The Shrek movies and their Puss In Boots spin-offs have become one of the most beloved animated franchises around. From making Oscars history to hitting huge box office success, it goes without saying that Shrek has made a massive impact on the movie world. This is thanks to the impressive animation, memorable characters, fantastic humor, and emotional moments. There are currently six films in this movie universe with some of them better than the others. Here’s how each of them stack up against each other.

6) Shrek Forever After

Shrek Forever After is a genuinely hilarious movie. It’s filled with memorable jokes and quotes, like “do the roar.” However, it doesn’t do much story-wise. The whole movie takes place in an alternate timeline where Shrek gets to see the lives of his friends if he was never a part of them in the same vein as It’s a Wonderful Life. This does add some emotion to the story, but it doesn’t go anywhere and ends in the exact place it started. Shrek receives the same character development that he already spent three movies receiving, so it all feels pointless. It still manages to be a fun ride, but Shrek the Third already served as a great ending for the series.

5) Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third feels like an emotional ending to Shrek’s saga. His development comes full circle, he gets to settle down in his swamp with his family, and gets to live out his happily ever after. It’s not the funniest film in the series, but still has its share of comical moments. The biggest downside, though, is that it’s the least creative movie in the franchise. The main plot is essentially just the story of King Arthur and Merlin, albeit a fun take on it. Outside of some fun moments, it’s far from the most memorable of the Shrek movies.

4) Puss In Boots

Puss In Boots was a spin-off that should have worked a little bit more since the character was a fan-favorite from the Shrek movies. While Shrek blew audiences away, this one just sort of felt like a run-of-the-mill kids’ film. There’s nothing really wrong with it; it’s just a cute flick. It has some funny jokes and fun new characters, but it feels like this one was mostly to distract little kids for an hour and a half rather than giving Puss In Boots a proper epic that he deserves.

3) Shrek

Shrek is the film that started it all and it’s nothing short of iconic. From the humor, to the music, to the animation that still holds up decades later, there’s a lot to love about this movie. It turned the idea of fairy tales and magical creatures on its head and used it to give the world something new. It’s endlessly quotable and created characters that have become near and dear to people’s hearts. Although it pokes fun at clichés, it still uses some itself. It pushes plenty of boundaries in some places while it plays it safe in others. This is an outstanding start to the franchise and should always be remembered as a classic.

2) Shrek 2

Shrek 2 is probably one of the greatest sequels of all time. It takes what the original set up and uses it to push new boundaries. It’s funnier, has an incredible message, and the stakes feel higher. It’s still a parody of fairy tales like the first one, but now it feels more centered on being its own entity beyond that. The story is also much less linear and takes more risks than the original movie, and it pays off. This sequel hits all the right beats to create an incredible movie experience. Shrek 2 might as well be tied for first place, but the only reason why it isn’t is that the animation is about the same as the first movie and it does feel like a sequel rather than a standalone story. That being said, this really is the perfect way to do a sequel.

1) Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish shocked audiences with how excellent it is. Its story is probably the most touching out of any movie in this franchise. It has multiple heartfelt messages as well as multiple conflicts that make things especially interesting. With all this, it still manages to keep the humor and charm these movies are known for. Not only does it have the best animation, but the animation mixes 3D and 2D styles to create an aesthetic that’s truly unique. Even though this is both a spin-off and a sequel, it manages to tell a single, fantastic, standalone story. It’s a beautiful story that anyone can and everyone should see. Dreamworks struck gold twice with this and Shrek 2.

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