The film finds our favorite ogre facing a double-header of responsibility: King Harold has passed away (leaving behind a surprisingly moving frog-funeral), and Shrek is the next in line for the throne. To avoid the crown, Shrek sets off to find the only other heir—a teenage underdog named (voiced by Justin Timberlake).

Let’s be honest: in the grand pantheon of swamp-dwelling adventures, (2007) is often treated as the "forgotten" middle child. While the first Shrek was a cultural earthquake and Shrek 2 is frequently cited as one of the best sequels of all time, the third installment tends to get a lukewarm reception from fans and critics alike.

Meanwhile, Princess Fiona is navigating her own major life change: she’s pregnant. While Shrek is off on a high-school road trip with Donkey and Puss, Prince Charming returns as a lead villain, rallying a literal "league of evil" from fairy tale history to take over Far Far Away. Why It Faltered: The Identity Crisis