Shrek (franchise)

Shrek is an American computer-animated film franchise produced by DreamWorks Animation. The series primarily focuses on a green ogre named Shrek, and his loyal steed, Donkey, as they embark on various adventures in a fairy tale world. The franchise includes four main films: Shrek (2001), Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).

Plot

The franchise's storyline revolves around Shrek, a solitary ogre who becomes involved in the affairs of fairy tale creatures and royalty due to a series of events. The first film sees Shrek's swamp overrun by fairy tale creatures, leading him on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona to reclaim his home. The subsequent films expand on Shrek's relationships with Fiona and his friends, and his struggles with parenthood and other responsibilities.

Characters

The franchise features a variety of characters, including the titular character, Shrek, a gruff but kind-hearted ogre; Donkey, a fast-talking and loyal friend; Princess Fiona, a princess who harbors a secret; Puss in Boots, a swashbuckling cat; and Lord Farquaad, the main antagonist of the first film.

Reception

The Shrek franchise has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, with the first two films in particular receiving widespread acclaim. The franchise has been praised for its humor, heart, and subversion of fairy tale tropes.

Legacy

The Shrek franchise has had a significant cultural impact, spawning a multitude of merchandise, a Broadway musical, and a spin-off film for the character Puss in Boots. It has also been influential in the field of animation, with its success helping to establish DreamWorks Animation as a major competitor to Pixar.

See also

• List of Shrek characters
• Shrek (video game series)
• Shrek the Musical