Among various generations, Shrek has become one of the most iconic animated films of all time, but apart from just making its mark on audiences, the movie also made a significant impact on the film industry as a whole. Shrek is a 2001 Dreamworks film about a grouchy ogre who, in an attempt to save his swamp, falls in love with an unlikely princess and saves the kingdom. The original movie became so successful that it spawned three sequels and a spin-off film series.
Shrek has stood out among other fairytale-esque stories even before its development into a film. William Steig's children's book, "Shrek!", which inspired the 2001 film, caught the eye of many critics and creators because of its unorthodox approach to the fairytale and the typical hero protagonist. In this way, the story of Shrek has impacted audiences because of its refusal to adhere to the norm and its fun, unique choices that were unlike anything else being made at the time. Because of this, Shrek has set records in the movie industry and introduced changes that may not have happened at that time.
10 Shrek Proved Animation Could Be A Critical Success
While Disney had something of a monopoly on the animated film genre during the time of Shrek's release, the Dreamworks film did something that Disney could not back then: it did well with audiences and critics. Although Disney's film renaissance had just ended in 1999, including films like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, these movies did well with its target audience, children, but not quite with critics. In that time, animated films weren't taken seriously at all by the film industry. However, Shrek's unique story and audience success brought attention to the genre, and for the first time, made critics see animated films clearly.
9 Shrek's Humor & Story Catered To An Adult Audience
A major aspect of Shrek that had never been seen before in animated films was its ability to cater to children and adults. Animated films usually only worried about their target audience, young children, however, Shrek changed the game by creating a film that could be enjoyed by everyone. Dreamworks did this by including jokes that pleased both children and adults. Furthermore, the story was so different from a typical fairytale, that it could intrigue adults as well as children. Shrek managed to balance a simple yet enticing story with humor that worked for all ages to create one of the most accessible animated films of the time.
8 Shrek Cemented The Shift Away From 2D Animation
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, animation was slowly beginning to change, and Shrek was a player in cementing that change. Although the movie was originally supposed to be animated with traditional 2D animation, Shrek was ultimately created using computer animation. Overall, the look was much different from what audiences were used to and made the film stand out from the typical Disney movies being released at that time. Shrek's success and its choice to use computer animation sparked a move towards computer animation and away from traditional 2D, leading to the more realistic and detailed animated films audiences see currently.
7 Shrek Inspired The Creation Of The Academy Award For Best Animated Feature
A significant effect that Shrek had on the film industry was the creation of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Despite Disney's long-running string of successful animated films from the 1930s to 1990s, the Academy felt there were too few animated movies being created to create an entire category for the genre. However, as Dreamworks became more successful, specifically with the 2001 release of Shrek, the Academy reconsidered. With new competition in the animated film genre, a category was thus created in 2002, one year after Shrek was released. In this way, Shrek brought more attention to the genre and sparked changes in major areas of the film industry.
6 Shrek Inspired New Kinds Of Fairytales
An aspect of Shrek that definitely changed the game for animated films and children's films in general was its divergence from the traditional fairytale. Unlike the typical fairytale story which includes a prince or princess as the protagonist and hero, Shrek offers a main character who isn't necessarily likable or redeemable at first. Shrek is not only an ogre, which defies the idea of having an attractive protagonist, but he is also somewhat self-centered and doesn't care about being a hero. In this way, Shrek is an antihero and a massive change from the norm.
The new kind of fairytale Shrek was based on was important because it surprised audiences and inspired a new wave of unlikely fairytale stories. As an entirely new type of film, Shrek excited audiences who were used to seeing more of the same from animated films. It shook up expectations and perceptions. Furthermore, Shrek's surprising storytelling led to films like Happily Never After and Hoodwinked.
5 Shrek Leaned Into Pop Culture
Another unlikely characteristic of Shrek was its focus on popular culture. Once again, Shrek went beyond the bounds of what traditional animated films had done and included pop culture in its film from music to celebrity references. Overall, this choice succeeded because of its newness but also because it helped create a world in which Shrek and reality could be merged together. Audiences were able to see their everyday lives inserted into a fantasy world in a creative and unique way. Therefore, the references became fun easter eggs that were comedic for viewers and also a nod to the world they were currently living in.
4 Shrek Blended Traditional Settings With Modern Music
In a very similar sense, Shrek also stood out because of its blend of familiar fairytale settings and modern music. While Shrek resides in a swamp, storms a castle, and travels along treacherous mountains and bridges, he does it all to the sound of Smashmouth. This inclusion of modern music acts in the same way as the pop culture references, melding both Shrek's fantasy environment with music that audiences already know and love.
Additionally, the songs on the Shrek soundtrack simply fits well with the ambiance of the story. The guitar riffs and emotional beats generally make more sense than having an original instrumental score or musical numbers like in other animated films of the time. Plus, in retrospect, it's clear that Shrek's soundtrack made a significant impact on how audiences remember the film. Many songs used in the film still bring Shrek to mind for many.
3 Shrek Included Unlikely Characters
As previously mentioned, Shrek toppled the basic ideas of a fairytale story, but the main character wasn't the only one subverting expectations. Shrek's sidekick Donkey is a loyal friend but also irritates Shrek and the two rarely get along during the beginning of the film. Fiona, though a princess, is cursed to turn into an ogre each night, once again taking away the ideal of a beautiful princess love interest. All in all, these changes in character archetypes is beneficial to Shrek because it is different but also because it supports themes of acceptance and embracing what is outside the norm.
2 Shrek Inspired A Successful Animated Franchise
During 2001, it wasn't common for animated films to become franchises. Though Disney had launched its Toy Story franchise around that time, the trend was far from what it is today, and Shrek helped to jumpstart it. Alongside Disney, Dreamworks created one of the first animated film franchises with the Shrek franchise. Today, Shrek has four films and two spin-off films, with Shrek 5 confirmed. Once again, by breaking new ground in the animated film genre, Shrek expanded the possibilities for those types of films and raised expectations for how successful and popular animated films can be.
1 Shrek Challenged The Disney/Pixar Animation Status Quo
Above all, Shrek made its mark on the movie industry and beyond by creating true competition for Disney and Pixar. For decades, Disney dominated animated films and Dreamworks' Shrek broke this long-running trend. While Disney's films certainly entertained and were successful, Shrek's success benefited the genre by adding new voices and stories into the mix. Shrek diversified animated films and made it possible for films outside of the status quo to gain attention and fame.
Though Shrek can often seem like an unserious film, it actually has done an incredible amount for animated films and Hollywood at large. The film went beyond expectations, catered to vast audiences, and brought fresh, new ideas to the table that sparked inspiration in consequent animated films. Overall, Shrek made several significant impacts on the future of movies.