10 Ways Shrek Has Changed The World Of Animated Films

Shrek has become an iconic animated film that has captured the hearts of various generations. However, its impact goes beyond just captivating audiences. The movie has significantly influenced the film industry as a whole. Released in 2001 by Dreamworks, Shrek tells the story of a grumpy ogre who falls in love with an unlikely princess in an effort to save his swamp and ultimately saves the kingdom. Its success led to three sequels and a spin-off series.

Before its film adaptation, Shrek already stood out among other fairytale-esque stories. William Steig’s children’s book, “Shrek!”, which inspired the movie, drew the attention of critics and creators alike for its unconventional approach to the fairytale genre and hero archetype. As a result, Shrek impacted audiences by refusing to conform to norms and making bold, fun choices that were unprecedented at the time. The film set records in the movie industry and brought about changes that may not have been possible without its influence.

 1.  How It Proved That Animation Could Achieve Critical Acclaim

During Shrek’s release, the animated film genre was largely monopolized by Disney. However, Shrek achieved what Disney had not been able to accomplish at that time: it resonated well with both audiences and critics. While Disney’s film renaissance had recently ended in 1999, featuring successful movies like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, these films mainly appealed to their target audience of children rather than critics. In the past, animated films had not been taken seriously by the film industry. However, Shrek’s distinct storyline and popularity among audiences drew attention to the genre and, for the first time, made critics recognize the significance of animated films.

 2.  Shrek’s Adult-Friendly Storyline and Humor

Shrek broke new ground in the animated film genre by appealing to both children and adults. Historically, animated films had focused solely on their young target audience, but Shrek changed the game by creating a movie that could be appreciated by viewers of all ages. Dreamworks achieved this by incorporating humor that appealed to both children and adults. Additionally, the film’s story was unlike the typical fairytale, which made it captivating for both adults and children. Shrek struck a perfect balance between a straightforward yet captivating story and humor that resonated with all age groups, making it one of the most inclusive animated films of its time.

 3.  Shrek’s Contribution to the Move Away from 2D Animation

Shrek played a pivotal role in cementing the transformation of the animation industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Initially, the film was intended to be created with traditional 2D animation, but ultimately, it was produced using computer animation. This decision resulted in a distinct look that stood out from the typical Disney movies being released at the time. Shrek’s triumph and its preference for computer animation triggered a shift toward computer animation and away from traditional 2D, paving the way for the more realistic and intricate animated films that audiences witness today.

 4.  The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature

Shrek made a significant impact on the film industry by inspiring the creation of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Despite Disney’s long-standing history of successful animated films from the 1930s to the 1990s, the Academy felt that there were insufficient animated movies being produced to warrant a separate category for the genre. However, as Dreamworks gained more recognition, particularly with the release of Shrek in 2001, the Academy rethought its decision. With increased competition in the animated film genre, a category was established in 2002, a year after the debut of Shrek. Consequently, Shrek garnered greater attention for the genre and initiated significant changes in key areas of the film industry.

 5.  Shrek’s Impact on Fairytales

The traditional fairytale was challenged by Shrek, a major game-changer for animated and children’s films. Unlike the usual story featuring a prince or princess as the hero, Shrek presented a main character who was not initially likable or heroic. As an ogre, he defied the idea of an attractive protagonist, and he was also self-centered, uninterested in being a hero. In essence, Shrek was an antihero, a massive deviation from the norm.

The new type of fairytale presented in Shrek was significant because it surprised audiences and inspired a wave of unlikely fairytale stories. Shrek was an entirely different type of film that excited audiences used to seeing more of the same from animated films. It disrupted expectations and perceptions, leading to films like Happily Never After and Hoodwinked.

 6.  Pop Culture References into an Animated Classic

Shrek’s incorporation of pop culture was another unconventional aspect that set it apart from traditional animated films. The movie included references to music and celebrities, breaking the mold of animated movies that had previously avoided such contemporary topics. This strategy paid off, as it not only gave the film a fresh and exciting feel, but also allowed for a blending of reality and fantasy that was new and engaging. Viewers were delighted to see elements of their everyday lives inserted into a fantastical world, making for entertaining easter eggs that were both funny and relevant.

 7.  Fusion of Traditional Settings and Contemporary Music

Similarly, Shrek’s unique blend of traditional fairytale settings and modern music also contributed to its standout success. While Shrek traverses through a swamp, castle, and perilous terrains, he does so to the beat of popular bands such as Smash Mouth. This incorporation of contemporary music complements the pop culture references by blending Shrek’s fantasy world with music that viewers already know and adore.

Moreover, the songs on the Shrek soundtrack enhance the mood of the story, with the guitar riffs and emotional beats more fitting than an original instrumental score or musical numbers in other animated films of that era. Furthermore, the impact of Shrek’s soundtrack on audience memory of the film is evident in how several songs featured in the movie still evoke memories of Shrek for many.

 8.  Shrek’s Unlikely Cast of Characters: Redefining Animated Heroes and Villains

As noted earlier, Shrek broke the traditional mold of fairytale storytelling, and this extended to its characters as well. Shrek’s companion, Donkey, is a faithful friend but also manages to grate on Shrek’s nerves, leading to tension between the two early in the film. Fiona, despite being a princess, is cursed to transform into an ogre each night, shattering the notion of the perfect, beautiful love interest. These alterations to the traditional character archetypes in fairytales benefited Shrek because they reinforced the themes of acceptance and embracing differences that the movie espouses. Moreover, these changes added to Shrek’s unique appeal, making it stand out from other animated films of its time.

 9.  Shrek’s Enduring Success: How It Spawned a Thriving Animated Franchise

In 2001, it was unusual for animated films to become franchises, as only Disney had launched its Toy Story franchise around that time. However, Shrek helped to change this trend. Dreamworks created one of the first animated film franchises with Shrek, which was groundbreaking for the time. Currently, the Shrek franchise consists of four films and two spin-offs, with the confirmation of a fifth Shrek film. Once again, by pushing the boundaries of the animated film genre, Shrek expanded the possibilities for these types of films, and raised the bar for the level of success and popularity that animated films can achieve.

 10.  Shrek’s Challenge to the Disney/Pixar Animation Hegemony: A Game Changer for the Genre

Shrek left a significant impact on the film industry by introducing competition for Disney and Pixar. Disney had long dominated the animated film genre, but Shrek’s success challenged the status quo. While Disney’s films were popular, Shrek’s achievements diversified the genre and opened the door for fresh stories and ideas. Despite its humorous tone, Shrek had a profound effect on the industry and inspired subsequent animated films. It appealed to a broad audience and exceeded expectations, paving the way for new possibilities in Hollywood. Ultimately, Shrek’s legacy is an enduring testament to its impact on the future of movies.