Opened: May 18, 2001

Directed by: Andrew Adamson & Vicky Jenson

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Conrad Vernon, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron, Simon J. Smith, Christopher Knights, Aron Warner & Jim Cummings

Combining many fairytale elements with new characters, Shrek is without a doubt the best non-Disney/Pixar animated film of all-time.

In order to save his swamp from the fairytale creatures that have been exiled there, Shrek (Mike Myers), along with Donkey (Eddie Murphy),  is sent by Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) to retrieve Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from her dragon-guarded tower.

Watching this as an adult, you notice how many jokes went over your head as a child. The screenwriters did well with balancing the humor so both kids and their parents can get a good laugh.

There’s a good message here about accepting the differences in others. In sharing that, memorable characters have stood the test of time with nearly 20 years going by since its release.

Final say: I’m a believer. ★★★★★