Top 10 Shrek Franchise Moments That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard

Shrek first ventures to Duloc to make Lord Farquaad remove the fairytale characters from his swamp. However, Farquaad has other ideas, and our hero puts on quite the show as he’s forced to accept the challenge. The subsequent fight scene is epic. Everything from Shrek’s creative techniques and the whooping crowd to the choice of music, Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” combines to make for one exhilarating sequence. It has us cheering louder than the spectators! Even Donkey makes some noteworthy contributions and gets in the final kick. As far as animated fight scenes go, this one slaps the others out of Duloc’s perfectly maintained parks.

In 2022, DreamWorks decided to give Puss in Boots a glow-up inspired by Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” They combined 3D and 2D, experimented with frame rates, and infused the visuals with a painted look to emulate those classic ol’ fairytale book drawings. Indeed, their highly-stylized visuals are breathtaking, and it really feels like they’re bringing the pages of a storybook to life. Director Joel Crawford and producer Mark Swift felt more freedom to play around aesthetically and with the narrative because the franchise is so beloved, and it paid off. Action, comedy, adventure, and Antonio Banderas’ Puss all wrapped up in stunning animation? What more could we ask for?

This not-so-charming villain doesn’t receive the warmest welcome when he stops by The Poison Apple. However, he soon wins over the other patrons with a rousing speech about how they’re not all that different. Appealing to their bruised egos, he convinces everyone that they also deserve happy endings. We hate to admit it, but he’s pretty persuasive, and his fervent speechmaking almost wins us over too. Charming celebrates this small victory with a drink as chaos ensues around him. As awful as he is, this is a pretty badass moment. Although, watching him and the villainous mob descend upon “Far Far Away” is a close second. Those trees still give us nightmares.

They do say that love is a battlefield. But, it gets a little more complicated when you sign a reality-altering contract, and now your wife doesn’t know that she’s your wife. Still, we love seeing Fiona as a Warrior Princess, especially when she challenges Shrek to a fight. He literally trips over himself trying to impress her, but she barely even raises an eyebrow. If anything, she doesn’t think he’s ready for battle and puts him through his paces. Needless to say, Fiona has some pretty epic moves and easily outmaneuvers him. Perhaps she doesn’t remember Shrek, but the joy they get from this physical altercation gives us more feels than any fight should.

As you might expect, there are several scenes and songs in the musical version of “Shrek” that go incredibly hard. Fiona's mid-song meltdown in "I Know It's Today"springs to mind. So does the show-stopping number "Freak Flag." Gingy leads the ensemble in a song that celebrates being who you are, eccentricities and all. It's an upbeat track with an uplifting message and has no business being as good as it is. And, as the tune builds, the characters become increasingly self-assured and start spreading self-love even louder and with more fervor than before. Who knew that a banging song about self-belief sung by fairytale characters was exactly what this musical needed. Also, did we mention it's a tune?!

She may be a damsel, but she does not need saving. Robin Hood and his Merry Men find that out the hard way when they swoop in on an unwarranted rescue mission. And if that wasn’t annoying enough, they go way over the top with a musical introduction. Fiona cuts the performance short by taking out Monsieur Hood and the rest of his troupe with no assistance whatsoever. She’s so badass that there’s even time for a mid-air pause while she adjusts her tiara. Meanwhile, Shrek and Donkey just watch in utter amazement. Did Fiona need to go that hard on her superfluous saviors? Perhaps not. But are we glad she did? You betcha!

Donkey feels disgruntled after Shrek designates him to lookout while he and Puss browse the Fairy Godmother’s potion collection. He’s too busy ranting and raving to notice that they’ve been spotted until it’s too late. A thrilling escape sequence follows that could easily rival any heist movie. Shrek and company expertly utilize their space and the factory’s equipment to make an exhilarating and eventful getaway. And, as always, the creative team chose the best song to complement the action. Oh, Donkey, you had just one job. But in his defense, if he had been paying attention, we might have missed out on this electrifying scene. It really is a, erm, transformative experience for all involved.

Is there anything more delightfully over the top than a big group musical finale? Not when it looks like this. Smash Mouth and Donkey send newlyweds Shrek and Fiona on their honeymoon and then celebrate with an upbeat and toe-tapping rendition of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” It’s such an iconic moment, and everyone gets involved. The blind mice get their groove on, the three little pigs bust out their best moves, and the macarena even makes an appearance. Just as you thought they couldn’t top that, the sequel brought us this feisty performance of Ricky Martin’s “Livin' la Vida Loca,” courtesy of Donkey and Puss. These moments just make us want to sing and dance harder than we ever have before.

Getting to know the in-laws can always be a little uncomfortable, but Shrek and King Harold take things to a whole other level. The king makes no secret of his disdain for his son-in-law, and things start to get heated ⁠— and no, not just because dinner is served. The pair take their anger out on the food, crushing, dissecting, and stabbing any dish within their reach. The tumultuous evening continues to spiral out of control, with food flying everywhere and each man taking a stand to assert his dominance. We’ve all been to a few tense family meals, but this is truly something else. Well, if they’re going to fight, they might as well go the whole hog.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Snow White’s Battle Cry, “Shrek the Third” (2007)
Name a Fiercer & More Unexpected Crossover Than Snow White & Led Zeppelin

Mocking Charming, “Shrek the Third” (2007)
Shrek Steals the Limelight with Some Brilliant Stand Up

The Bird Ends on a High Note “Shrek” (2001)
You Know What They Say, Go Big Or…

“Do the Roar!” “Shrek Forever After” (2010)
Now That Was Roar-Some!

“Welcome to Duloc,” “Shrek” (2001)
When It Comes to Welcoming Visitors, Duloc Doesn’t Mess Around

We didn’t know Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” could slap any harder until we first saw “Shrek 2.” Jennifer Saunders pulls out all the stops as the evil Fairy Godmother making this one the most memorable moments not just of the film but of the entire franchise. While she goes above and beyond vocally, we can’t tear our eyes away from the accompanying action-packed visuals. Shrek races to the castle to stop the evil fairy’s scheme while Fiona apprehensively dances with Charming, who’s impersonating her husband. It’s non-stop excitement, tension, drama, and thrills, all set to an absolute bop. No “Shrek” moment has an easier time holding our attention. We’ll never get ogre it.