13 Most Disappointing Movie Threequels
10. Shrek The Third
The Originals: Shrek arrived in 2001 and, with its gleefully subversive take on fairy tales, became an instant classic for DreamWorks. Then 2004's sequel arrived and arguably one-upped the original with its hilarious litany of clever pop-culture references, indicating a bright, considered future for the franchise.
The Threequel: Shrek the Third is where the series began to become a self-parody, leaning back on the tired fairy tale tropes it so brilliantly sent up prior. The gags don't hit as hard, it's not as affecting, and it basically feels like a typical, less effortful third film that knows it can coast on the success of what came before.
The series did manage to rebound somewhat with the improved Shrek Forever After, even if it still felt totally unnecessary.