10 Reasons Why Shrek is the Best Animated Film of All Time
Y’all everytime I see that little boy sitting on the side of that crescent moon and fish, I get excited cause I think that Shrek is the only DreamWorks movie there is! If you’re as obsessed as I am, you probably agree that it’s literally one of the best, most quotable and memeable movies out there. If you’re still not convinced and for some reason think that another movie holds that title, hold my Izze (cause I don’t drink beer). Let me tell you something! *clears throat*
Subversion of Fairytale Tropes
Reinventing the Genre: Shrek took classic fairytale tropes and flipped them on their head, subverting the traditional expectations of the genre. Instead of a dashing prince rescuing a beautiful princess, we get an unlikely hero—a grumpy, swamp-dwelling ogre. This unconventional approach was fresh and exciting, making it feel like a breath of fresh air for audiences familiar with traditional fairy tales.
Challenging Stereotypes: The movie is full of characters who don't fit the stereotypical roles we expect in fairytales. Princess Fiona is not the damsel in distress we are used to seeing; instead, she's strong, independent, and has her own flaws and insecurities. The movie shows that beauty is not just skin deep and that real love comes from accepting others for who they truly are.
Appealing to All Ages
Humor for Everyone: Shrek managed to balance humor for both kids and adults. The film is filled with witty, clever jokes and references that are suitable for young audiences, while also featuring sly pop culture references, satirical humor, and adult jokes that went over the heads of kids but entertained the adults in the audience.
Layered Storytelling: The story of Shrek has multiple layers. On the surface, it’s a fun, lighthearted adventure about an ogre trying to rescue a princess. But it also touches on themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the importance of looking beyond appearances—important lessons for both kids and adults.
Memorable Characters
Shrek: The title character is a perfect example of an unconventional hero. He’s not handsome or charming, but he’s relatable, with a deep desire for privacy and peace. His transformation throughout the movie—from a solitary, grumpy ogre to someone who embraces love and friendship—is both humorous and heartfelt.
Donkey: Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, became an instant fan favorite. His infectious energy, loyalty, and comedic timing made him the perfect sidekick to Shrek. He brings a lot of humor to the film, but also shows growth and emotional depth, especially in his relationship with Dragon.
Princess Fiona: Fiona isn’t the typical princess we expect in a fairytale. Voiced by Cameron Diaz, she is strong, self-sufficient, and has her own unique charm. Her arc—from hiding her true identity to embracing who she really is—resonates with audiences who can relate to themes of self-acceptance and love beyond physical appearances.
Stunning Animation
Ahead of Its Time: When Shrek was released, the animation was groundbreaking. The character designs, environments, and attention to detail were impressive for its time. The lush, expansive settings—especially Shrek’s swamp, the enchanted forest, and Farquaad’s kingdom—brought the world of the story to life in a way that made the movie visually captivating.
Innovative CGI: While CGI animated films were not new at the time, Shrek helped solidify CGI as a major player in animation. The technology used for the film’s unique character designs and comedic physicality (like Donkey’s constant movement or Shrek’s expressive face) made it stand out.
Iconic Soundtrack
Memorable Songs: Shrek’s soundtrack is filled with classic songs that became iconic in their own right, including Smash Mouth’s "All Star," the stirring "Hallelujah" cover by Rufus Wainwright, and "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees. These songs not only fit perfectly with the film’s tone but also helped cement Shrek as a cultural phenomenon. The soundtrack was integral to setting the movie’s irreverent, fun tone.
Pop Culture Integration: The choice of songs was part of the movie’s strategy to reach a broader audience, with tracks that were both nostalgic for older audiences and energetic enough to appeal to younger viewers. The way music was used to enhance emotional moments (like the sequence of Fiona singing alone in the tower) was cleverly integrated.
Clever and Heartfelt Storytelling
Emotional Depth: Beneath the humor, Shrek is a movie about love, friendship, and self-discovery. It explores themes of acceptance and how true love is about embracing each other’s flaws and imperfections. Shrek’s relationship with Fiona evolves from mutual misunderstanding to deep, unconditional love, showing that being loved for who you truly are is what matters most.
Humor and Heart: The combination of absurd, slapstick humor with heartfelt moments is a big reason why Shrek resonates with such a wide audience. It manages to balance the fun, absurdity of its fairytale world with meaningful emotional beats, particularly around Shrek’s own self-acceptance and Fiona’s revelation.
Iconic Villain
Lord Maximus Farquaad: Lord Farquaad, voiced by John Lithgow, is one of the most memorable animated villains. He’s pompous, selfish, and cruel, yet the film plays him in such a way that he’s both comedic and menacing at the same time. Farquaad’s physical appearance—being short and constantly sitting on a high throne—also adds to the humor, making him the perfect foil to Shrek’s brutish but lovable nature.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Memes and References: Shrek has transcended its original release to become a cultural touchstone. Memes, online jokes, and references to the film continue to flood the internet, with people quoting the film’s lines ("Get out of my swamp!") and celebrating its quirky, offbeat humor. The film’s irreverent tone and anti-establishment message have made it beloved by new generations.
Franchise Success: Shrek was so successful it spawned multiple sequels, a Broadway musical, video games, and a large array of merchandise. Though many sequels are hit or miss, the original Shrek remains a beloved classic, proving its enduring appeal.
Iconic One-Liners and Dialogue
Sharp Wit: From Shrek’s grumpy quips to Donkey’s never-ending chatter, Shrek is packed with hilarious dialogue. The characters' banter and one-liners are still quoted today, and the script’s sharp wit and fast-paced humor made it stand out from other animated films.
Clever Pop Culture References: The film is peppered with references to modern pop culture, from fairy-tale versions of pop stars to subtle digs at Disney and other familiar franchises. These clever references make the movie feel fresh and relatable, even to an adult audience.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Oscar Nomination: Shrek was the first-ever winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (when the category was introduced in 2001). It was also a box-office success, grossing over $480 million worldwide, proving its broad appeal and success.
Legacy in Animation: The film helped elevate the standard for animated films in both quality and narrative depth. It paved the way for more adult-oriented animated movies, such as The Incredibles and Kung Fu Panda, showing that animated films could be more than just family-friendly fluff.
You better not tell me that THE SHREK does not give you everything you need in a movie!
In all seriousness, I am open to other film suggestions for best animated film of all time, but please don’t say Lion King. It’s amazing and quite literally has a better soundtrack BUT, the memes don’t have the range lol. So tell me, which is your favorite animated movie? Share in the comments!
