2001 was an amazing time for films. Zoolander, Joe Dirt, Legally Blonde, The Fast and The Furious, Princess Diaries etc. However, there is one film that reigns supreme above all – Shrek. It was the beginning of an epic era of cinema. The entire franchise is filled with excellent song choices that perfectly fit every scene they’re in. While the Shrek franchise itself would still be a masterpiece, without the elite soundtracks it wouldn’t be nearly as mind-blowing. Unfortunately, not every song featured in this franchise was a banger, so naturally it’s about time that we list the top five songs from all four movies. The Hill News team went through an excruciating process that took this whole semester of determining this list, and we hope you truly enjoy it.
5. Hallelujah (originally by Leonard Cohen, performed by Rufus Wainwright) Featured in Shrek
This song plays during a montage after Shrek has abandoned Fiona and Donkey, and it is an utterly heartbreaking yet appropriate song choice. He returns to his swamp, and we see that Fiona is about to marry the wretched Lord Farquaad, but they both miss each other and the mutual yearning for one another can be felt through the screen. This song only makes our tears fall harder. A rare somber moment in these movies can be made so much more intense by the right song, and this song was perfect.
4. Immigrant Song (originally by Led Zeppelin) Featured in Shrek the Third
While trying to save Shrek, Snow White begins singing a charming song which lures all surrounding animals to her. Once she has her army of animals, she begins singing the iconic opening to Immigrant Song, which causes the animals to attack the guards. The princesses then continue their rescue mission. This song is just as badass as the women demanding the attention of the audience in this scene. No other song could have fit so perfectly.
3. Holding Out for a Hero (Originally by Bonnie Tyler, performed by Jennifer Saunders) Featured in Shrek 2
Nothing goes better with an iconic scene than an even more iconic song. This song was sung by the Fairy Godmother when she and Prince Charming were trying to lure Fiona into falling in love with Prince Charming. A perfectly fitting song as Shrek ends up saving Fiona, and the Fairy Godmother’s plan was foiled. This upbeat 80s classic had us out of our seats and dancing.
2. All Star (Originally by Smash Mouth) Featured in Shrek
When one thinks of the Shrek franchise, they would probably imagine this song playing in the background. The image of Shrek bursting through his out-house door evokes a memory stronger than any other. There was no way we couldn’t mention this song, as it has stuck in our hearts and minds since our first watch of this movie. No other song would have worked as an introduction to this franchise. True Cinema is only as good as its opening song, and this song sets the mood for the best movie of the new millennium. Truly a banger.
1. Accidentally In Love (Originally by Counting Crows) Featured in Shrek 2
While celebrating the honeymoon of Shrek and Fiona, we are serenaded by this upbeat bop. Because of the movie, this song become one of the most popular songs of 2004, as it should be. It was nominated for a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and a Grammy. Needless to say, this song is the best in the franchise. From beginning to end this song has us on our feet dancing and screaming along.