Shrek's best friend is Donkey, one of the most lovable and entertaining characters in the Shrek series.
Donkey is a small, gray, talking donkey with boundless energy, a big heart, and absolutely no filter. He’s cheerful, loyal, and relentlessly optimistic—sometimes to the point of being annoying, especially to Shrek at first. What makes Donkey so special is his ability to see the good in others, even when they can’t see it in themselves.
When Donkey first meets Shrek, he’s not scared of the ogre like everyone else. Instead, he talks non-stop, follows Shrek home, and insists on being his friend. While Shrek tries to push him away, Donkey’s loyalty and humor slowly break through his walls. Despite their differences, they become inseparable.
Donkey is also brave in his own goofy way. He helps Shrek on dangerous missions, stands up to dragons (and even marries one!), and always sticks by his friend’s side—even when things get tough. He’s not just comic relief—he’s the emotional glue that helps Shrek grow and connect with others.
Underneath the jokes and chatter, Donkey is deeply compassionate. He reminds Shrek (and everyone watching) that sometimes, what people need most is someone who refuses to give up on them.