The beloved ogre, Shrek, is returning to the big screen! The announcement of Shrek 5 sent a wave of excitement amongst fans of the franchise. But with so many movies and spin-offs, how many Shrek films are there and in what order should you watch them?
This blog post will be your guide to the Shrek universe, providing a breakdown of the movies and the upcoming Shrek 5.
From Book to Big Screen: How Shrek Became a Pop Culture Phenomenon
While the Shrek films we know and love are loosely based on the 1990 picture book by William Steig, the stories take quite a different turn. The original book tells the tale of Shrek marrying an ugly princess, whereas the DreamWorks series features a beautiful princess named Fiona who keeps a secret.
Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, became a pop culture icon after the release of the first film in 2001. The series, which also features the voices of Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and Antonio Banderas, spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, short films, and even a Broadway musical.
How Many Shrek Movies Are There?
There are four main Shrek movies released in the following order:
- Shrek (2001)
- Shrek 2 (2004)
- Shrek the Third (2007)
- Shrek Forever After (2010)
In addition to the main series, there is also a spin-off movie featuring Puss in Boots, Puss in Boots (2011), and its sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022). There are also eight short films set in the Shrek universe.
When Will Shrek 5 Be Released?
The wait is over for Shrek fans! Shrek 5 is confirmed to be hitting theaters on July 1, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the original film’s release. Eddie Murphy revealed he has already begun recording voice work for the new film, hinting at a possible Donkey spin-off as well. While Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy are confirmed to return, there is no official word yet on Antonio Banderas reprising his role as Puss in Boots.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the joy of Shrek, there’s plenty of content to keep you entertained until Shrek 5 arrives in 2026!
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