Since its release in 2001, Shrek has become one of the most beloved animated movies of the 21st century, resulting in three sequels, two televisions specials, a spin-off movie, and even a Broadway musical. Two reasons why this movie franchise remains so popular are the brilliant cast of characters and the number of memorable and funny quotes that come from them.
Whilst most of these one-liners are made to entertain, some of them actually suit the speaker's nature. Whether it's a more in-depth look into the character, a funny remark that is oddly befitting, or even a song lyric, there is a quote that will reflect the bold and unique personalities of the popular cast of characters.
Shrek
"I'm Not The One With The Problem, Okay? It's The World That Seems To Have A Problem With Me!"
Shrek is a grumpy green ogre and the titular protagonist of the franchise. Cantankerous and preferring his own company, Shrek's solitary life is turned upside down when he meets a talking donkey, finds fairytale creatures living in his beloved swamp, and eventually falls for Princess Fiona. Shrek has numerous funny quotes but the one that best reflects him is more touching.
Despite his gruffness, Shrek is vulnerable and lonely, as revealed when talking to Donkey about why he is better off alone, saying how people judge him before they get to know him. But what makes this particular part of the quote so fitting is that despite showing character growth in all four movies, Shrek didn't often take responsibility for his actions, such as bickering with King Harold and losing his temper at his children's birthday party.
Donkey
"I'm Sorry, The Position Of Annoying Talking Animal Has Already Been Taken."
Not far from Shrek's side is Donkey. With his hilarious lines, optimistic attitude, and excellent voiceover work of Eddie Murphy, Donkey is a firm fan favorite in the Shrek movies.
Donkey is most known for talking too much and annoying others, so it's little wonder this above quote is so fitting for him. What makes it even more perfect is that it is Donkey openly referring to himself, which emphasizes his blunt honesty (whether it's about others or himself) and his funny wisecracking nature.
Fiona
"I Want What Any Princess Wants - To Live Happily Ever After... With The Ogre I Married."
Princess Fiona is not quite the typical damsel in distress from the earlier Disney movies. Fiona can take on a number of people single-handedly, is not afraid to speak her mind, and is a born leader when needed.
Equally, Fiona does want the fairytale ending, to live happily ever after with the love of her life. She wasn't expecting the love of her life to be an ogre but she quickly embraced it, as well as her own changes, and found happiness with Shrek. Even when Shrek changed into a human for her, Fiona had already seen Shrek's inner beauty and loved him for that rather than physical looks, which is why the above quote is so fitting for Fiona.
Puss In Boots
"Your Lady Needs You, Go! Today, I Repay My Debt."
Although introduced in the first sequel Shrek 2, Puss in Boots immediately became a stand-out character in the main cast and is one of the franchise's most popular characters, leading to his own spin-off movie Puss in Boots.
Initially an ogre-killer for hire before joining Shrek on his quest, Puss in Boots is the classic swashbuckling hero. He is dashing, adventurous, a bit of a ladies' man, and above all, loyal to those who have helped him, making the above quote very fitting for the feline rogue. When fleeing to rescue Fiona from Charming, Puss willingly stays behind to fend off the guards so Shrek can go ahead, repaying his debt to Shrek for not killing him earlier. This moment is followed by Puss's famous big adorable kitten eyes.
Lord Farquaad
"I'm Not The Monster Here, You Are! You And The Rest Of That Fairytale Trash, Poisoning My Perfect World."
The first villain in the Shrek franchise is the arrogant Lord Farquaad, voiced by John Lithgow in one of his best villain performances. Wishing to marry Princess Fiona so he can become king, Farquaad sends Shrek to rescue her in exchange for his swamp to be cleared of the fairytale folk the former callously dumped there.
Farquaad is constantly seeking perfection, whether in it's his kingdom or his potential bride, as demonstrated when he interrogates the Gingerbread Man. The above quote reflects how Farquaad is rather full of himself and how he looks down upon those he believes are beneath him, which seems to be almost everyone.
Fairy Godmother
"I Know What Every Princess Needs For Her To Live Life Happily."
The Fairy Godmother is usually a good and kind being but Shrek 2 flipped the stereotype and turned the Fairy Godmother into a villain. Combining this with her catchy musical numbers and that she is remarkably funny, this Fairy Godmother is one of the best fairy characters in the movies.
What makes the Fairy Godmother such a good villain is how she hides behind an act of being kind and finding everyone's happily-ever-afters, but only the happily-ever-afters of those she believes deserve them, and this does not include ogres. Her first song is very fitting for her personality as it is all about how she can make a princess happy, which is full of superficial things such as a handsome rich prince, make-up, and a Bichon Frise. It may be an entertaining song but it perfectly highlights the Fairy Godmother's superficial and false personality, as well as her power.
Prince Charming
"For He Was The Bravest, And Most Handsome In All The Land."
As well as making the Fairy Godmother a villain, another surprise twist was making Prince Charming her son. Spoiled, entitled, and narcissistic, Prince Charming is an entertaining villain audiences love to hate. He was the secondary antagonist in Shrek 2 but became the main villain in the less successful sequel Shrek The Third.
Charming's main traits are arrogance and thinking highly of himself, which is best demonstrated when he narrates his own screen debut, calling himself the "bravest and most handsome in all the land." The moment is made even more hilarious with a slow-motion swish of his hair akin to a shampoo commercial.
Rumpelstiltskin
"Nobody's Smart But Me."
The infamous fairytale character Rumpelstiltskin was made the antagonist of the fourth movie in the franchise, Shrek Forever After. He tricks Shrek into signing a contract that ultimately erases Shrek from existence and makes him King of Far Far Away.
Rumpelstiltskin is one of Shrek's most powerful enemies. Not only does he have strong magical powers but he is also manipulative and smart. These traits, paired with his disregard for everyone else and his self-importance, make the above quote perfect for summing up Rumpelstiltskin's personality.
King Harold
"People Change For The Ones They Love - You'd Be Surprised How Much I Changed For Your Mother."
One reason why Shrek 2 is the best Shrek movie was the plot, which kicked off when Shrek was introduced to Fiona's parents for the first time. Fiona's father is King Harold of Far Far Away. He makes it clear that he is not happy to have Shrek marry his daughter and under the orders of the Fairy Godmother, he sets out to change things.
But Harold is not a villain and did the deeds because he cared about his daughter. When having a heart-to-heart with Fiona to persuade her to come to the ball, he tries to convince her how "people change for the ones they love." The above quote not only reflects how much Harold cares for his family but it hints at a very surprising secret he has kept for many years.
Queen Lillian
"Let Go Of Your Petty Complaints And Let's Work Together."
Fiona's mother is Lillian, the dignified queen of Far Far Away (thanks to some lovely voice acting from the legendary Julie Andrews.) Unlike her husband, she is more willing to accept an ogre as her son-in-law and make peace between Harold and Shrek.
No matter what the situation, Lillian acts like a true queen and remains calm yet in control. One such is example is when she scolds the bickering princesses in Shrek the Third. Her order is direct but keeping the morale, and it is very befitting for a noble queen who is also a loving and caring mother.