Best Movies like Shrek 2 (2004)

Shrek features the same central characters, comedic style, and fairy tale world as Shrek 2, serving as the story’s origin with Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey embarking on the adventure that sets up the relationships and humor explored in the sequel.

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey. Shrek is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.8 by 19,072 people. The movie made an estimated total of $489,676,241 in the box office.

Puss in Boots spins off one of Shrek 2’s breakout characters, continuing in the same animated style and fairy tale-inspired universe, offering a story filled with fairy tale references and the clever mix of comedy and adventure akin to Shrek 2.

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend... The Boots. Puss in Boots is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,679 people. The movie made an estimated total of $554,987,477 in the box office.

Shrek the Third continues the adventures of Shrek, Fiona, and their friends, maintaining the blend of fairy tale parody, animated comedy, and themes of unlikely heroism and family that define Shrek 2.

After the King of Far Far Away dies, Shrek and Fiona are to succede. However, Shrek wants to return to his cozy swamp and live in peace and quiet, so when he finds out there is another heir to the throne, he and Donkey set off to bring him back to rule the kingdom. Shrek the Third is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.3 by 9,903 people. The movie made an estimated total of $808,310,187 in the box office.

Hoodwinked! takes on classic fairy tale stories with a comedic twist, much like Shrek 2, giving familiar characters new perspectives and infusing the narrative with parody and irreverent humor aimed at both adults and children.

Little Red Riding Hood: A classic story, but there's more to every tale than meets the eye. Before you judge a book by its cover, you've got to flip through the pages. In the re-telling of this classic fable, the story begins at the end of the tale and winds its way back. Chief Grizzly and Detective Bill Stork investigate a domestic disturbance at Granny's cottage, involving a karate-kicking Red Riding Hood, a sarcastic wolf and an oafish Woodsman. Hoodwinked! is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 21m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 6.3 by 1,950 people. The movie made an estimated total of $110,000,000 in the box office.

Tangled also reimagines a classic fairy tale in animated form, combining romance, fantasy, and adventure with comedic interaction among memorable characters, echoing the playful, modern approach to fairy tales found in Shrek 2.

Feisty teenager Rapunzel, who has long and magical hair, wants to go and see sky lanterns on her eighteenth birthday, but she's bound to a tower by her overprotective mother. She strikes a deal with Flynn Rider, a charming wanted thief, and the duo set off on an action-packed escapade. Tangled is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.6 by 12,555 people. The movie made an estimated total of $592,461,732 in the box office.

Enchanted melds fairy tale tropes with modern sensibilities, featuring magical transformations, princesses, and romance, echoing Shrek 2’s tendency to both celebrate and lampoon classic fairy tale conventions in a family-friendly format.

The beautiful princess Giselle is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid - even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home - she has to wonder: Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world? Enchanted is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,770 people. The movie made an estimated total of $340,487,652 in the box office.

The Emperor's New Groove offers animated comedy through a story of transformation and mismatched companions navigating absurd situations, paralleling the buddy dynamic and irreverent wit present in Shrek 2.

When the self‑absorbed Emperor Kuzco is accidentally transformed into a llama, he must rely on a humble villager to survive the jungle and reclaim his throne. The Emperor's New Groove is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 18m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,391 people. The movie made an estimated total of $169,327,687 in the box office.

Megamind shares Shrek 2’s approach of playfully subverting genre expectations—in this case, the villain-hero dynamic—within a colorful animated world, delivering quick-witted banter among an ensemble cast of exaggerated characters.

After Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain, defeats his long-time nemesis Metro Man, Megamind creates a new hero to fight, but must act to save the city when his "creation" becomes an even worse villain than he was. Megamind is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.0 by 7,581 people. The movie made an estimated total of $321,885,765 in the box office.

The Princess Bride blends fantasy adventure and comedic romance, poking fun at fairy tale conventions while telling a heartfelt story, a structure and tone reminiscent of the playful blending found in Shrek 2.

In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing. The Princess Bride is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 1987 with an average rating of 7.7 by 5,201 people. The movie made an estimated total of $30,900,000 in the box office.

The Princess and the Frog is an animated fairy tale filled with romance, transformation, and adventures across magical and comedic settings, much like Shrek 2’s whimsical world and lighthearted take on classic storybook themes.

A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him. The Princess and the Frog is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.2 by 6,215 people. The movie made an estimated total of $270,997,378 in the box office.

Despicable Me combines stylized animation, offbeat humor, and the unlikely protagonist trope, focusing on a nontraditional hero’s journey—elements consistent with Shrek 2’s comedic and heartfelt family storytelling.

Determined to prove he's the world's greatest supervillain, Gru hatches an audacious plan to steal the Moon. To pull it off, he adopts three orphaned girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—intending to use them as part of his scheme. But the unexpected bond they form forces him to question the life he's always known. Despicable Me is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.3 by 16,229 people. The movie made an estimated total of $543,284,256 in the box office.

Monsters vs Aliens features an ensemble of quirky characters confronting larger-than-life threats within a comedic animated fantasy, aligning with Shrek 2’s team dynamics and playful approach to fantastical conflict.

When Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches. The military jumps into action and captures Susan, secreting her away to a covert government compound. She is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters... Monsters vs Aliens is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.3 by 5,056 people. The movie made an estimated total of $381,509,870 in the box office.

Stardust draws from fairy tale traditions, offering a quest through a magical world filled with comic and romantic elements, paralleling Shrek 2’s blend of fantasy, romance, and subversive wit.

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity. Stardust is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 4,521 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,500,000 in the box office.

Ella Enchanted puts a comedic spin on fairy tale settings, centering on a character who challenges magical conventions and navigates a world of enchantments, much like the satirical and romantic undertones of Shrek 2.

Ella lives in a magical world in which each child, at the moment of their birth, is given a virtuous "gift" from a fairy godmother. Ella's so-called gift, however, is obedience. This birthright proves itself to be quite the curse once Ella finds herself in the hands of several unscrupulous characters whom she quite literally cannot disobey. Determined to gain control of her life and decisions, Ella sets off on a journey to find her fairy godmother who she hopes will lift the curse. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant obstacles including ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, elves and Prince Charmont's evil uncle, who wants to take over the crown and rule the kingdom. Ella Enchanted is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.5 by 1,994 people. The movie made an estimated total of $27,400,000 in the box office.

Corpse Bride presents a fantastical romance in an animated world filled with whimsical characters and supernatural interventions, resonating with Shrek 2’s playful animation and its mix of romance and comedic fantasy.

In a 19th-century European village, a young man about to be married is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious corpse bride, while his real bride waits bereft in the land of the living. Corpse Bride is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 17m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.6 by 10,317 people. The movie made an estimated total of $118,133,252 in the box office.

Onward is an animated fantasy adventure about family members navigating magical challenges, echoing Shrek 2’s exploration of unconventional families, magical creatures, and heartfelt quests in a myth-inspired landscape.

In a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. Onward is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 7.6 by 6,649 people. The movie made an estimated total of $141,888,276 in the box office.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs uses vibrant animation and exaggerated comic situations to present an adventure that, like Shrek 2, appeals across generations through visual gags and eccentric character interactions.

Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that makes clouds rain food, enabling the down-and-out citizens of Chewandswallow to feed themselves. But when the falling food reaches gargantuan proportions, Flint must scramble to avert disaster. Can he regain control of the machine and put an end to the wild weather before the town is destroyed? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.7 by 6,547 people. The movie made an estimated total of $242,988,466 in the box office.

Kung Fu Panda employs a humorous and action-packed narrative centered around an unlikely hero, much like Shrek 2, and is set in a vividly animated world full of oddball sidekicks and personal growth arcs.

Chosen by prophecy but doubted by all, Po is an unlikely choice for the mystical title of the Dragon Warrior—a clumsy panda thrust into the world of kung fu as a deadly enemy threatens the Valley of Peace. Under reluctant guidance by Master Shifu and the Furious Five, Po must embrace who he is to unlock the power that no scroll can teach. Kung Fu Panda is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 7.3 by 12,838 people. The movie made an estimated total of $632,091,832 in the box office.

Hotel Transylvania explores the comedic side of the monster world in animated form, much like Shrek 2 does with fairy tales, centering on misunderstood beings within a zany ensemble cast.

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula has invited all his best friends to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything! Hotel Transylvania is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 31m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.0 by 9,282 people. The movie made an estimated total of $358,375,603 in the box office.

The Lego Movie delivers rapid-fire comedic references, ensemble cast antics, and a self-aware take on fantasy conventions, matching Shrek 2’s irreverent sensibility and appeal to both children and adults.

An ordinary Lego mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil Lego tyrant from conquering the universe. The Lego Movie is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.4 by 8,608 people. The movie made an estimated total of $470,759,687 in the box office.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit brings together stop-motion animation, ridiculous inventions, and comic adventure with creatures, offering a similar blend of humor and warmth as Shrek 2.

Cheese-loving eccentric Wallace and his cunning canine pal Gromit run a business ridding the town of garden pests. Using only humane methods, which turns their home into a halfway house for evicted vermin, the pair stumble upon a mystery involving a voracious vegetarian monster that threatens to ruin the annual veggie-growing contest. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.1 by 3,136 people. The movie made an estimated total of $192,610,372 in the box office.

The Road to El Dorado is an animated adventure following two companions swept into a legendary land, featuring witty banter, comedic mishaps, and a journey centered on friendship like the camaraderie in Shrek 2.

Stowing away after a failed con, a pair of swindlers end up on El Dorado, the fabled "city of gold", where they quickly get in over their heads when they are mistaken as gods by the inhabitants. The Road to El Dorado is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.3 by 4,177 people. The movie made an estimated total of $76,400,000 in the box office.

The Secret World of Arrietty finds magic and adventure within daily life, using detailed animation to imagine hidden worlds and heartfelt relationships, themes that resonate with Shrek 2’s fantasy and family focus.

14-year-old Arrietty and the rest of the Clock family live in peaceful anonymity as they make their own home from items "borrowed" from the house's human inhabitants. However, life changes for the Clocks when a human boy discovers Arrietty. The Secret World of Arrietty is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.7 by 3,229 people. The movie made an estimated total of $149,660,003 in the box office.

The Book of Life uses vibrant animation to spin a story about love, quests, and overcoming obstacles in a unique mythological setting, themes closely aligned with the fairy tale twists and heart of Shrek 2.

The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. The Book of Life is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2,978 people. The movie made an estimated total of $97,437,106 in the box office.

Small Soldiers features ordinary environments invaded by outlandish, animated characters, mixing action, comedy, and culture clash, much as Shrek 2 does by injecting fairy tale beings into new social situations.

When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously. Small Soldiers is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 6.6 by 2,370 people. The movie made an estimated total of $54,682,547 in the box office.

Brave is an animated fantasy with a strong protagonist navigating familial and magical challenges in a richly designed world, echoing Shrek 2’s themes of self-discovery, family acceptance, and enchanted adventures.

In the mystical Scottish Highlands, Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida's quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom's three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall. Brave is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.0 by 14,328 people. The movie made an estimated total of $538,983,207 in the box office.

The Secret of NIMH crafts a family-focused adventure with talking animals, perilous quests, and magical elements, mirroring the anthropomorphic storytelling and emotional journey found in Shrek 2.

A widowed field mouse must move her family -- including an ailing son -- to escape a farmer's plow. Aided by a crow and a pack of superintelligent, escaped lab rats, the brave mother struggles to transplant her home to firmer ground. The Secret of NIMH is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 1982 with an average rating of 7.4 by 962 people. The movie made an estimated total of $14,665,733 in the box office.

The Peanuts Movie features beloved animated characters working through personal challenges and friendships in a gentle, comedic format suitable for families, sharing Shrek 2’s focus on accessible humor and heart.

Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest. The Peanuts Movie is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,820 people. The movie made an estimated total of $246,233,113 in the box office.

Over the Hedge uses ensemble animal characters who face off against human society, creating comedic misunderstandings and teamwork dynamics familiar to the colorful cast interactions of Shrek 2.

A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating – and learns a lesson about family himself. Over the Hedge is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,924 people. The movie made an estimated total of $343,397,247 in the box office.

Rango presents a fish-out-of-water protagonist in a bizarre community, using animation to lampoon genre tropes and character archetypes, techniques reminiscent of the genre parody seen in Shrek 2.

When Rango, a lost family pet, accidentally winds up in the gritty, gun-slinging Western town of Dirt, the theater-loving lizard suddenly finds himself the newly appointed sheriff. Welcomed as the last hope the town has been waiting for, Rango is forced to play his new role to the hilt and uncover the truth behind a looming water crisis—before his act catches up with him. Rango is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.9 by 7,226 people. The movie made an estimated total of $245,724,603 in the box office.

Arthur and the Invisibles takes viewers to a miniaturized fantasy world with heroic quests and imaginative visuals, reflecting Shrek 2’s commitment to transporting audiences into magical realms populated by quirky allies and antagonists.

Ten-year-old Arthur, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from being demolished, goes looking for some much-fabled hidden treasure in the land of the Minimoys, tiny people living in harmony with nature. Arthur and the Invisibles is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.4 by 3,083 people. The movie made an estimated total of $108,605,609 in the box office.

Chicken Run relies on a ragtag group attempting a daring escape, blending comedy and inventive plans within a stylized animated setting, paralleling Shrek 2’s ensemble adventure structure and humorous take on classic story themes.

The creators of Wallace & Gromit bring you an exciting and original story about a group of chickens determined to fly the coop–even if they can’t fly! It’s hardly poultry in motion when Rocky attempts to teach Ginger and her feathered friends to fly…but, with teamwork, determination and a little bit o’ cluck, the fearless flock plots one last attempt in a spectacular bid for freedom. Chicken Run is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 24m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 6.9 by 5,470 people. The movie made an estimated total of $224,834,564 in the box office.

Wolfwalkers features lush animation and a magical narrative set among mythical creatures and misunderstood protagonists, offering a fairy tale-like tone and emphasis on self-acceptance akin to Shrek 2.

In a time of superstition and magic, when wolves are seen as demonic and nature an evil to be tamed, a young apprentice hunter comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack. But when she saves a wild native girl, their friendship leads her to discover the world of the Wolfwalkers and transform her into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy. Wolfwalkers is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 8.2 by 1,424 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,310,720 in the box office.

The Cat Returns tells of an unlikely hero whisked into a fantastical world of talking animals, full of whimsical scenarios and gentle humor, much like the fairy tale reimaginings and animal antics of Shrek 2.

Young Haru rescues a cat from being run over, but soon learns it's no ordinary feline; it happens to be the Prince of the Cats. The Cat Returns is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 15m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 7.1 by 2,494 people. The movie made an estimated total of $54,016,370 in the box office.