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The Ultimate 7-Step Guide: How To Watch Every Shrek Movie, Special, And The New Shrek 5 Release Date

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Are you ready to return to the swamp? Finding the entire Shrek franchise on a single streaming service in late December 2025 is an ogre-sized quest, as the films constantly jump between platforms due to ever-changing rights deals. The good news is that the core films have a primary home, and we have the definitive, up-to-the-minute guide to track down every single movie, short, and holiday special, including the latest news on the highly anticipated fifth installment.

The Shrek universe, created by DreamWorks Animation, is one of the most beloved animated franchises of all time, featuring the iconic voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. To ensure your binge-watch is seamless, you need to know exactly which streaming service has which movie right now, and which ones you'll have to rent or purchase.

The Complete Shrek Franchise Viewing Order: Chronological vs. Release

For most fans, watching the films in the order they were released is the simplest and most traditional method. However, the addition of the Puss in Boots spin-off movies means the story's actual timeline, or chronological order, starts long before Shrek meets Donkey. We’ve broken down both methods so you can choose your ideal journey through the kingdom of Far Far Away.

Shrek Franchise: Release Order (The Traditional Watch)

This is the order in which the films were released in theaters, which is the best way to experience the story as the filmmakers intended, with reveals and character introductions happening naturally.

  • 1. Shrek (2001): The one that started it all.
  • 2. Shrek 2 (2004): Widely considered the best of the series, introducing Puss in Boots and the Fairy Godmother.
  • 3. Shrek the Third (2007): Focuses on Shrek and Fiona’s struggle with royal duties.
  • 4. Shrek Forever After (2010): Shrek signs a pact with Rumpelstiltskin and sees an alternate reality.
  • 5. Puss in Boots (2011): The first spin-off, a prequel focusing on Puss's origin story.
  • 6. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022): The critically acclaimed sequel that follows Puss on his final life.

Shrek Franchise: Chronological Order (The Story Timeline)

If you want to experience the story strictly as it unfolds in the timeline of the characters' lives, this is the order to follow.

  • 1. Puss in Boots (2011): The earliest events in the timeline.
  • 2. Shrek (2001)
  • 3. Shrek 2 (2004)
  • 4. Shrek the Third (2007)
  • 5. Shrek Forever After (2010)
  • 6. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

The Current Streaming Home for Every Shrek Film (December 2025)

The streaming landscape is always shifting, but as of late 2025, the DreamWorks-owned films often find their home on Peacock, which is owned by Universal (the parent company of DreamWorks). However, licensing deals mean the franchise is currently scattered across multiple streaming services.

Here is the most current breakdown of where to find the main movies:

The Core Shrek Trilogy (1, 2, and 3):

The original three films—Shrek, Shrek 2, and Shrek the Third—are most reliably found on Peacock. This is the most consistent home for the ogre and his friends. They may also appear on Netflix or other major platforms for short periods, but Peacock is the primary destination.

Shrek Forever After (Shrek 4):

The fourth film is the most common outlier. It frequently streams on a different service than the first three, often finding a temporary home on Max (formerly HBO Max) or occasionally on free, ad-supported services like Tubi or The Roku Channel. If you can’t find it on a subscription service, this is the one you will most likely need to rent via VOD (Video On Demand).

Puss in Boots Films:

The spin-offs are just as fragmented. The original Puss in Boots (2011) is often available for free on Freevee (Amazon's ad-supported service) or Peacock. The sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), is a newer release and is usually found on a major platform like Prime Video or Netflix.

Don't Forget the Holiday Specials and Shorts

A true fan's binge-watch isn't complete without the essential holiday specials and the famous 4-D short. These are often the hardest to track down, as they are sometimes only available seasonally or through VOD.

  • Shrek the Halls (Christmas Special): This holiday favorite is a seasonal staple. As of December 2025, it is frequently available on Max or sometimes licensed to Netflix or Prime Video during the holiday season. It's often bundled with other DreamWorks holiday classics.
  • Scared Shrekless (Halloween Special): This spooky short is a must-watch for Halloween. It is most reliably found on Hulu or Max, especially around October.
  • Shrek 4-D (Short Film): Originally a theme park attraction, this short film (also known as The Ghost of Lord Farquaad) is not typically found on subscription services. Your best bet is to rent or purchase it through VOD platforms like YouTube, Google Play, or Apple TV.

The Latest News on Shrek 5 and the Future of the Franchise

Perhaps the most exciting news for fans in 2025 is the official confirmation and release date for the next main installment. The long-awaited sequel, Shrek 5, is officially in development with the original cast returning, including Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona.

The film has a confirmed, though slightly adjusted, theatrical release date. Mark your calendars: Shrek 5 is currently scheduled to hit theaters on December 23, 2026. This delay from the originally planned summer release ensures the film will be a massive holiday event.

Furthermore, DreamWorks has indicated that the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has revitalized the franchise, and there are plans for more spin-offs and perhaps even a dedicated Donkey movie, as hinted at by actor Eddie Murphy. The future of Far Far Away looks bright, with the franchise set to expand significantly in the coming years.

Summary: Your Guaranteed Way to Watch Shrek Today

While streaming services like Peacock, Netflix, and Max play a constant game of musical chairs with the Shrek films, there is one guaranteed method to watch the entire franchise instantly in December 2025: Video On Demand (VOD). Buying or renting the digital copies of all six main films and the specials on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play is the only way to ensure you have permanent, instant access to the complete collection without worrying about expiring streaming contracts. This is the ultimate solution for the dedicated fan who wants the entire Shrek cinematic universe at their fingertips.

how to watch shrek
how to watch shrek

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