Shrek lands on Prime Video on April 1, 2026. Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson for DreamWorks Animation, the 2001 animated feature became a cornerstone of the early 2000s. Voiced in the original version by Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, and in French notably by Alain Chabat and Med Hondo, it subverts traditional fairy-tale tropes through an adventure-comedy built around an ogre, a chatty donkey, and a princess not as smooth as advertised.
Shrek
Film | 2001
In theaters: July 4, 2001
On Prime Video starting April 1, 2026
Animation, Comedy, Family | Runtime: 1h29
Directed by Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson | Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz (VF: Alain Chabat, Med Hondo)
Original title: Shrek
Country: United States
Inspired by William Steig’s picture book, the film follows Shrek, a solitary ogre whose swamp is suddenly overrun by creatures banished from Lord Farquaad’s realm. To reclaim his peace, he agrees to set out to rescue the princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded castle. This classic fairy-tale starting point mainly serves to flip the expected roles: the ogre becomes the hero, the princess breaks free from the mere status of a prize, and the magical world becomes a playground for constant parody.
Shrek holds a special place in American animation for its blend of parody humor, pop-culture references, and stories accessible to children. The film also marks a pivotal moment for DreamWorks, which at the time aimed to offer a more irreverent alternative to the family-tableau popularized by Disney. This stance comes through not only in the dialogue but in the partnership of Shrek and Donkey, the driving comic force of the story.
The screenplay was crafted by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S.H. Schulman. Debuting in competition at the Festival de Cannes 2001, the film solidified its prestige with a string of accolades, including the Best Animated Feature Oscar. It also claimed the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay, a distinction rarer for animation and a testament to the film’s writing influence on its reception.
The feature film also kicked off a durable franchise, but its significance rests first and foremost in that inaugural installment, which immediately establishes its world, its tone, and its playful approach to appearances. Prime Video is re-releasing a film that mattered just as much for the evolution of CGI as for a distinct take on family comedy—wittier, faster-paced, and less bound to traditional archetypes.
To go further, also check out our picks for the April Prime Video releases, our guide to streaming titles across all platforms, and today’s pick of what to watch in streaming.
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