other. Their arguments are never really about the argument itself. They are about trust, pride and the uncomfortable business of letting someone close. When the films return to that core, the friendship feels fresh, even when the setting is another fairy-tale kingdom.
That is also why these moments hold up on a rewatch. Once you know where the friendship is heading, the early jokes read differently. Donkey’s chatter becomes a sign of how much he cares, and Shrek’s grumpiness starts to look like a wall he is slowly learning to lower.
Ready to rewatch? Try Amazon Prime to see which Shrek films are included on your account.
Also try Best Sitcoms Like The Big Bang Theory for more sitcoms built on strong friendships and sharp character comedy.
Final Thoughts
The best Shrek and Donkey moments show why their friendship has lasted so long. From Donkey following Shrek to the way he helps with fatherhood, the scenes work because the characters are sharp and the warmth is real. If you are new to the series, start with the first film, then move on to Shrek 2 for the potion and the adventures that follow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best part of the Shrek and Donkey friendship?
The friendship works because both characters change over the films, and Donkey’s persistence is the start of it all.
Which Shrek film has the potion scene?
Shrek 2 includes the Happily Ever After potion, which Shrek and Donkey drink together with Puss in Boots.
Where does the onions conversation happen?
It happens in the first film, Shrek, and it is one of the most quoted exchanges in the franchise.
Does Donkey help Shrek with his fears about fatherhood?
Yes. In the later films, Donkey supports Shrek through his worries about becoming a father, and the two help raise the triplets.
Who is Dragon in the films?
Dragon is a tower guard in the first film who becomes a loyal ally and later marries Donkey.
Is Donkey voiced by Eddie Murphy?
Yes. Eddie Murphy voices Donkey across the franchise.
Does Shrek go on a journey with Donkey?
Yes. In the first film, Donkey follows Shrek and the two travel together to rescue Princess Fiona.
Where can I watch the Shrek films?
Availability varies by service and region, so check your local services before you press play.
Are there more comedy lists on That Love Podcast?
Yes. Our Schitt’s Creek episodes guide is a good next read if you enjoy the sitcom style of this list.
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