The "Shrek" movies are arguably some of the greatest movies of the 21st century. Before you click away in a shroud of laughter, hear me out. The humor is top notch, the musical numbers are nothing short of incredible and the lessons they teach are some of the most important. Live your life the way the Shrek taught you, by being unabashedly yourself.
1. People are complicated.
In this famous scene, Shrek explains that Ogres (and people) have more layers than what meets the eye. Putting in the intricacies of our emotions and what we show others into the simplest of terms.
2. Don't be quick to judge others.
As most of us know, Fiona is cursed (or blessed) with turning into an Ogre at night. She understands Shrek on a level that almost everyone else cannot. Shrek is quick to judge her as a pretty, dumb princess, but there is a lot more to her than what he initially expects.
3. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
There are so many different heroes in these movies. From Puss in Boots to Donkey, Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man and everyone in between, these characters are the ones that truly make the "Shrek" franchise stand out. These characters come from all different backgrounds, but learn to work together to support, and occasionally save, each other.
4. The importance of friendship.
At first, Shrek stays as far away from the concept of friendship as he possible can. However, with the help of Donkey, he realizes that having friends you can rely on makes him a better person.
5. Appreciate the little things in life.
If any character is a prime example of this lesson, it's Donkey. He always takes time to point out things that the other characters may think are dumb and trivial. Sometimes, you just need to appreciate a fine looking boulder.
6. Sometimes, you just have to bust a move.
The "Shrek" movies have some of the greatest musical numbers of all time in them. These movies haven't been afraid to break tradition and throw in random, but super fun, moments of song. I mean, it's really hard to beat "Holding Out For a Hero" sung by the Fairy Godmother in "Shrek 2."
7. Women can totally kick butt.
Fiona is definitely one of the most badass characters of the "Shrek" movies. She proves again and again that she can handle herself not only in combat, but also when anyone questions her true nature as an Ogre. At first, she is embarrassed of her true self, but comes to love and accept it, which is pretty awesome in and of itself.
8. Find your happiness, even if it's in a swamp.
There is nothing that Shrek loves more than his swamp. Everyone else thinks that it's disgusting, but he couldn't care less - it's his happy place. Finding happiness in a less than ideal situation can be hard, but Shrek does this perfectly.
