The Shrek franchise is one of the very best animated franchises of all time, with some fantastic movies, all of which have their own strengths. Taking different pieces from classic fairytales and putting them together in a modern manner, the film has great jokes and some fantastic emotion.
There is also a really strong ensemble cast in this franchise, as well, as it doesn't just rely on one or two characters. Every character is fleshed out and given plenty of personalities, but which are the 10 best, and what are their most memorable lines?
Pinocchio: "It Wouldn't Be Inaccurate To Assume That I Couldn't Exactly Not Say That It Is Or Isn't Almost Partially Incorrect."
Pinocchio is a character that everyone is well aware of, and his addition to the Shrek franchise was certainly a fun one. His character was created to be very nervous and panicky, and that resulted in him spouting a ton of nervous chatter, which also went nicely with his nose growing.
However, he also picked up the trick of knowing that the longer he talked, the less he would technically lie, as he could drag out his answer. It's not only a clever way to develop his character, but it is also very funny, which made it even better.
King Harold: "I Only Wanted What Was Best For Fiona, But I Can See Now She Already Has It.”
While he has to warm to Shrek initially after trying to get rid of him, King Harold does show his softer side. He's a character that does divide opinions, as he can be cruel and easy to dislike, yet, at the same time, he can also be very sweet, funny, and caring.
He only has his daughter's interests at heart, and this quote perfectly sums that up, as he just wants her to be happy and satisfied with her life. While he goes about it all the wrong way, his biggest flaw is simply loving his daughter too much.
Lord Farquaad: "Now Really, It's Rude Enough Being Alive When No One Wants You, But Showing Up Uninvited To A Wedding?"
Lord Farquaad might technically be a villain, but that doesn't stop him from being one of the best characters from the franchise. He's incredibly well written, and his pompous attitude is something that provides a lot of funny moments.
He's over-the-top with everything that he does, which is what makes him so great in the first place. He might not be very tall or scary, but his attitude more than makes up that, and this quote just showcases the type of angry waffling on that he is capable of and makes him so fun.
Prince Charming: "Yes, Cherry Flavored. Want A Taste?"
Prince Charming is another villain from the Shrek world and another that oozed charisma, which made him a really funny character to watch. He was supposed to be a tough knight in shining armor, but, in reality, he was a mommy's boy who was scared of most things, which was a fun twist on this style of character.
Everything he did was a lot of fun, and, while he wasn't a skilled fighter, he was very over the top with his beliefs. This quote showcases how he enjoys a flirt and likes to dress himself up as much as possible.
The Fairy Godmother: "Could Someone Please Bring Me Something Deep Fat Fried And Smothered In Chocolate."
The Fairy Godmother was another of the villainous characters in the Shrek franchise. The character was turned on its head from the classic version that fans know and love instead of her being a charming and helpful character that people would expect.
This quote sums her up perfectly, as this isn't the type of thing people expect a Fairy Godmother to be eating, and that opposite focus is just something that made her character so much fun throughout the movie.
Puss In Boots: "For You, Baby, I Could Be."
Puss In Boots was a fantastic addition to the franchise from the second movie onward, bringing another classic fairytale character into this world. He was full of confidence, and his sword fighting added an element of action, as well, which helped make the movie even more exciting.
Writing him to be a flirt was an interesting take, but it's one that also worked for the character. This line sums up his personality and confident charisma perfectly, flirting with Princess Fiona which was both funny and showcased his character.
The Gingerbread Man: "Eat Me."
The Gingerbread Man might only be one of the supporting roles in the Shrek franchise, but he's an incredible character. He's one full of sass and confidence, and he's never afraid to share his opinion on something, which makes him a lot of fun to watch.
He does end up in a spot of trouble throughout the films, but, even then, he's just as confident. This line is his greatest as Lord Farquaad is trying to get information from him. It's obviously ironic due to the fact he is meant to be eaten, and it shows the confidence that the character has.
Princess Fiona: "I Want What Any Princess Wants, To Live Happily Ever After With The Ogre I Married.”
This quote is a perfect example of how Princess Fiona's character. It blends both versions of her life together, with the princess and ogre side combining. Her story is one that people can easily relate with, as it proves beauty isn't just what is on the outside, which is why it works so well.
She's a really fun character because she brings the softness and calmness of a princess, yet she can also kick ass, making her a great, well-rounded character. She brings plenty of humor to the films, as well, and certainly is one of the best characters in the franchise.
Shrek: “What Are You Doing In My Swamp!?”
Shrek is obviously one of the best characters from the franchise because... well, it is his franchise, he is the lead role. He's incredibly witty and well-written, and he has tons of great quotes because of that, but none of them are more iconic than this one.
Everybody knows this quote, mainly because it has gone viral through memes and things like that. But, the fact it has done that showcases just how good of a line it is. This sums Shrek up nicely, as well; his grumpy, ogreish natures makes him oddly appealing and relatable.
Donkey: "Alright, Nobody Move! I've Got A Dragon Here, And I'm Not Afraid To Use It!"
While Shrek might be the lead character, the best character of the franchise is easily Donkey. He might technically just be the comedic sidekick, but, because he's such a great part, he really ends up outshining most of the movie's already stellar cast.
Eddie Murphy plays this character incredibly, as well, with his over the top performance really making it even funnier. He has so many great lines, but this one just sums him up perfectly, and it includes is wife, Dragon. He's got the sass and the confidence in this quote, which is when Donkey is at his best.