Shrek

NZ release: 28 June 2001

Low level violence Rated on: 11 May 2001

shrek poster

What’s it about?

To get his land back, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona for the fairytale-hating Lord Farquaad but ends up falling in love with her along the way.

The facts 

  • Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
  • Starring Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), John Lithgow (Lord Farquaad), Vincent Cassel (Monsieur Hood), Jim Cummings (Captain of the Guards), and Conrad Vernon (Gingerbread Man)
  • English language
  • Runtime: 90 minutes
  • Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature

Why did it get this rating? 

This film game was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Low level violence

Some scenes contain low level violence that may unsettle younger viewers, these include: 

  • Shrek says "How about I decapitate an entire village, stick their heads on a pike, cut open their spleen and drink their fluids. Does that sound very nice to you?"
  • In a castle there are many skeletons and bones of men killed by a dragon. A man is seen eaten by a Dragon, though this scene is more comical than disturbing.
  • A woman’s high-pitched singing causes a bird to explode. We don’t see this happen, but we see its feathers floating and its feet left where it was standing.
  • Two characters blow up a frog and a snake like balloons, letting them float up towards the sky. It is implied that they explode but this is not shown and their deaths will likely go over younger viewers’ heads.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

Further information 

Recent featured decisions

01 July 2025

Nudity, sexual violence themes

This documentary uncovers claims of toxic workplace culture, inappropriate behaviour, and harsh working conditions at the company run by CEO Dov Charney.

Read more

24 June 2025

Suitable for general audiences

When evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel capture Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the gang head into the real world on a daring rescue mission.

Read more