10 Movies to Watch If You Love Shrek
- Joao Nsita
- 37 minutes ago
- 15 min read
There's a magic to the opening riff of "All Star" by Smash Mouth that is instantly transportive. It takes us back to a muddy swamp, a grumpy ogre, and the moment in 2001 when animated comedy was changed forever. Shrek was a lightning-in-a-bottle cultural event. It wasn't just a movie; it was a revolution that took the classic fairytale rulebook and gleefully tore it to shreds. It gave us an anti-hero protagonist, a princess who was her own rescuer, and a fast-talking donkey who became a legend. It was a perfect, layered "onion" of a film—a hilarious, gross-out comedy for kids, and a sharp, satirical, pop-culture-savvy parody for adults.
The legacy of Shrek is more powerful today than ever. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, "Shrekcore" is a real, thriving aesthetic, a nostalgic celebration of the film's humor, its iconic soundtrack, and its surprisingly deep emotional core. We are in an era that craves authenticity, and Shrek's ultimate message—that you are worthy of love, especially your "ugly" parts—resonates deeply. So, what do you watch when you've finished your rewatch and are craving that same magical blend of irreverent humor, fairytale deconstruction, and genuine heart? This guide is your answer. We’ve curated a list of 10 fantastic movies, counting down in descending order, that capture the unique, layered spirit of Shrek.
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10. Despicable Me (2010)
The Vibe: A hilarious and heartwarming story about a supervillain whose grand plans for evil are unexpectedly derailed by three orphan girls. Despicable Me is a perfect, modern example of the Shrek formula: a grumpy, "monstrous" anti-hero who is ultimately softened and redeemed by the power of an unconventional found family.
Why It's Like Shrek: The DNA of Shrek is all over this film. Gru is the ultimate "get out of my swamp" protagonist, a curmudgeon who revels in his own wickedness and wants to be left alone. His entire world is disrupted by the arrival of three relentlessly optimistic children (Margo, Edith, and Agnes) who, like Donkey, refuse to be pushed away. The Minions serve as the film's chaotic, scene-stealing sidekicks, providing a similar anarchic energy.
The core of the film, however, is the flawed anti-hero's redemption. Gru, like Shrek, is an outsider who has built walls around his heart. His journey from a villain who "shrinks the moon" to a dad who performs a ballet recital for his daughters is just as powerful and emotionally resonant as Shrek's journey to stop Fiona's wedding. It’s a hilarious and surprisingly tender story that proves that even a supervillain is worthy of love. The film's iconic soundtrack by Pharrell Williams, particularly the song "Happy," also echoes Shrek's use of contemporary, feel-good music to define its tone. The power of a good soundtrack to elevate a film is a theme we also explored in our list of the Top 10 The Beatles Songs of All Time.
Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
Main Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews
Where to Watch: Available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
🔹 Shop this film now on Amazon → Despicable Me
9. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
The Vibe: A brilliantly clever and deeply emotional journey through the world of arcade games. Wreck-It Ralph is a story that deconstructs "good guy" and "bad guy" video game tropes in the same way Shrek deconstructed fairytales. It's a film about labels, destiny, and a flawed hero's search for acceptance and respect.
Why It's Like Shrek: Ralph is Shrek. He is a "bad guy" who isn't actually a bad guy. He is an isolated, misunderstood "monster" whose job is to be the villain. His iconic line, "I'm bad, and that's good. I will never be good, and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be... than me," is a powerful statement of self-acceptance that lands with the same emotional weight as Fiona's "I'm an ogre."
The film is a masterclass in trope deconstruction and pop culture references, swapping fairytale characters for video game icons like Pac-Man and Sonic the Hedgehog. But the film's true Shrek-like quality is its central friendship. The bond between the large, grumpy Ralph and the small, glitchy, and relentlessly snarky Vanellope von Schweetz is a perfect echo of the Shrek and Donkey dynamic. They are two outcasts who find in each other the one person who truly understands them. The film’s exploration of what it means to be a "bad guy" is a compelling theme, one we also see in our deep dive into 11 True Crime Shows That Pop in Winter Darkness.
Director: Rich Moore
Main Cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → Wreck-It Ralph
8. Hoodwinked! (2005)
The Vibe: If Shrek deconstructed the fairytale, Hoodwinked! took the deconstructed pieces and reassembled them into a brilliant, fast-paced "whodunnit" mystery. The film is a hilarious, irreverent, and surprisingly clever parody of the "Little Red Riding Hood" story, told from the multiple, conflicting perspectives of its main characters in a Rashomon-style investigation.
Why It's Like Shrek: This film is pure, unadulterated fairytale satire. It takes a simple, familiar story and twists it with modern, cynical humor. The characters are all brilliant subversions: Red is not an innocent victim but a sassy, worldly delivery girl. The Wolf is not a predator but a fast-talking investigative journalist. Granny is not a helpless old woman but an X-Games-style adrenaline junkie. The film is packed with witty dialogue, hilarious musical numbers (like the cult-classic "Be Prepared"), and a complete disregard for the original story's earnestness.
While it lacks the deep emotional core of Shrek, it doubles down on the irreverent humor and the deconstruction of the genre. It’s a perfect watch for those who love the witty, satirical, and mystery-solving aspects of the Shrek universe. For more on the art of the wintery mystery, you can check out our list of 8 Mysteries Set During Winter Settings. The film's low-budget, indie-animation style also adds to its quirky, underdog charm, a spirit that DreamWorks Animation itself championed in its early days.
Director: Cory Edwards
Main Cast: Anne Hathaway, Glenn Close, Jim Belushi, Patrick Warburton
Where to Watch: Available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Hoodwinked!
7. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
The Vibe: From the legendary Studio Ghibli, Howl's Moving Castle is a breathtakingly beautiful and deeply romantic fantasy that shares a surprising amount of DNA with Shrek. It is a story about curses, hidden identities, and the transformative power of love to see past a "monstrous" exterior. It’s a whimsical, imaginative, and profoundly moving fairytale for adults.
Why It's Like Shrek: This is the "beauty and the beast" trope, inverted and perfected. The film features two "cursed" protagonists. Sophie, a quiet hat-maker, is cursed with the body of an old woman. Howl, the vain and powerful wizard, is cursed with a "monstrous" reputation and a secret that is literally eating his heart.
Like Fiona, Sophie’s "curse" is a physical manifestation of her own insecurities about her age and worth. Her journey to self-acceptance is what ultimately breaks the spell. Like Shrek, Howl is a misunderstood "monster" who has isolated himself from the world, and it is only through his love for Sophie that he finds the courage to confront his demons. The film also features a wonderful found family in the chaotic, cozy, walking castle, including the fire-demon Calcifer and Howl's young apprentice, Markl. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric, and deeply romantic story that proves that "true love's form" is about loving the heart, not the face. This powerful message of self-acceptance is one we explored in-depth in our article Fiona: A Princess With a Secret.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Main Cast (English Dub): Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → Howl's Moving Castle
6. Megamind (2010)
The Vibe: Another gem from DreamWorks, Megamind is a brilliant deconstruction of the superhero genre. It asks the question: what happens when the supervillain actually wins? The film follows Megamind, a comically inept but brilliant villain who finally defeats his lifelong nemesis, the "perfect" hero Metro Man. Left without a purpose, Megamind finds himself in an existential crisis and decides to create a new hero to fight, a plan that goes horribly wrong.
Why It's Like Shrek: This is a perfect companion piece to Shrek. Megamind is a pure anti-hero redemption story. Megamind, like Shrek, is an outsider who has been typecast as the "monster" his entire life. He leans into this role because it’s the only one he thinks he can have. His journey from "bad guy" to the hero of the story is both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.
The film is also packed with Shrek-level satire and an iconic pop-culture soundtrack. The use of songs like "Bad to the Bone," "Highway to Hell," and "Welcome to the Jungle" is a direct echo of Shrek's use of "Bad Reputation." It’s a smart, funny, and visually inventive film that proves that even the "bad guy" is capable of growth, love, and becoming the hero. The film's sharp writing and complex themes are a testament to great storytelling, a quality we also explored in our review of The 10 Best Tv shows About Mental Health.
Director: Tom McGrath
Main Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Brad Pitt
Where to Watch: Available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Megamind
5. Enchanted (2007)
The Vibe: What happens when a classic, two-dimensional fairytale princess is banished to the most un-magical place in the universe: modern-day New York City? Enchanted is Disney's brilliant, self-aware, and incredibly charming answer to the very satire that Shrek perfected. It’s a film that lovingly deconstructs its own tropes, blending classic 2D animation, live-action, and CGI into a perfect fairytale for the modern age.
Why It's Like Shrek: Enchanted is a masterpiece of satire and trope deconstruction. It takes the Shrek formula of "what if fairytales were real?" and applies it with a distinctly Disney flavor. The film lovingly pokes fun at its own legacy—the "true love's kiss," the "I Want" song (which becomes a show-stopping, rat-and-pigeon-filled number in Central Park), and the infallibility of the handsome prince.
Amy Adams is a revelation as Giselle, a character who is a perfect, earnest embodiment of a classic princess, yet who undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery. She, like Fiona, must learn that true love is not a formula; it's a messy, complicated, and deeply human connection. The film is a perfect blend of satire and sincerity, a magical watch for a cozy winter day. For more magical romance, check out our list of 14 Winter Romance Series on Netflix to Binge. For more on the film's beloved status, you can visit its Rotten Tomatoes page.
Director: Kevin Lima
Main Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → Enchanted
4. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
The Vibe: A spin-off that many critics and fans argue is even better than the later Shrek sequels. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a visually stunning, surprisingly mature, and emotionally profound adventure. The film finds the arrogant, fearless Puss in Boots on the last of his nine lives. Suddenly faced with his own mortality, he must embark on a quest to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his lives, all while being hunted by a terrifying, wolfish bounty hunter who is the literal embodiment of Death.
Why It's Like Shrek: This film takes the irreverent, fairytale-parody humor of the Shrek universe and infuses it with a breathtaking, painterly animation style and a surprisingly deep emotional core. The film is a powerful, mature exploration of themes that Shrek only touched upon: mortality, anxiety, and the value of a life well-lived. The depiction of Puss's panic attacks is one of the most honest and well-executed portrayals of anxiety in animation.
The film retains the classic Shrek DNA with its hilarious "found family" (the optimistic, scruffy dog Perrito and the returning Kitty Softpaws) and its fantastic, fairytale-deconstructing villains (a "crime boss" Goldilocks and the Three Bears). It’s a film that proves that the Shrek universe is capable of evolving, a thrilling, funny, and deeply moving masterpiece that is a must-watch. The film’s dark, existential themes are as compelling as any live-action drama, a quality we praised in our review of The Last of Us.
Director: Joel Crawford
Main Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
3. The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
The Vibe: Released just six months before Shrek, The Emperor's New Groove is Disney's own chaotic, irreverent, and brilliantly funny anti-fairytale. The film is a fast-paced, fourth-wall-breaking, and completely hilarious buddy comedy that throws all the typical Disney earnestness out the window. It tells the story of the vain, selfish, and completely irredeemable Emperor Kuzco, who is turned into a llama by his evil ex-administrator, Yzma, and finds himself stuck with the one person he despises: the kind-hearted peasant, Pacha.
Why It's Like Shrek: This is the closest Disney has ever come to making a Shrek film. Kuzco is, in many ways, an even more unlikable anti-hero than Shrek. He is a pure, unapologetic narcissist. The film is a buddy-comedy redemption story at its core, with the dynamic between the cynical Kuzco (llama) and the good-hearted Pacha (human) serving as a perfect parallel to the Shrek (ogre) and Donkey (donkey) pairing.
The humor is fast, anarchic, and relentlessly self-aware. Characters (especially Kuzco) constantly break the fourth wall, pointing out the film's own plot holes and tropes. It is a film that is almost completely devoid of "heart" for its first two acts, focusing instead on pure, chaotic, comedic energy. The iconic "pull the lever, Kronk!" scene is a masterclass in comedic timing. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves the fast-paced, satirical humor of Shrek. The witty, fast-paced dialogue is a quality we also love in a great TV show, like the ones on our list of 10 Shows to Watch if You Loved Nobody Wants This.
Director: Mark Dindal
Main Cast: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → The Emperor's New Groove
2. The LEGO Movie (2014)
The Vibe: A high-speed, relentlessly clever, and surprisingly profound animated comedy that is one of the modern masterpieces of pop culture parody. The LEGO Movie is a film that takes a beloved, nostalgic brand and uses it as a vehicle for a story that is both a hilarious, fast-paced action-comedy and a deep meditation on creativity, conformity, and the importance of being "special."
Why It's Like Shrek: The LEGO Movie is the Shrek of the 2010s. It took the formula that Shrek pioneered—the pop culture references, the satirical humor, and the celebrity-driven voice cast—and cranked it up to 11. The film is a non-stop barrage of hilarious cameos and meta-jokes, with characters like Batman, Gandalf, and even Abraham Lincoln all existing in the same chaotic universe.
But, just like Shrek, beneath its hyper-caffeinated, cynical surface is a massive, beating heart. The film is a powerful, life-affirming story about the "Special," an ordinary, rule-following "everyman" who has to learn that his true strength lies in his own unique creativity. The film’s "Everything Is Awesome" song is a brilliant, satirical anthem that is just as iconic as "All Star." It’s a film that manages to be a brilliant parody and a profoundly moving story at the same time. The sheer density of pop culture references is a theme we also explored in our review of The Dark Knight. For more on the film's brilliant writing, you can explore reviews from sources like The Hollywood Reporter.
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Main Cast: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman
Where to Watch: Available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → The LEGO Movie
1. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Vibe: Taking the top spot on our list is the film that is, in many ways, the spiritual godfather of Shrek. The Princess Bride is the original, quintessential, and perfect deconstruction of the fairytale. It is a film that is both a hilarious, witty satire and a genuinely swoon-worthy, epic romance. It is a story of "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles," and it is, quite simply, perfect.
Why It's Like Shrek: Shrek owes its entire existence to the groundwork laid by The Princess Bride. This film was the first to masterfully blend satire and sincerity. It takes the classic fairytale tropes—the beautiful princess, the dashing hero, the evil prince—and fills them with modern, cynical, and unforgettable personalities.
The Deconstruction: It constantly subverts our expectations. The hero is a "farm boy," the giant is a gentle poet, and the six-fingered man is a complex villain.
The Humor: The humor is witty, quotable, and self-aware. The film's cozy, storybook framing device (a grandfather reading to his sick grandson) allows it to poke fun at its own story in real-time.
The Heart: Despite all its jokes, the film is, at its core, a profoundly romantic and earnest story about true love. The line "As you wish" is one of the most romantic in all of cinema.
Shrek took the satirical, deconstructive spirit of The Princess Bride and updated it with a pop-culture soundtrack and CGI animation. If you love the witty, self-aware, and ultimately romantic heart of Shrek, you absolutely must watch its live-action predecessor. It is a timeless classic that only gets better with every viewing. The film's legendary status is a theme we also explore in our list of 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Director: Rob Reiner
Main Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant, Billy Crystal
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → The Princess Bride
Conclusion
The magic of Shrek is a special and enduring formula: a perfect blend of sharp satire and profound heart. It taught us that "happily ever after" isn't a one-size-fits-all fairytale, that our flaws are what make us lovable, and that the most powerful force in the universe is a genuine, loyal, "found family" connection. The ten films on this list, in their own unique ways, all tap into that same revolutionary spirit.
They are stories that celebrate the anti-hero, deconstruct the tropes we thought we knew, and ultimately deliver a powerful, life-affirming message of hope and acceptance. They are the perfect escapes for when you are craving a story that is as smart as it is funny, and as cynical as it is deeply, wonderfully romantic. So, the next time you're missing the swamp, give one of these modern classics a try.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is Shrek still so popular and relevant today? A: Shrek remains popular because its core themes of self-acceptance, true love, and the importance of friendship are timeless. Its witty, pop-culture-filled humor also resonates with a new generation on social media, making it a constant source of memes and trends.
Q: What is a "fairytale deconstruction"? A: A fairytale deconstruction is a story that takes the classic, well-known tropes of a fairytale (like the damsel in distress, the handsome prince) and subverts, parodies, or analyzes them in a new and often more realistic or cynical way.
Q: What is the "Shrekcore" trend on TikTok? A: "Shrekcore" is a social media aesthetic that celebrates the world of Shrek. It involves a love for the "swamp" aesthetic (earthy tones, moss, nature), the film's iconic soundtrack, and its overall message of embracing your "ogre" side and finding beauty in the imperfect.
Q: Are all the movies on this list for kids? A: No. While they are all animated or have a fairytale feel, many (like Shrek itself) are designed with a "dual audience" in mind, with many jokes and themes aimed at adults. The Princess Bride and Howl's Moving Castle are beloved by all ages, while The LEGO Movie is also a great all-ages watch.
Q: I love the "anti-hero" aspect of Shrek. Which other films on the list have this? A: Despicable Me and Megamind are the two strongest examples of an "anti-hero" protagonist who, like Shrek, is a "bad guy" who ultimately finds redemption through connection and love. Wreck-It Ralph also perfectly fits this theme.
Q: What's the best movie for pure fairytale satire, like Shrek? A: Hoodwinked! is a pure, hilarious satire of "Little Red Riding Hood." The Princess Bride is the original and most classic example, and Enchanted is a brilliant, self-aware satire from Disney itself.
Q: Where can I watch all the Shrek movies? A: The Shrek films are available to stream on a variety of platforms. As of late 2024, they can often be found on services like Netflix, Peacock, or Amazon Prime Video, but their streaming availability can change.
Q: What makes the Puss in Boots: The Last Wish movie so special? A: It was a surprise critical hit that was praised for its stunning, unique animation style (a blend of 3D and 2D) and its surprisingly mature and poignant story about anxiety, mortality, and the value of one's life. Many fans and critics consider it one of the best films in the entire Shrek franchise.
Q: I love the "found family" in Shrek. Which other movies on the list have this? A: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (from the Sci-Fi book list) is a great example, but from this movie list, Howl's Moving Castle and Despicable Me have fantastic found-family themes. Wreck-It Ralph is also, at its core, a story about a found-family friendship.
Q: Is there going to be a Shrek 5? A: Shrek 5 has been in and out of development for years, but as of late 2024, there have been strong indications from the original cast and from DreamWorks executives that a new film is actively in the works, with hopes of reuniting the original cast.
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Love Shrek? Discover 10 hilarious and heartwarming movies that capture the same magic. This list is full of fairytale deconstructions, adult humor, and anti-heroes.
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