SomeBODY once told us that Shrek would become one of the most beloved animated films of all time… and 25 years later, it still rules the swamp.
The characters, the story, the soundtrack, the endlessly quotable lines – there are countless reasons why Shrek remains one of the greatest animated films of all time.
Twenty-five years after its original release, the DreamWorks classic is still as hilarious, heartfelt and iconic as ever. Since then, there’s been three more in the series (with another film on the way), earning its place in our hearts as one of the best.
To celebrate this huge milestone, we’re bringing Shrek back to the big screen with a series of special 4DX screenings. Expect audience sing-alongs to Smash Mouth, fancy dress and full immersion into Shrek’s swamp, complete with all the mud, mayhem and fairytale carnage you could ask for.
If, like us, you’re in disbelief that it’s been 25 years since Shrek first arrived in cinemas, we’ve rounded up nine of the film’s very best moments. Better out than in, I always say…
An ‘All Star’ opening
Is this one of the greatest opening scenes of all time? We certainly think so… From the very first moment, you’re thrown headfirst into Shrek’s solitary, swamp-soaked world. The scene is perfectly soundtracked to Smash Mouth’s iconic hit ‘All Star’, which has become synonymous with the film. And in 4DX, you won’t just watch Shrek’s swamp… every mud splatter and swamp squelch will make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it.
What are you doing in my swamp?!”
All Shrek wants is peace and quiet at his beloved swamp home. But when fairytale creatures are forced to move in, the ogre lives up to his fearsome reputation with the iconic outburst: “What are you doing in my swamp?!”. It’s got to be one of the film’s most quotable moments.
Donkey doesn’t stop talking
When Lord Farquaad banishes the fairytale creatures, the reluctant ogre sets off to confront him in Duloc. Much to Shrek’s frustration, Donkey insists on tagging along – and doesn’t stop talking for a second. Despite Shrek’s constant attempts to brush him off, Donkey refuses to back down. And just like that, one of cinema’s most iconic duos is born.
Lord Farquaad chooses his bride-to-be
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Lord Farquaad consults a Magic Mirror to present him with a selection of eligible princesses to marry, a union that would finally crown him king. Framed as a brilliantly over-the-top game show parody, the scene ends with Farquaad choosing Princess Fiona, who’s trapped in a castle.
The heroic castle rescue
Lord Farquaad tasks Shrek and Donkey with rescuing Princess Fiona and returning her to Duloc to become his bride. But it’s far from a simple mission. Fiona is trapped in a towering castle surrounded by a moat of lava and guarded by a fearsome dragon. Luckily, the pair is up to the challenge (all thanks to Donkey, who inadvertently charms the dragon), and they leave with Fiona in tow.
Onions have layers
Ogres are just like onions. Well, that’s according to Shrek, anyway. What begins as a simple analogy during a conversation with Donkey quickly becomes one of the film’s most iconic and unexpectedly heartfelt moments. “Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers… You get it? We both have layers.”
The ‘Hallelujah’ montage
The film briefly shifts away from its comedic tone as Shrek and Fiona find themselves separated. Shrek, overwhelmed by doubt, pushes Donkey away, while both he and Fiona are left isolated, each quietly longing for the other as her wedding day draws near. The sequence unfolds to a poignant cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, heightening the emotion of the scene. We’re not crying… you are!
Fiona’s badass moves
Despite being held in captivity for years, Fiona proves she’s got some serious moves! She exhibits her combat skills by singlehandedly taking on the Merry Men in a Matrix-style defeat. Girl power.
The ‘I’m A Believer’ ending
We love a good wedding interruption ending. Shrek bursts into the ceremony between Fiona and Lord Farquaad to declare his love for the princess, sealing the moment with a kiss that completes Fiona’s transformation into an ogre. “I was hoping this would be a happy ending,” Donkey remarks. And then – Smash Mouth returns once more. The unmistakable opening chords of ‘I’m a Believer’ kick in as Shrek and Fiona celebrate their own wedding. It’s a finale that firmly establishes Shrek as one of the most memorable soundtracks of all time…
Want to see these iconic moments for yourself? Celebrate 25 years of Shrek with special anniversary screenings in both 4DX and 2D from 15 May – book your tickets now and return to the swamp on the big screen.
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