Shrek 5 Rating Officially Confirms Franchise's 25-Year Tradition

Published Nov 11, 2026, 3:09 PM EST Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour. Shrek 5 doesn't arrive in theaters until June 2027, but it's already received a rating from the MPA, continuing a 25-year tradition for the animated franchise. Following a 17-year hiatus, Shrek is coming back as DreamWorks revives the property after its two most recent sequels earned very mixed reviews. The spinoffs have performed very well, though, with 2022's Puss in Boots: The Last Wish earning a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. After that successful side quest, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are reuniting once again. The MPA has officially given Shrek 5 a PG rating for crude and suggestive material, action, violence, language and scary images. This aligns with every previous movie in the series, all of which were PG, including the Puss in Boots films. Crude humor and language are the most common reasons for Shrek's PG ratings from the MPA over the years. Toy Story experienced a different trajectory earlier this year with its own fifth movie. The first four were all rated G, but Toy Story 5 was given a PG for thematic elements and rude humor. Finding Nemo also went from G to PG with Finding Dory, as did the PAW Patrol films. Unlike these other animated properties, Shrek is maintaining consistency, as it has been PG since the beginning. DreamWorks was never going to push the envelope to the point where the MPA would give Shrek 5 a PG-13. It was also very unlikely that Shrek 5 would be downgraded to a G rating because that would have created all sorts of questions from fans about the upcoming sequel's tone and brand of humor, which has always been somewhat edgy and suggestive. But speaking of criticism, when DreamWorks started promoting Shrek 5, there was a bit of backlash because fans noticed that several of the returning characters, particularly Shrek himself, had design changes that made them look slightly different than how they did in the first four movies. Joining Myers, Murphy and Diaz for Shrek 5 are Zendaya, Marcello Hernández, Skyler Gisondo and Conrad Vernon. The latter actor has voiced the Gingerbread Man in several Shrek projects; he's also the co-director of the upcoming film with Walt Dohrn after co-directing Shrek 2. Michael McCullers wrote the script after working on Austin Powers, Baby Mama and The Boss Baby. To date, the entire Shrek franchise, including Puss in Boots, has grossed more than $4 billion at the box office. Critically, the film series started strong, with the first two installments earning 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Shrek the Third, however, received mostly negative reviews, and Shrek Forever After had mixed reactions. Only time will tell what direction Shrek 5 goes in financially and creatively, but for now, the sequel is staying consistent with its MPA rating. Shrek 5 will be released in theaters on Wednesday, June 30, 2027. Release Date June 30, 2027 Director Conrad Vernon, Walt Dohrn, Brad Ableson Writers Michael McCullers, William Steig, Christopher Meledandri Shrek 5 is the fifth installment of the beloved animated franchise, continuing the adventures of Shrek, Fiona, and their friends. Set to be released in 2027, the film promises more whimsical escapades and the signature humor fans have come to adore from DreamWorks' popular series. Producers Andrew Adamson, Chris Meledandri, Gina Shay, Jeffrey Katzenberg Franchise(s) Shrek Main Genre Animation Studio(s) DreamWorks Distribution