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Shrek 2

Shrek 2

What happens after happily ever after?

200493 minPGMidcredits score: 94th percentile of all films
Directors
Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon, Andrew Adamson
Starring
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews

Happily ever after never seemed so far far away when a trip to meet the in-laws turns into a hilariously twisted adventure for Shrek and Fiona. With the help of ever-faithful Donkey, Shrek takes on the potion-brewing Fairy Godmother, pompous Prince Charming, and infamous ogre-killer Puss In Boots.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Shrek 2?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Shrek 2 streaming on Peacock and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Shrek 2?

Shrek 2 earns 11 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Top 10% of films.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Shrek 2 worth watching?

Shrek 2's Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all films, from 2.8M ratings across 6 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

94th percentile

Better received than 94% of films

91st percentile among Animation94th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)90th

78 /100

95th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Animation95th percentile among 2000s

Critics 75 · Audience 78

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.5 — solid but not unanimous.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Animation89th percentile among 2000s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 89% · Audience 69%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 15 wins / 51 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

99th percentile

2.8M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 43% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$150M
Opening weekend$108M
Domestic gross$445M
Worldwide gross$933M

Returned 6.2× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the film is a fun, fast-paced comedy built on pop-culture spoofs and a fairy-tale family drama, even if they differ on whether that amounts to a worthy sequel.

Fans praised

  • Puss in Boots as a standout new character with hilarious cat-specific traits
  • voice cast chemistry and comedic timing from returning and new actors
  • witty pop-culture parodies and self-referential humor

Detractors panned

  • over-reliance on pop-culture references that date the film and lack originality
  • plot is a thin retread of the first film's 'acceptance' theme
  • humor feels forced, with too many obvious jokes and crude gags

What stands out

Cinematography90

gorgeous animation with rich detail and vibrant colors; a clear technical upgrade

ActingDivisive85

whole cast delivers, especially Banderas as Puss in Boots; Murphy and Myers maintain strong chemistry

CharactersDivisive80

new additions like Puss and Fairy Godmother are highlights, but some find them underused or one-note

DialogueDivisive80

witty one-liners and quick banter, but sometimes strains for laughs with obvious jokes

HumorDivisive75

frequent laughs from slapstick and pop-culture spoofs, but detractors call it forced and juvenile

Sound and musicDivisive75

soundtrack includes iconic needle drops (e.g., 'Holding Out for a Hero'), but some find songs distracting or dated

Plot and storyDivisive55

recycles the first film's 'acceptance' theme; predictable in-law family drama

OriginalityDivisive50

derivative of the first film; relies on pop-culture references rather than fresh ideas

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 11 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Shrek 2 like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It is gentle and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulAbsurdRomantic
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its fairy tale parody and romantic comedy with a warm, self-aware sincerity; it undercuts its genre tropes but never mocks its own heart.
The rideThe film maintains a buoyant, comedic atmosphere throughout, with the most emotionally serious stretch coming during the climax and Harold's sacrifice.
StructureThe story follows a linear structure from invitation, conflict, potion, climax and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you smiling and satisfied, with a warm sense that love and self-acceptance triumph.
How it ends · evidence
Happy endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeShrek's journey of self-doubt and acceptance after meeting his in-laws, leading him to realize he doesn't need to change for love.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of filmsFamily bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores whether love can survive familial disapproval and personal insecurity, as Shrek doubts his worth and Harold must choose between ambition and his daughter's happiness.
StanceThe film affirms that true love and self-acceptance triumph over external pressures and fairy-tale expectations.

The world

TimelessRuralDomesticInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral classicalPopRockSupportive music · hybrid · Harry Gregson-Williams
Settinga fairy-tale kingdom of Far Far Away, blending medieval fantasy with pop-culture satire
MusicFeatures covers of pop songs like 'Holding Out for a Hero' and 'Livin' la Vida Loca' to underscore the fairy-tale mashup.

Content guide

Is Shrek 2 okay for kids?

PG

Shrek 2 is rated PG: “Rated PG for some crude humor, a brief substance reference and some suggestive content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (35/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (32/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (30/100) and frightening material at mild (32/100). Overall it is heavier than 48% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • BelgiumAL
  • CzechiaU
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandS
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary12
  • LTV
  • MexicoA
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Norway6
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia6+
  • South AfricaA
  • SpainAi
  • SwedenBtl
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 14% of all filmsHeavier than 48% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 48%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 73%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 62%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 62%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 37%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 48% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Shrek 2 have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Shrek 2?

Cast

6 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Mike Myers
as Shrek
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eddie Murphy
as Donkey
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Cameron Diaz
as Princess Fiona
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julie Andrews
as Queen
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Antonio Banderas
as Puss In Boots
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
John Cleese
as King
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Rupert Everett
as Prince Charming
Jennifer Saunders
as Fairy Godmother
Larry King
as Ugly Stepsister
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Aron Warner
as Wolf
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Shrek 2?

Movies like Shrek 2 include Shrek (2001), Shrek the Third (2007) and Gulliver's Travels (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written or directed by Andrew Adamson, and several are stories about princesses.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Shrek 2?

405 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: magic user. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.