Songs that feel like Shrek (2001)
A cheeky, big-hearted underdog story that skewers fairy-tale polish and finds love and belonging in the misfit and the muddy.
- All Star by Smash Mouth: The film's own anthem of misfit swagger, but it fits so well it's worth including.
- I'm a Believer by The Monkees: Jangly, sunny, and full of love-changes-everything joy, it's the credits-party spirit of the film.
- Stay Home by Self: Scrappy, wry, slacker power pop about a loner who would rather stay in, like an ogre in his swamp.
- Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra: Fairy-tale-grand pop orchestration with a big, optimistic grin.
- Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright: The tender, aching ballad that gives the film its heartbroken, sincere heart.
- Bad Reputation by Joan Jett: A snarling, fun-loving shrug at what everyone else thinks of you.
- Weirdo by The Charlatans: A woozy, swaggering anthem for the outsider who doesn't fit in.
- Creep by Radiohead: The darker flip side of feeling unlovable, a counterpoint to the film's happy ending.
- Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations: Bouncy, heart-on-sleeve pop-soul about wanting love and getting your feelings tossed around.
- Beautiful Day by U2: An early-2000s widescreen lift of hope and fresh starts, like Shrek getting his swamp back with company.