Back to the swamp: Shrek 2 returns to theaters for its 20th anniversary

Shrek 2 is getting another outing in theaters! The DreamWorks Animation classic turns 20 this year, and frankly the ol' ogre is looking great for his age.

With two decades since the classic, it's possible your kiddos may have been too young to check it out on streaming -- or you might just want to revisit it again, now that it's in theaters this weekend. If either scenario fits your situation, read on to get the information. Hey, we almost rhymed there!

When is Shrek 2 back in theaters?

Shrek 2 is only in theaters this weekend, April 12 to 14, 2024. Confusingly, the movie was originally released on May 19, 2004 after premiering a week earlier at the Cannes Film Festival, but get an early start, why not?

You can order tickets on Fandango or from your local movie theaters. It’s always worth pre-ordering so you make sure you get a good seat -- and get the kids ready for a day out.

Shrek 2 is full of great music and a fun journey

The first Shrek movie teaches children to look below the surface... It’s not all about beauty, as Princess Fiona learns when she ends up in her true form as another ogre. Spoilers?

The second movie shows what comes after the princess of the kingdom is no longer the beauty that she once was. We see some of fairy tale’s good guys team up with the bad guys to take over the kingdom. There are some new lessons for kids to learn, focusing on how not everyone gets the outcome they dream of—and taking it by force is not the answer.

Of course, there are also some excellent songs throughout the movie. One that will always come to mind is “Holding Out for a Hero,” which the Fairy Godmother performs. Sometimes, the storyline can end up drawn out for younger kids, but this animated franchise helps to break things up with music and dance. It’s sure to get the younger kids up dancing—and even in theaters, young kids get away with dancing to the music.

Just watching it on the big screen is going to be fun for kids who have only seen it on streaming or DVD. Everything comes to life in a new way, making for a more entertaining experience.

So, get your tickets and create a fun day that involves this iconic movie.