Since its release in 2001, Shrek has been a huge part of pop culture. It’s still referenced today fondly by both adults and children. From the iconic quotes between Shrek and Donkey to the unforgettable love story, fans will never forget the franchise. So what movies like Shrek are the perfect watch for the whole family?
While it’s undeniable that Shrek is one of the most brilliant children’s movies with such a unique plot, there are still several movies that can try and scratch that itch. As fans wait for the fifth movie to make its way to the big screen around 2026, let’s find some of the best movies like Shrek for the whole family to watch.
6. Madagascar, Disney Plus (2005)
Madagascar is a classic animated children’s movie that is a must-see. If you want one of the best movies like Shrek, this is a great start. The 2005 survival comedy stars voices from Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
The movie centers around a group of animals from the Central Park Zoo who find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar and must adjust to living in the wild while they buy time to find someone to save them.
The lines in this movie are iconic, with several memorable characters beyond the main four animals, like the penguins, lemurs, and more. If you enjoy the laughter of Shrek and want to watch more characters who are forced out of their comfort zone and must adapt, then this is the movie for you.
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5. How to Train Your Dragon, Disney Plus (2010)
What if you just want more dragons? Shrek has an adoring relationship with Donkey and a dragon, and while it is a little bit of a weird relationship, it’s still romantic. But if you want more dragon action on your next watch, then How to Train Your Dragon is the perfect franchise for you.
The 2010 movie is loosely based on a book written by Cressida Cowell in 2003, and stars voices from Jaw Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, American Ferrera, Jonah Hill, and many more. The story follows Hiccup, an undersized teen who wishes to become a dragon slayer like the other Vikings in the mythical land of Berk.
But when he ends up injuring a rare Night Fury, but can’t bring himself to kill it, he instead befriends him while trying to bring a new bond between the dragons and Vikings.
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4. Despicable Me, Disney Plus (2010)
Despicable Me took the world by storm as soon as it was released thanks to the adorable creations of Minions, and has not slowed down, with the most recent installment, Despicable Me 4 dropping this year.
The 2010 comedy film is one of the best movies like Shrek if you enjoy the duo of Shrek and Donkey. Shred is a grouchy, pessimistic, and anti-social character, who slowly opens up to an energetic, happy, and optimistic Donkey.
Gru is similar to Shrek, and with the joy of the three girls he adopts, his life slowly opens up to a brighter side. The story follows a main character who is a supervillain. He adopts three orphan girls to use as pawns during his next villainous scheme, but slowly opens up and develops an emotional attachment with them.
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3. Toy Story, Disney Plus (1995)
Speaking of classic children’s movies, Toy Story is one of the most common titles that many refer to when thinking of animated movies by the studio, which was made for Disney. The 1995 comedy is also a franchise and is one of the biggest ones in animated movies. It’s one of the best movies like Shrek, with charming characters, hilarious quotes, and an unforgettable journey.
The movie is actually the first feature film from Pixar, and stars voices from Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, and Jim Varney.
The story takes place in a world where toys come to life when humans are not present and focuses on the relationship between an old-fashioned pull-string cowboy doll named Woody and the modern space cadet action figure, Buzz Lightyear.
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2. Monsters, Inc., Disney Plus (2001)
If you’re a fan of animation movies from Pixar, then you’ve probably heard of Monsters, Inc. The 2001 comedy film is one of the best animated children’s movies of all time and one of the best Pixar movies ever. The movie features voices from John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Mary Gibbs, and Jennifer Tilly, and was directed by Pete Docter as his feature directorial debut.
The film centers around two monsters who are employed at the energy-producing factory Monsters, Inc., where the fear and screams of human children are used to power generators.
However, while they use children as energy, they also believe that children are toxic. So when a little girl, Boo, ends up sneaking into the factory, chaos quickly unleashes, and the two monsters must return her back home immediately before it’s too late.
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1. Puss in Boots, Disney Plus (2011)
Shrek has several spin-offs, from television shows to even movies, like the iconic franchise Puss in Boots. If you’ve seen the Shrek franchise, then you’re probably familiar with the feline character. He first made his appearance in Shrek 2 and soon became Shrek’s partner and helper alongside Donkey.
But now, fans can join Puss on his own adventure. The first movie released in 2011 follows Puss in an original story, showing his life before the events in Shrek 2. In this movie, he’s accompanied by Humpty Dumpty and Kitty Softpaws while he is fighting against Jack and Jill, two dangerous outlaws, for ownership of three legendary magical beans that lead to a great fortune of Golden Eggs from the gigantic Goose known as the Great Terror.
The combination of all fairy tales matches the energy of Shrek and lets viewers jump back into that fantastical world, making it one of the best movies like Shrek.