In the colorful cinematic universe of Despicable Me and Minions movies, laughter, mayhem, and heartwarming moments are all served up in perfect order.
From the mischievous minions who’ve skyrocketed to pop culture stardom to the lovable yet diabolical genius-turned-doting-dad, Gru, this franchise has enchanted audiences worldwide.
It’s not just a collection of movies; it’s a delightful rollercoaster that keeps us hooked. So, let’s dive headfirst into the captivating world of Despicable Me Movies in order of the release dates, where hilarity and heart come perfectly in order, just like those infamous yellow pill-shaped critters themselves.
Grab your bananas and freeze rays; it’s time for a thrilling ride.
Watch Order For The Despicable Me Movies
The “Despicable Me & Minions Movies” franchise is an extraordinary cinematic journey that has enchanted audiences worldwide through its delightful blend of humor and heart. This enchanting universe unfolds through a series of films, each adding a unique layer to the story.
It all started in 2010 with “Despicable Me,” introducing us to the charismatic Gru, a former supervillain turned father figure, and his endearing band of Minions. In 2013, “Despicable Me 2” took us on another uproarious adventure with Gru and his lovable crew.
The Minions stepped into the spotlight in 2015 with their own standalone escapade in “Minions,” revealing their hilarious origins. “Despicable Me 3” continued the laughter in 2017 as Gru juggled parenthood and battled new adversaries. Most recently, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” in 2022 unveiled even more Minion mayhem.
As fans eagerly await the future, “Despicable Me 4” is set to hit theaters in 2024, promising another chapter in this beloved cinematic world.
With each film in the franchise, audiences are treated to expertly crafted plots, sidesplitting antics, and moments of genuine warmth, making it a cinematic journey like no other.
In Order by Release Date
- Despicable Me (2010)
- Despicable Me 2 (2013)
- Minions (2015)
- Despicable Me 3 (2017)
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
- Despicable Me 4 (2024)
In Chronological Order
- 1968: Minions (2015)
- 1972: Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
- 2012: Despicable Me (2010)
- 2013: Despicable Me 2 (2013)
- 2014: Despicable Me 3 (2017)
- Despicable Me 4 (2024)
1 ‘Despicable Me’ (2010)
IMDb: 7.6/10 568K | Popularity: 1468 | Metascore:
Duration: 1h 35m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand
Released in 2010, “Despicable Me,” directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, catapulted audiences into the colorful world of Gru, a lovable supervillain masterfully voiced by Steve Carell. Alongside him were his mischievous Minions, the yellow henchmen who would later become global pop culture icons.
This animated gem boasted a budget of around $69 million but went on to earn an astounding $543.2 million worldwide, making it a resounding success. The film’s success wasn’t just in financial terms; it was also a triumph of storytelling, blending clever humor with heartwarming moments as Gru undergoes a transformation from villainy to fatherhood.
With memorable characters, a brilliantly realized world, and a delightful balance of comedy and sentiment, “Despicable Me” quickly became a beloved classic in animation history, captivating viewers of all ages. It marked the beginning of a franchise that continues to bring joy and laughter to audiences worldwide.
2 ‘Despicable Me 2’ (2013)
IMDb: 7.3/10 416K | Popularity: 2943 | Metascore:
Duration: 1h 38m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt
In 2013, “Despicable Me 2,” directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, continued Gru’s endearing journey, with Steve Carell reprising his role as the supervillain turned dad. The Minions, those lovable troublemakers, took the spotlight, adding infectious energy to the sequel.
The film boasted a budget of approximately $76 million and raked in an astounding $970 million worldwide, solidifying its blockbuster status. This time, the plot revolved around Gru’s recruitment by the Anti-Villain League to thwart a new supervillain’s wicked plans.
Amidst espionage and high-stakes action, the film deepened Gru’s transformation into a loving father figure, resonating with viewers. “Despicable Me 2” maintained the winning blend of clever humor, endearing characters, and heartwarming moments.
It expanded the Despicable Me universe, balancing comedy and sentiment seamlessly. With its phenomenal success, the film became an integral chapter in the beloved franchise, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more Minion mayhem and Gru’s adventures.
3 ‘Minions’ (2015)
IMDb: 6.4/10 251K | Popularity: 2059 | Metascore:
Duration: 1h 31m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton
In 2015, “Minions,” directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, gave the spotlight entirely to those lovable, yellow Minions. With their humorous antics, the film was a laugh riot, and its budget of approximately $74 million translated into a whopping $1.1 billion global box office success.
The story delved into the Minions’ history, tracing their journey from serving ancient villains to their quest to find a new evil master in the 1960s. The film’s witty humor and endearing characters made it a hit with both young and adult audiences, continuing the franchise’s legacy.
“Minions” is a delightful standalone adventure for fans of all ages. For newcomers, it’s a fantastic entry point into the Minion-filled universe, promising laughter and joy and leaving everyone eagerly anticipating their next escapade.
4 ‘Despicable Me 3’ (2017)
IMDb: 6.2/10 146K | Popularity: 2417 | Metascore:
Duration: 1h 29m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Eric Guillon, Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker
“Despicable Me 3,” under the direction of Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, kept the laughter rolling as Steve Carell reprised his role as the iconic Gru. With a budget of approximately $80 million, the film solidified its blockbuster status, earning an impressive $1.034 billion worldwide.
This installment added a compelling twist to the story as Gru discovered a long-lost twin brother, Dru.
Their unexpected reunion resulted in a comical clash of personalities, offering audiences a delightful exploration of sibling dynamics. Alongside this family reunion, “Despicable Me 3” introduced a new supervillain named Balthazar Bratt, a former child star turned villainous character, adding a fresh layer of humor and intrigue to the narrative.
While fans of the franchise enjoyed more of Gru’s antics and character development, newcomers found themselves immersed in a standalone experience filled with humor and heart. The film’s enduring charm and universal themes left everyone with smiles on their faces, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Gru and his crew’s adventures.
5 ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ (2022)
IMDb: 6.5/10 79K | Popularity: 2546 | Metascore:
Duration: 1h 27m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Brad Ableson, Jonathan del Val, Kyle Balda
Cast: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin
“Minions: The Rise of Gru” continued the uproarious journey of those beloved yellow Minions. With a budget of approximately $80 million, the film continued the franchise’s tradition of success, earning a substantial box office revenue.
In this installment, audiences were treated to the backstory of how the Minions came to adore Gru, their ultimate master. Set in the 1970s, it showcased the Minions’ hilarious escapades and their growing fondness for the aspiring supervillain.
The film also introduced the character of a young Gru, providing insights into his journey towards becoming the lovable yet diabolical character we know today. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” offered a delightful blend of humor and heart, appealing to fans who have followed the Minions’ journey from the beginning.
6 ‘Despicable Me 4’ (2024)
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Patrick Delage, Chris Renaud
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove
Announced by Universal in February 2022, “Despicable Me 4” has set its sights on a thrilling return to theaters on July 3, 2024. The news sent fans into a frenzy of anticipation, eager to rejoin their favorite supervillain-cum-doting-dad, Gru, voiced by the inimitable Steve Carell.
Excitement escalated when Steve Carell himself confirmed in August 2022 that he had already “started” work on the film, having completed a couple of recording sessions. This revelation hinted that the movie might be further along in production than expected, raising hopes that it would stay on track for its release date.
As the franchise’s enduring protagonist, Gru has captured the hearts of viewers and is set to continue doing so as the franchise unfolds into its highly anticipated fourth installment. Fans can hardly wait to see what new adventures, laughter, and heartwarming moments await in the world of “Despicable Me 4.”
In summary, the “Despicable Me & Minions Movies” franchise offers a delightful blend of humor and heart. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, these films are a guaranteed source of laughter and entertainment.
From the original “Despicable Me” to the latest “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and the exciting prospect of “Despicable Me 4,” this franchise continues to charm audiences worldwide, leaving us eagerly anticipating more adventures in this whimsical world.
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