It’s been over two decades since the first Shrek came out — and it’s still with us. With Shrek 5 coming in 2026, we decided to revisit all the films in the franchise and their Tomatometer scores. The outcome was surprising: not all fan favorites were beloved by critics.
6th place — Shrek the Third (2007)
Score: 41%
The film where Shrek teaches a teenager to become a king while grappling with his own fear of fatherhood. Critics felt that pop culture jokes overshadowed the heart of the story. Fans still debate whether this sequel was necessary.
5th place — Shrek Forever After (2010)
Score: 58%
An alternate reality where Shrek is a stranger to Fiona and Donkey is afraid of ogres. An interesting concept, but critics found it derivative. The supposed finale of the franchise didn’t hit as hard as its beginning.
4th place — Puss in Boots (2011)
Score: 86%
A story set before his meeting with Shrek — and plenty of Spanish charm from Antonio Banderas. Not a masterpiece, but stylish, witty, and visually rich.
3rd place — Shrek (2001)
Score: 88%
The original that started it all. A fairytale satire, Disney trolling, and Donkey — unmatched to this day. This film gave us All Star and cemented its place in pop culture forever.
2nd place — Shrek 2 (2004)
Score: 89%
A rare sequel that lived up to the original — and for many, even surpassed it. Fairy godmothers, werewolves, and a brilliant final battle set to 'Holding Out for a Hero'.
1st place — Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Score: 95%
The most recent and highest-rated film in the franchise — Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Wise, stylish, and not just for kids — with themes of death, loneliness, and second chances. Critics loved it, and so did audiences.
Based on these scores, Shrek has survived not only ups and downs, but a full-on reinvention. And if you’re missing the swamp, Donkey, and Fiona — don’t worry, Shrek 5 is already on the horizon.
