5 Shrek Posters

The beloved ogre, Shrek, has been a staple of modern animation since his debut in 2001. The franchise, which includes four feature films, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of humor, satire, and heart. One of the key elements that helped launch the franchise into the stratosphere was its memorable marketing campaign, which included a series of iconic posters. Here, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most notable Shrek posters and what made them so effective.

1. Original Shrek Poster (2001)

The first Shrek poster set the tone for the entire franchise. It featured Shrek, the lovable but grumpy ogre, standing in front of a swampy backdrop, looking directly at the viewer with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. This poster captured the essence of the character and hinted at the humorous tone of the film. The tagline “The ogre is back” accompanied by “Not your ordinary fairy tale” cleverly suggested that this was not a traditional Disney-style animated film, which piqued the interest of potential viewers.

2. Shrek 2 Poster (2004)

For the sequel, the marketing team upped the ante by showcasing not just Shrek, but also introducing the new characters and settings that would be featured in the film. The poster included Shrek, Donkey, and the new character of Princess Fiona, all dressed in fairy tale versions of modern attire, standing in front of a cityscape at sunset. This previewed the movie’s central plot of the characters traveling to a fantasy version of Hollywood. The inclusion of these characters and the setting change hinted at the broader themes and comedic opportunities that the sequel would explore.

3. Shrek the Third Poster (2007)

The third installment’s poster took a different approach, focusing more on the concept of Shrek’s journey rather than the characters. It depicted Shrek sitting on a tree stump, looking dejected, with a royal crown placed beside him. The backdrop was a dark and moody forest, symbolizing Shrek’s reluctance to take on royal duties. This poster effectively conveyed the crisis that Shrek faces in the movie, having to deal with the possibility of becoming the king of Far Far Away. It also highlighted the emotional depth of the character and the film.

4. Shrek Forever After Poster (2010)

For the final installment, the poster went back to its roots, focusing on Shrek and his immediate family—Fiona and their ogre children. The scene was set in a domestic environment, showcasing Shrek’s life as a family man, but with a twist: it was all seemingly perfect and happy, which contrasted with the chaos that the movie’s plot would introduce. This poster played on the idea of “be careful what you wish for,” hinting at the alternate reality that Shrek finds himself in, where he never rescued Fiona and thus never had the life he knows.

5. Shrek (20th Anniversary) Poster (2021)

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original Shrek film, a special poster was designed that looked back at the franchise’s journey. It featured a montage of characters from throughout the series, including Shrek, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and many others, set against a backdrop of pivotal locations from the movies. This poster served as a nostalgic reminder of the impact and popularity of the Shrek franchise, celebrating its characters, stories, and the laughter it brought to audiences worldwide.

Each of these posters not only advertised the respective films but also encapsulated the essence and evolution of the Shrek franchise. They blended humor, heart, and a unique visual style that appealed to both children and adults, helping to make Shrek a household name and a cornerstone of modern animated cinema.