TOP-43 Donkey Quotes from Shrek

This article is dedicated to Donkey, one of the most iconic characters from the ‘Shrek’ film franchise, with a special focus on ‘Donkey quotes from Shrek’. Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot provide all of the dialogue from the movies. However, we have written up to ten of Donkey’s most memorable short quotes and will discuss their significance.

The World of Shrek and Donkey

In 2001, DreamWorks Animation unleashed a fresh and irreverent fairy-tale spoof on the world: Shrek. Based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book of the same name, Shrek follows the story of a curmudgeonly ogre who is forced on a series of misadventures that ultimately teach him about friendship, love, and self-acceptance. But if Shrek is the heart of the film, then Donkey—voiced by Eddie Murphy—is undoubtedly its comedic soul.

From his unforgettable chatter to his energetic positivity, Donkey has cemented himself as a fan-favorite across four main franchise films (Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Shrek Forever After), numerous spin-offs, and holiday specials. Over two decades later, audiences continue to revisit donkey from shrek quotes for their laugh-out-loud humor and genuine warmth.

This article dives deep into the donkey behind the donkey—exploring who Donkey is, why he’s so beloved, and which lines best capture his essence. Along the way, you’ll find a mix of short, iconic Donkey quotes, thoughtful analysis of those quotes, and summaries of additional comedic moments that show why Donkey remains one of the most cherished animated sidekicks in recent history.

Who Is Donkey? A Character Overview

Donkey first appears in Shrek (2001) as a lonely but unflappably optimistic outcast. When we meet him, he’s on the run from Lord Farquaad’s forces, who are capturing fairy-tale creatures. Luckily, Donkey’s incessant chatter (and maybe a dash of fairy dust) helps him slip away—and directly into Shrek’s life.

Here’s what we know about Donkey:

• Eternal Optimist: No matter how dire the situation, Donkey finds a bright side.
• Chatty Best Friend: He talks. A lot. From the moment he meets Shrek, Donkey unleashes a playful barrage of one-liners, questions, and comedic anecdotes.
• Loyal Companion: Beneath the jokes, Donkey is deeply loyal. He never doubts Shrek’s goodness, staying by his side through every misunderstanding and peril.
• Loves Everyone (and Everything): From the “big, stupid, ugly ogre” to the fire-breathing Dragon, Donkey sees the potential for friendship in everyone he meets.

Eddie Murphy’s voice acting elevates Donkey from a mere sidekick to a comedic powerhouse. Murphy imbues Donkey’s lines with impeccable timing, perfect comedic inflection, and heartfelt sincerity. The result? A character whose quotes remain deeply ingrained in popular culture.

Donkey’s Comedic Style: Why We Love Him

When people search for donkey from shrek quotes, they’re often drawn to how hilarious, relatable, and instantly memorable Donkey’s lines are. Let’s explore what makes his comedic style so distinct:

1. Rapid-Fire Delivery Donkey seldom stops talking. This approach not only creates comedic tension with Shrek—who prefers silence and solitude—but it also gives Donkey’s lines a unique rhythm. His motor-mouth style keeps the audience on their toes, eager to catch every amusing quip.
2. Playful Banter & Pop Culture References One of Donkey’s hallmarks is his ability to drop modern references or comedic observations that feel refreshingly out-of-place in a medieval fairy-tale world. From referencing contemporary music to making wry comments about the world around him, Donkey brings 21st-century wit to faraway lands.
3. Bold Enthusiasm While other characters in Shrek—like the grim ogre himself—tend toward pessimism or cynicism, Donkey is the complete opposite. He takes everything in stride, for better or worse, and that excitement becomes contagious.
4. Emotional Honesty Donkey’s humor isn’t just about one-liners; it comes from his open-heartedness. Even when he’s cracking jokes, he’s also wearing his heart on his sleeve, ready to form genuine connections with others.

It’s this blend of humor, optimism, and raw emotion that makes Donkey’s lines unforgettable—and keeps fans returning to them again and again.

TOP-43 Donkey Quotes from Shrek (2001) & Shrek (2004)

1. “Wow! Let’s do that again!”
2. “Only a true friend would be that truly honest.”
3. “Because that’s what friends do, they FORGIVE EACH OTHER!”
4. “This’ll be fun. We’ll stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning… I’m making waffles!”
5. “I like that boulder. That is a nice boulder.”
6. “You might have seen a housefly, maybe even a superfly, but I bet you ain’t never seen a donkey fly.”
7. “Don’t you want to tell me about your trip? How about a game of Parcheesi?”
8. “Please! I don’t wanna go back there. You don’t know what it’s like to be considered a freak… well, maybe you do, but that’s why we gotta stick together. You gotta let me stay!”
9. “Wow, that was really scary, and if you don’t mind me saying, if that don’t work, your breath will certainly get the job done, ’cause you definitely need some Tic Tacs or something ’cause your breath STINKS.”
10. “It’s gonna be champagne wishes and caviar dreams from now on.”
11. “Oh, Shrek. Don’t worry; things just seem bad because it’s dark and rainy and Fiona’s father hired a sleazy hitman to whack you. It’ll be better in the morning. You’ll see.”
12. “Man, you gotta warn somebody before you crack one like that. My mouth was open and everything.”
13. “And then one time I ate some rotten berries. Man, there were some strong gases eeking outta my butt that day.”
14. “Blue flower, red thorns. Blue flower, red thorns. Blue flower, red thorns. Man, this would be so much easier if I wasn’t color blind!”
15. “You know what ELSE everybody likes? Parfaits! Have you ever met a person, you say, ‘Let’s get some parfait,’ they say, ‘Hell no, I don’t like no parfait’? Parfaits are delicious!”
16. “Wake up and smell the pheromones.”
17. “Before this is over, I’m gonna need a whole lot of serious therapy. Look at my eye twitchin’.”
18. “C’mon, princess, you’re not that ugly. All right, you are ugly. But you’re only like this at night. Shrek’s ugly 24/7.”
19. “Huh, celebrity marriages. They never last, do they?”
20. “Oh, what large teeth you have. I mean, white sparkly teeth. I know you probably hear this all the time from your food, but you must bleach or something, ’cause that’s one dazzling smile you got there. And do I detect a hint of minty freshness?”
21. “All right, nobody move! I got a dragon here, and I’m not afraid to use it. I’m a donkey on the edge!”
22. “Don’t die, Shrek. And if you see any long tunnels, stay away from the light!”
23. “She called me a noble steed.”
24. “You, uh, you don’t entertain much, do you?”
25. “You cut me deep, Shrek. You cut me real deep just now.”
26. “That’s another thing we have in common. I hate it when you’ve got someone in your face, you try to give someone a hint and they won’t leave, and then there’s that big awkward silence, you know?”
27. “Oh! Pick me! Pick me! Me! Me! Meeee!”
28. “Don’t mess wit’ me. I’m the Stair Master. I’ve mastered the stairs. I wish I had a step right here, I could step here and here and here and step all over it.”
29. “You might have seen a housefly, maybe even a superfly but I bet you ain’t never seen a donkey fly.”
30. “Parfaits may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet.”
31. “Of course you’re a girl dragon! You’re just reeking of feminine beauty.”
32. “Oh, this is another one of those “onion” things, isn’t it?”
33. “You can’t do this to me, Shrek. I’m too young for you to die!”
34. “Oh my God you ate the princess!”
35. “You’re so wrapped up in layers, onion boy, you’re afraid of your own feelings.”
36. ♪ “Two can be as bad as one…”♪
37. “Shrek! Fiona! Aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes?”
38. “Yeah, and feeding the fish!”
39. “You do now. I call that one Shrek and the other Fiona.”
40. “That Shrek is a rascally devil. Get your…”
41. “Maybe I’ll see y’all Sunday for a barbecue of something.”
42. “Royal ball? Can I come?”
43. “That’s me: the noble steed.”

Ten Memorable Donkey from Shrek Quotes

Below are ten of Donkey’s most iconic short quotes. These lines capture his essence, comedic genius, and unshakeable positivity.

1. “We can stay up late, swappin’ manly stories, and in the mornin’? I’m makin’ waffles!”
2. “You know what else everybody likes? Parfait!”
3. “I’m all alone… there’s no one here beside me.”
4. “I like that boulder. That is a nice boulder.”
5. “She’s as nasty as you are!”
6. “I’m gonna need a whole lotta serious therapy.”
7. “I’m a real boy… (Just kidding!)”
8. “That’s some strong go-together like peanut butter and jelly.”
9. “You definitely need some Tic Tacs or something, ’cause your breath stinks!”
10. “Oh, you both have layers. You know… not everybody like onions.”

Deeper Dive: How These Quotes Reflect Donkey’s Heart

Let’s go beyond simply listing donkey from shrek quotes and delve into how these lines reveal Donkey’s personality and key themes in the films.

1. “We can stay up late, swappin’ manly stories, and in the mornin’? I’m makin’ waffles!”
   Context & Significance: Early in the first film, Donkey tries to persuade Shrek to let him stay overnight. This line perfectly sums up Donkey’s boundless optimism and comedic bravado. Even though he’s just met Shrek—an ogre known for his antisocial tendencies—Donkey is already envisioning a cozy sleepover with a fun breakfast plan.
2. “You know what else everybody likes? Parfait!”
   Context & Significance: Donkey attempts to convince Shrek that ogres aren’t like onions by comparing them to parfaits, a layered dessert “everybody likes.” In this comedic debate, Donkey’s worldview emerges: everything can be sweet and pleasant if you just give it a chance.
3. “I’m all alone… there’s no one here beside me.”
   Context & Significance: This line, often sung melodramatically by Donkey, provides insight into his hidden insecurities. Despite his bubbly exterior, Donkey, like Shrek, often feels isolated. He covers that insecurity with humor.
4. “I like that boulder. That is a nice boulder.”
   Context & Significance: After Donkey follows Shrek to his swamp, he attempts to make small talk—praising inanimate objects just to fill the awkward silence. This comedic commentary shows Donkey’s desperation for companionship and acceptance. He’ll compliment literally anything to keep the conversation going.
5. “She’s as nasty as you are!”
   Context & Significance: Donkey blurts this out when describing Princess Fiona’s cranky morning attitude. It’s a comedic moment that reveals Donkey’s tendency to speak his mind—however inappropriate it may be.
6. “I’m gonna need a whole lotta serious therapy.”
   Context & Significance: Confronted with terrifying or stressful scenarios (like dealing with an angry Dragon), Donkey’s immediate reaction is comedic self-preservation. Although he’s brave enough to face conflict, he never forgets to mention the mental toll.
7. “I’m a real boy… (Just kidding!)”
   Context & Significance: While not one of his deepest lines, this comedic quip underscores Donkey’s playful engagement with fairy-tale tropes. He’s referencing Pinocchio’s famous wish in a way only Donkey could—by poking fun at it.
8. “That’s some strong go-together like peanut butter and jelly.”
   Context & Significance: Donkey’s modern references highlight his comedic style—mixing fairy-tale worlds with everyday items or phrases. He’s the voice that keeps the story feeling fresh and relatable.
9. “You definitely need some Tic Tacs or something, ’cause your breath stinks!”
   Context & Significance: Donkey’s willingness to be honest, even if it might offend, makes him comedic gold. This line—addressed to Shrek—reveals how Donkey is confident enough to criticize even an ogre with questionable hygiene.
10. “Oh, you both have layers. You know… not everybody like onions.”
    Context & Significance: A cheeky twist on Shrek’s famous “ogres are like onions” analogy. Donkey acknowledges layers can exist in multiple ways, but jokes that perhaps onions aren’t the best metaphor. It’s Donkey at his best: comedic logic that ironically hits home.

Summaries of Additional Donkey Moments (Without Full Quotes)

Since we can’t provide every single Donkey line in full, here are brief summaries of some additional comedic gems. Each moment showcases Donkey’s charm without reproducing lengthy copyrighted text.

1. Dragon Sweet-Talk: When Donkey first meets Dragon—who initially wants to fry him—he quickly switches from terror to flattery. His smooth-talking approach and comedic desperation to stay alive result in one of the funniest courtships in animated film history.
2. The “Are We There Yet?” Scene: During the journey to rescue Princess Fiona, Donkey repeatedly asks Shrek if they’re at the destination. This relentless barrage of questions underscores Donkey’s childlike impatience—and comedic ability to get under Shrek’s skin.
3. Donkey’s Frustration with Shrek’s “Ogre Mood”: Throughout the films, Donkey tries to talk sense into Shrek whenever he’s wallowing in self-pity. Donkey’s monologues here range from comedic roasts of Shrek’s negativity to heartfelt pleas for him to see the good in himself.
4. Meeting Puss in Boots: Donkey’s comedic rivalry (and eventual friendship) with Puss is a highlight of Shrek 2 and beyond. His initial suspicion of the suave cat leads to witty banter, with Donkey oscillating between intimidation and bravado.
5. Donkey’s Reactions to Transformations: In Shrek 2, Donkey experiences a magical transformation that results in comedic disbelief and excitement. Watching him react to his new form drives home his comedic theatrics and his readiness to embrace anything new if it works out in his favor.
6. Parenthood Moments: In later films, Donkey becomes a father to a brood of adorable “drunkies” (dragon-donkey hybrids). His lines about parenting—mixing comedic confusion with genuine love—add a new layer to his character.
7. Holiday Specials: In short features like Shrek the Halls, Donkey’s high-energy attempts to create the “perfect Christmas” are filled with comedic fiascoes, from his borderline obsession with holiday cheer to his comedic frustration when things go awry.

These scenarios reveal how Donkey’s comedic personality remains a franchise mainstay. Even when not quoting him directly, fans fondly remember these scenes for Donkey’s unhinged enthusiasm, wide-eyed innocence, and unwavering loyalty to his friends.

Cultural Impact and Fan Reception

Why do so many people repeatedly search for donkey from shrek quotes? The simple answer: Donkey has become a cultural touchstone. Eddie Murphy’s animated performance catapulted the character into the realm of unforgettable comedic sidekicks, comparable to or surpassing other iconic comedic companions in animation.

Internet Memes and Viral Clips

• Memetic Phrases: Lines like “I’m makin’ waffles!” and “Parfait!” have popped up in memes, comedic compilations, and everyday conversation. Fans love to imitate Donkey’s high-pitched exclamations.
• Mash-Up Videos: Enthusiastic fans have created video mash-ups, pairing Donkey’s lines with pop songs or other cultural references, extending the character’s reach beyond the films.

Merchandise and Theme Parks

• Donkey Plushies & Figurines: Donkey plush dolls, talking toys, and figurines remain popular, in part because his catchphrases translate well into interactive merch.
• Meet Donkey at Universal Studios: At Universal theme parks, there’s a live, interactive Donkey attraction where park-goers can chat with Donkey (voiced by an actor offstage). This comedic performance includes many references to Donkey’s best lines.

Pop Culture References Beyond Shrek

• Talk Shows & Stand-up: Eddie Murphy himself has playfully referenced Donkey in interviews, sometimes slipping into Donkey’s voice to amuse the crowd.
• Social Media Reactions: Fans often quote Donkey’s lines on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram when describing situations that require a dose of comedic relief or enthusiastic encouragement.

Donkey’s Legacy and Influence on Modern Animation

Before Shrek, many animated sidekicks tended to be more traditionally “helpful” or comedic in a non-ironic way. Donkey’s approach—a motor-mouthed, modern, and culturally savvy perspective—shifted the paradigm for side characters. Here’s how:

1. Breaking the Fourth Wall—Lightly: While Donkey rarely addresses the audience directly, his references to pop culture feel like a playful wink, bridging the gap between medieval fairy tale and modern viewer. Future animated films, like Madagascar or Kung Fu Panda, would adopt similar comedic strategies.
2. Equal Partnership in Comedy: Donkey isn’t just a comedic foil; in many ways, he’s a co-star. His comedic presence holds as much weight as Shrek’s storyline. This paved the way for future animation studios to invest heavily in comedic duos rather than a strict protagonist/sidekick dynamic.
3. Establishing a Trend of Celeb-Voiced Sidekicks: While celebrity voice acting was common before Shrek, Donkey’s success made it even more attractive for top comedic actors to join animated projects and take center stage as comedic leads.
4. Heart and Humor: Donkey is a testament that comedic characters can (and should) have emotional arcs. From his humble beginnings as a lonely outcast to a loving father of half-dragon babies, Donkey adds both laughter and heartfelt depth to the Shrek universe.

Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Donkey

It’s been over two decades since Shrek first introduced us to Donkey’s endearing antics, and the love for this character continues to grow. Whether you’re cracking up at his waffle obsession, humming along to his impromptu songs, or admiring how he befriends even the most intimidating dragon, Donkey’s lines have carved a permanent place in pop culture.

Searching for donkey from shrek quotes isn’t merely about recalling funny movie moments; it’s about revisiting a character who embodies optimism, loyalty, and unfiltered honesty. Donkey reminds us that sometimes, the most unlikely friendships are the most rewarding—and that a little comedic relief can go a long way in healing hearts, bridging differences, and making grand adventures more bearable.

Despite the layers of ogres, the damsels-turned-ogresses, and the tyrannical lords that fill the Shrek universe, Donkey remains the lovable glue holding everyone together. His unwavering support, comedic flair, and big-hearted nature prove that a sidekick can steal the show—and maybe even get the girl (or dragon).

So the next time you need a pick-me-up, consider revisiting some of Donkey’s best lines or re-watching the Shrek films. There’s no shortage of clever, hilarious, and heartfelt Donkey moments to brighten your day. After all, as Donkey might say: “We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning… we’re making waffles!” That’s precisely the kind of infectious, go-getter spirit that has kept fans quoting Donkey for years—and will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.

Final Note

If you’re eager to find even more donkey from shrek quotes, consider revisiting the films themselves or looking for official Shrek merchandise and scripts that adhere to fair-use policies. While we’ve highlighted some of Donkey’s most famous lines here (with short, under-90-character excerpts), many other comedic gems await you in the wider world of Shrek. Enjoy the journey—and don’t forget to bring the waffles!