Despicable Me Movies in Order: A Chronological Guide to Gru, the Minions, and Mayhem!

Calling all Minion Maniacs and Gru-ites! Get ready for some global domination, hilarious hijinks, and heartwarming family moments, because Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise is back with a brand new adventure in Despicable Me 4! This wacky world of mischievous Minions and their villain-turned-dad Gru has captured hearts (and laughter) worldwide since its debut in 2010.

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But with two spin-off Minions movies, a collection of short films, and four Despicable Me films, where do you even begin? Fear not, fellow fans! This guide will illuminate (pun intended) the perfect order to watch the Despicable Me movies, offering a chronological journey through Gru’s transformation and the Minions’ endless quest for… well, something!

The Minions Take Center Stage: A Prequel Adventure (2015 & 2022)

First things first, let’s rewind the clock a bit. While the Despicable Me films primarily focus on Gru’s story, the Minions take the spotlight in their own hilarious prequels.

1. Minions (2015): Buckle up for a side-splitting trip through history as we witness the Minions’ bumbling attempts to serve the greatest villains of all time. From T-Rexes to Egyptian Pharaohs, these yellow goofballs leave a trail of chaos wherever they go, ultimately landing themselves in 1960s New York City on a mission to find their next villainous leader.

2. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022): This prequel delves even deeper into Minions lore, showcasing a young Gru’s own villainous aspirations. We see the 12-year-old Gru, brimming with ambition and a touch of childishness, plotting his first heist alongside his loyal Minions. It’s a delightful origin story filled with slapstick humor and a surprisingly heartwarming message about friendship and following your dreams (even if those dreams involve shrinking the moon).

Gru’s Villainous Redemption (2010-2017)

Now that we’ve met the Minions and witnessed Gru’s early villainous aspirations, let’s dive into the core Despicable Me films and witness Gru’s hilarious transformation.

3. Despicable Me (2010): This is where it all began! We meet Gru, a supervillain determined to steal the moon. However, his plans are hilariously foiled by the arrival of three adorable orphan girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes. As Gru attempts to juggle his villainous ambitions with newfound fatherhood, the lines between good and bad begin to blur.

4. Despicable Me 2 (2013): Gru has (mostly) abandoned his villainous ways and even adopted the girls permanently. But his peaceful life is disrupted when a mysterious organization recruits him to stop a new villain. This film introduces another iconic character, Lucy Wilde, a tough-as-nails AVL (Anti-Villain League) agent who becomes Gru’s partner-in-crime-fighting (and maybe even a little more?).

5. Despicable Me 3 (2017): Gru is living his best suburban dad life, complete with barbecues and awkward recitals. However, his world is turned upside down when he discovers he has a long-lost twin brother, Dru. This film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the importance of embracing your inner goofball (something Gru excels at by the end).

Bonus: Minions & More (2022)

For a delightful and bite-sized dose of Minion mayhem, check out the two volumes of “Minions & More” short films available on Netflix. These short films consist of original stories set in between the Despicable Me movies, offering hilarious glimpses into the Minions’ everyday (or should we say “every-banana”) lives.

Where to Watch:

Now that you know the perfect order to watch the Despicable Me movies and Minions spin-offs, here’s a quick guide on where to stream your new favorite animated franchise:

Despicable Me (1-3): Peacock
Minions (2015): Netflix
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022): Prime Video
Minions & More (2022): Netflix

Who’s Who in the Despicable Me Universe?

A stellar voice cast brings these beloved characters to life. Here are some key players:

Steve Carell: Gru (all films)
Pierre Coffin: Minions (all films)
Kristen Wiig: Lucy Wilde (Despicable Me 2 & 3)
Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Fisher/Nev Scharrel, Dana Gaier: Margo, Agnes, Edith (Despicable Me 1-3)
Russell Brand: Dr. Nefario (Despicable Me 1 & 2)
Julie Andrews: Gru’s Mother (Despicable Me 3)

These are just a few of the many talented actors and actresses who have lent their voices to the Despicable Me universe. Each installment often features new A-list stars, adding another layer of fun to the viewing experience.
More Minion Mayhem and Beyond: Exploring Illumination’s Animated Gems (After Despicable Me 4)
Once you’ve devoured all the Despicable Me and Minions movies, Illumination has a treasure trove of other animated gems waiting to be discovered. Here are a couple of recommendations for fans of Gru and his yellow companions:
- The Secret Life of Pets (2016) & The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019): Step into the lives of your furry (and feathery) friends when their humans aren’t home. This hilarious franchise follows the adventures of a pampered terrier named Max (voiced by Louis C.K. and then Patton Oswalt) and his new roommate, a rottweiler named Duke (Eric Stonestreet). The sequel expands the cast with even more animal antics, including Harrison Ford’s grumpy but lovable rooster, Rooster.Sing (2016) & Sing 2 (2021): Calling all music lovers! Sing follows a determined koala named Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) who throws a singing competition to save his struggling theater. This star-studded cast features singing voices from Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, and even a legendary cameo from U2’s Bono in Sing 2.

- Whether you’re a longtime Despicable Me devotee or a newcomer to Gru’s wacky world, this guide has equipped you with the perfect order to watch the movies and immerse yourself in the hilarious chaos. So grab your popcorn, settle in for a Minion-fueled marathon, and get ready to laugh out loud! With Despicable Me 4 hitting theaters, there’s no better time to revisit these beloved characters and rediscover the magic of Illumination’s animated masterpieces.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for hidden references and Easter eggs throughout the Despicable Me movies. There are plenty of subtle jokes and nods to pop culture that add another layer of enjoyment for eagle-eyed viewers!

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Brian Ferdinando: Film Critic

Brian Ferdinando aka Chuckie joined us and has delivered outstanding work. The Gaming Vlogger is a sharp hand with a camera (In front and behind it) with slick editing skills too.

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