In Martin McDonagh's dark comedy-drama, Jenny the Donkey serves as the sole comfort to Pádraic (played by Colin Farrell) during a heartbreaking friendship breakup. Jenny acts as a symbol of pure, uncomplicated innocence in contrast to the destructive pride of the human characters. Her role in the plot underscores the tragic consequences of human pettiness. Digital Media, Memes, and Internet Culture
Donkeys have also inspired various music artists and genres. Here are a few examples:
In Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote (1605), the donkey named Dapple serves as the faithful mount of Sancho Panza. Dapple acts as a grounding force against the delusional nobility of Don Quixote’s horse, Rocinante. The bond between Sancho and Dapple introduces a trope that remains dominant today: the donkey as a symbol of working-class loyalty, pragmatism, and unconditional companionship. The Dual Archetypes in Modern Animation
Voiced by Eddie Murphy, Donkey (the character is literally named by his species) shattered every previous stereotype. He is not quiet (the Nativity), sad (Eeyore), or stupid (Aesop). He is hyper-verbal, annoyingly loyal, and pathologically optimistic. He talks so fast and so much that he breaks narrative structure.
: Voiced by Eddie Murphy, this character flipped the "stubborn" stereotype on its head. He is energetic, talkative, and fiercely loyal. Interestingly, the character was inspired by Xxx donkey sex
The intersection of donkey entertainment and popular media offers a rich and diverse landscape. From blockbuster movies to social media influencers and educational content, donkeys have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. While navigating the challenges of representation and accuracy, creators can continue to leverage the popularity of donkeys to entertain, educate, and inspire. As our understanding and appreciation of these animals grow, so too can the creative and impactful ways they are represented in media.
On the collectible side, the Shrek franchise continues to be a major driver. For example, the "Shrek TUBBZ Donkey Cosplaying Duck" is a highly detailed, limited-edition figure that captures the character's "wide-eyed wonder" and is targeted at adult collectors. For Nintendo fans, the official Nintendo website sells a licensed Donkey Kong plush, a must-have for any fan of the franchise.
Donkeys have also appeared in various video games and mobile apps, often as playable characters or NPCs (non-player characters). Here are a few examples:
Directed by Robert Bresson, this French masterpiece follows the life of a donkey named Balthazar as he is passed from owner to owner, experiencing both human cruelty and kindness. Bresson used the donkey as a blank canvas for human emotion, making Balthazar a saint-like figure who bears the sins of the world. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in cinema history. EO (2022) In Martin McDonagh's dark comedy-drama, Jenny the Donkey
George Orwell’s allegorical novella introduces Benjamin, an old donkey who is arguably the wisest animal on the farm. He is cynical, silent, and acutely aware of the political manipulation happening around him. Benjamin represents the intellectuals who recognize tyranny but feel powerless or indifferent to change, offering a somber look at the donkey archetype. Platero ( Platero and I )
Though about a horse, Bojack Horseman features a background donkey character (Dr. Champ, the therapy horse’s friend). The show uses the donkey to represent the "regular guy" who got therapy and is fine, unlike the tortured horse. It subverts the trope: the donkey is emotionally healthy.
A prime example of this is the phenomenon of "singing donkeys." In Conroe, Texas, a 28-year-old donkey named Monte has become a social media sensation, with his owner documenting his unique vocalizations and using his newfound fame to promote animal rescue. Similarly, "Nelson the Singing Donkey" has amassed a huge following on TikTok, with millions of views for his cheerful braying. But perhaps the most remarkable success story is "Donkey the Donkey" from Summit County, Colorado. After being stolen from a negligent owner, Donkey's adventures—which include walks through town, hiking trips, and posing with Santa—have earned him over 168,000 followers on Instagram and a sponsorship deal with a major home and ranch supply store. These animal influencers are part of a larger trend where donkeys, with their unique and expressive faces, have become a beloved part of viral social media content.
From the satirical transformation in Apuleius’s The Golden Ass to the loyal but weary Eeyore in A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh , donkeys have historically been used to represent pessimism , patience , and stoicism . Digital Media, Memes, and Internet Culture Donkeys have
From Beasts of Burden to Pop Culture Icons: The Evolution of the Donkey For thousands of years,
A major turning point came in 2001 with the release of DreamWorks' Shrek . The character Donkey, voiced with manic energy by comedian Eddie Murphy, became an instant icon. As a "chattering donkey" known for its quick wit, unwavering loyalty, and hilarious banter, Donkey redefined what an animated animal sidekick could be. The character's enduring popularity is so profound that a Donkey standalone spin-off film has been announced, with Eddie Murphy set to reprise his role. The real-life inspiration for the character was a miniature Jerusalem donkey named Perry, who lived at Stanford University and whose calm demeanor and distinctive features caught the eye of DreamWorks animators. Perry passed away in 2025 at the age of 30, but his legacy lives on in one of the most famous donkeys in the world.
More recently, donkeys have taken center stage in films like The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and Zootopia (2016). In these movies, donkeys are portrayed as lovable, loyal, and hilarious characters, often providing comic relief and driving the plot forward.
By making the donkey the primary source of humor and emotional heart , modern animation repositioned the animal as a relatable social extrovert rather than a solitary beast of burden. 4. The Rise of "Donkey-Core" and Social Media