Two decades later, DreamWorks’ Shrek is experiencing a streaming renaissance! With Shrek, <em>Shrek 2</em>, and Shrek the Third all climbing into Netflix’s Top 10, the iconic green ogre is once again the talk of the world, demonstrating that the franchise is just as powerful now as it was in the beginning. For many Millennials and Gen Zers, Shrek was a childhood staple, and by streaming them again, they’re introducing their kids to the classic humor, heartfelt storytelling, and fairy-tale satire that made the series so groundbreaking.
Beyond the films themselves, Shrek has remained more than culturally relevant through internet memes, nostalgic soundtracks like Smash Mouth’s “All Star,” and a continuing story that has led to countless spinoffs, including the upcoming Shrek 5. Now, Gen Alpha is discovering Shrek for the very first time, breathing new appreciation into one of the cornerstones of modern animation. But why does Shrek continue to hold such power across generations? The answer lies in a balance of witty humor, universal themes, unforgettable characters, and its unique place in internet culture.
From Swamp to Spotlight: ‘Shrek’s Original Impact Still Resonates with All Ages
Image via DreamWorks Pictures
When Shrek premiered in 2001, the animation industry was very different. Disney had reigned supreme for decades with classic fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. DreamWorks, relatively new to the scene, sought to change the formula. With Shrek, the studio shamelessly poked fun at fairy-tale traditions. The movie introduced an unlikely hero: a grumpy ogre living in a swamp who wanted nothing more than to be left alone. His adventure was filled with sarcastic comedy, subtle adult humor, and a princess who didn’t play by traditional rules.
One of Shrek’s greatest strengths is its ability to appeal to multiple audiences simultaneously. Children revel in Donkey’s (Eddie Murphy) antics, the slapstick action, and the imaginative fantasy world. Adults, however, find themselves laughing at the biting satire of pop culture and fairy-tale tropes. This multi-layered—like an onion—humor ensures that Shrek never feels dated. Parents can rewatch the films with their kids and still discover fresh jokes or references they didn’t catch before.
Critics praised its originality, kids roared with laughter, and adults discovered a surprising relatability. Shrek went on to win the very first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, forever cementing its place in animation history. More importantly, it showed that animated films didn’t need to follow a cookie-cutter formula to hit a chord. This is also why the franchise remains binge-worthy in the age of streaming. Gen Alpha, raised on YouTube clips and TikTok trends, is naturally drawn to humor that feels fast-paced and exaggerated. Shrek delivers exactly that while giving their parents a hearty laugh too.
The Shrek Franchise Is Built on the Timeless Theme of Self-Acceptance
Another reason Shrek endures is the richness of its characters. Shrek (Mike Myers) himself is far from the flawless heroes of Disney’s Golden Age. He’s cranky, insecure, and defensive, but underneath the layers, he’s just a kind soul searching for acceptance. Fiona, brought to life by Cameron Diaz, challenges the damsel-in-distress archetype with her martial arts skills, blunt honesty, and her own transformative arc.
And then there’s Donkey. Eddie Murphy’s performance is so energetic and charming that the character remains one of the most beloved sidekicks in animation history. Add Antonio Banderas‘ Puss in Boots in the sequel, and you have a core ensemble that feels timeless. While Shrek‘s humor is what grabs attention, the story’s emotional heartbeat keeps audiences coming back. The franchise is built on timeless themes: self-acceptance, the value of friendship, and the idea that love isn’t about appearances but about who we are at our core. Shrek’s journey from an isolated outsider to someone who finds love and community resonates just as powerfully with kids today as it did in 2001.
The Meme Machine That Keeps ‘Shrek’ Alive
No discussion of Shrek‘s lasting influence would be complete without mentioning the internet. Over the past decade, Shrek has become one of the most meme-able franchises ever. From “Somebody once told me…” edits to ironic fan conventions like Shrekfest, the iconic ogre has become a cultural standout for absurdist social media humor. Meme culture has kept Shrek alive in public consciousness long after the original movies left theaters.
This digital afterlife means that when Gen Alpha encounters Shrek on Netflix, many of them already recognize him from countless memes circulating online. Moreover, another pillar of Shrek’s timelessness is its soundtrack. Smash Mouth’s “All Star,” which plays in the opening scene of the first film, is practically inseparable from the movie. Songs like “I’m a Believer” and “Accidentally in Love” became just as popular too,, appearing in countless modern playlists and in a plethora of TikTok trends.
So why does Shrek continue to matter in 2025? All in all,, it’s simply because this franchise represents a cultural shift. Shrek‘s success proved that animated films could break rules, laugh at themselves, and still move viewers deeply. The first installment challenged traditional Disney models and paved the way for today’s boundary-pushing animation landscape. The four core films have been joined by spin-offs like Puss in Boots, a cult-following Broadway musical, and theme park attractions. Most recently,<em>Puss in Boots: The Last Wish</em>, surprised fans by reigniting interest in the Shrek universe. And with Shrek 5, coming soon, this franchise is expected to make another big splash on screen.
