A green ogre on Disney Plus? The idea would have seemed far-fetched just a few months ago. And yet, the Shrek saga has indeed arrived on the platform in France, the result of an unprecedented agreement between DreamWorks Animation and Disney, sealed in June 2024. Until now, French fans of the most famous ogre in animation had to navigate between various competing platforms to find his adventures. Today, the entire franchise proudly showcases itself on Disney Plus.
This turnaround is explained by a European-wide renegotiation of broadcasting rights for several heavyweight animation titles. The release schedule for upcoming films, starting with the highly anticipated Shrek 5, weighs heavily in the balance and shapes the strategy of each platform.
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Shrek arrives on Disney Plus: what you need to know about the saga’s availability in France
The arrival of Shrek on Disney Plus is much more than a simple addition to the catalog: it’s a small shake-up in the world of VOD and French animation cinema. The first Shrek film, produced by DreamWorks Animation, established itself as a reference as early as 2001, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and captivating a global audience. While the saga had long been absent from the platform, the issue of rights, split among several studios and broadcasters, made its presence uncertain depending on the regions.
The very structure of DreamWorks Animation, owned by NBCUniversal alongside Universal Pictures and Universal Studios, does not help the complexity of the situation. The back-and-forth of Shrek on French platforms stems directly from these industrial and commercial logics. The agreement that now allows Disney Plus to offer the saga results from tight negotiations aimed at meeting public demand while strengthening the service’s catalog.
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To better understand how the green ogre made his way onto Disney Plus, one only needs to look at the strategies for valuing heritage and preparing for the franchise’s return. Why is Shrek on Disney Plus? Because Shrek 5 is coming, expected in theaters in December 2026 with the iconic voice cast, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and the notable addition of Zendaya as Felicia. This schedule gives full meaning to the promotion of previous installments, from Shrek 2 to the latest film, not to mention spin-offs like Puss in Boots.
Here are some key points to better understand the saga:
- Shrek originates from the book by William Steig and marked a turning point in contemporary animation.
- The saga has been enriched with sequels and spin-offs, including Puss in Boots 2: The Last Quest.
- The song ‘All Star’ by Smash Mouth, which has become a cult anthem, resonates with a new generation of French subscribers.
The availability of the saga remains, it must be said, a game of musical chairs. Each service negotiates its broadcasting slots, and Disney Plus’s choice to host the green ogre and his gang is symptomatic of the growing weight of streaming in the circulation of these major works of animation cinema and the lasting impact of the Shrek saga.
Where to watch Shrek and its spin-offs in streaming today?
The arrival of Shrek on Disney Plus in France reshuffles the cards for fans of animated classics. Until recently, the various installments moved from one platform to another, depending on the rights holders’ agreements. Now, the entire Shrek saga is gathered on Disney Plus: from the very first film in 2001, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, to Shrek 4: It Was the End.
Here are the films in the saga that can be (re)discovered on the platform:
- Shrek (2001)
- Shrek 2 (2004)
- Shrek the Third (2007)
- Shrek 4: It Was the End (2010)
Fans are not forgotten: the adventures of Puss in Boots, now a cult spin-off, are also available, along with its sequel Puss in Boots 2: The Last Quest. Together, they form a tapestry that has left its mark on pop culture, featuring the memorable voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and Antonio Banderas.
Beyond the feature films, the catalog also offers associated works, such as Shrek the Musical. This programming responds to the desire to highlight major animation sagas and prepares the ground for Shrek 5. Bringing all these titles together on a single platform finally allows following the saga without having to juggle between services.
Shrek 5, new features, and other must-see animated films
The announcement of Shrek 5 rekindles the appetite of a loyal community. For over twenty years, the franchise has held a special place in the realm of animated comedy. This fifth installment, expected at the end of 2026, will see the return of the original quartet: Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots). Zendaya will lend her voice to Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter: a touch of novelty without denying what made the first film’s identity, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2002.
Just a reminder: Shrek, inspired by the book by William Steig, has captivated audiences with its biting humor, pop culture references, and unforgettable soundtrack, led by “All Star” by Smash Mouth. Disney Plus’s choice to host the four main installments and the spin-offs of Puss in Boots aligns with a desire to enrich its offering with the essentials of contemporary animation.
Here’s a look at the key titles to find:
- Shrek (2001), Oscar for Best Animated Feature
- Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Shrek 4: It Was the End
- Puss in Boots, Puss in Boots 2: The Last Quest
The announced return of Felicia and iconic figures promises a fresh breath for the saga. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, the series has managed to bring together young and old alike and has carved out a prominent place in the heritage of animation cinema. The sequel, already in the works, is likely to excite fans just like the first day. The question remains whether the green ogre will still be able to surprise and make people laugh, twenty-five years after his first roars on screen.