In a faraway swamp, an ogre named Shrek lives a solitary life. His peaceful existence is disrupted when a group of fairy-tale creatures, banished by the diminutive and tyrannical Lord Farquaad, invades his home. Determined to regain his privacy, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad, agreeing to retrieve Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower in exchange for the eviction of the unwanted guests. Along the way, Shrek reluctantly teams up with an overly talkative Donkey, whose comedic antics and unwavering loyalty turn the daunting journey into an unexpected adventure.

As Shrek and Donkey rescue Fiona, they discover she harbors a secret that complicates their mission. Despite initial misunderstandings, Shrek and Fiona begin to form a connection that transcends their outward appearances. Meanwhile, Farquaad's intentions for marrying Fiona are revealed to be less than noble. The story explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of seeing beyond superficial differences as the characters navigate challenges and uncover deeper truths about themselves and each other.