In 2015, the world was overtaken by storm by a very simple word. Well, fruit – Banana! Now, after almost 10 years, we have no shame in admitting that we’re still very much ‘bananas’ over the Despicable Me franchise.
And, although the dialogue was made popular by the 2015 film Minions, which made over a billion dollars at the box office; the story of this beloved franchise started much before – in 2010 with its first film, Despicable Me.
The Despicable Me (2010) movie follows the story of Gru (Steve Carell), a supervillain and his three adoptive daughters, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher, Madison Polan, Nev Scharrel). The plot is full of sweet comic sequences that would appeal to anyone with a soft spot for the found-family trope. The narrative then continues in the film’s sequels with new plotlines and characters, one of them being Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig), Gru’s eventual wife.
But we’ll get to that later. First, in honour of the franchise’s latest movie, Despicable Me 4, let’s look at the Despicable Me and Minions movies in order.
How many ‘Despicable Me’ movies are there in total?
As of July 2024, there are six Despicable Me movies. The original series set in the present timeline follows the adventures of Gru and his adoptive daughters and has four movies.
Additionally, there are two prequel films exploring the origins of the Minions that are set around 50 years before the events of the first Despicable Me movie.
However, there have also been whispers about a third prequel movie, Minions 3, set to be released in 2027.
Now, let’s look at their order of release.
All ‘Despicable Me’ movies in order of release:
- Despicable Me (2010)
- Despicable Me 2 (2013)
- Minions (2015)
- Despicable Me 3 (2017)
- Minions: Rise of Gru (2022)
- Despicable Me 4 (2024)
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How to watch the ‘Despicable Me’ movies in chronological order
1. Minions (2015)
Directed by: Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Pierre Coffin, Steve Coogan
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%
The 2015 movie that made ‘Banana!’ a worldwide sensation, Minions is the first film in the list of Despicable Me movies in chronological order and the third film overall.
Set in 1968, the film traces the origin of the Minions as they evolved from single-celled organisms to beings that serve their ‘masters’. In a series of events across history, it is then explored how the Minions unknowingly sabotaged and/or killed each of their masters, including the dinosaurs, the cavemen, an Egyptian Pharon, Count Dracula and finally Napoleon.
The narrative then merges with the present timeline (1968) where Minions have been isolated from the world until three of them – Bob, Stuart and Kevin (Pierre Coffin) decide to look for a new master.
The plot unravels through the Minions’ journey as they come across the world’s first female villain, Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and decide to serve her. However, in a hilarious sequence of events, they manage to not only sabotage her plan but also outshine her in accomplishing it, thereby winning the crown of England!
After action sequences coupled with emotional ones, the movie climaxes on a hilarious note when the Queen of England rewards Bob with a tiny crown for his teddy bear, Stuart with an electric guitar and Kevin with Knighthood.
Towards the end, however, the crown is about to be stolen again when a young Gru enters with his freeze ray, immobilises the villains and steals the crown for himself. The Minions, impressed by his villainously heroic feat (which seems to be Gru’s USP), chase after him, declaring him to be their new master.
2. Minions: Rise of Gru (2022)
Directed by: Kyle Balda
Cast: Steve Carell, Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand, Pierre Coffin, Julie Andrews
Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
The second instalment of the prequel series Minions: Rise of Gru came out nearly seven years after the first one.
Set in 1976, eight years after the events of the first prequel film in the Despicable Me series, Minions: Rise of Gru is the second film by order of chronology and the fifth film by order of release.
The narrative follows an 11-year-old Gru as he dreams of becoming a supervillain with the help of the Minions he has hired.
Much like the previous instalment, Minions: Rise of Gru follows the three Minions, Bob, Stuart and Kevin as they embark on yet another journey; but this time, to San Fransisco to rescue a kidnapped Gru. The film follows the Minions on their perilous and hilarious journey as they ‘find their inner beast’ with the help of a Kung Fu teacher, Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh), get turned into animals and finally save Gru!
Further, in a mid-credits scene, Gru is seen visiting Dr Nefario (Russell Brand) with Bob, Stuart and Kevin to convince him to join their team, thereby setting up the main timeline of the Despicable Me movies.
3. Despicable Me (2010)
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segal, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove
Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
With probably the coolest title track of all time, courtesy of Pharrell Willams, Despicable Me (2010) was the first-ever film of the Despicable Me universe. By order of chronology, it is the third film of the Despicable Me series.
The movie is set in 2010 after considerable time has passed from the events of the second prequel film. It follows a middle-aged Gru, who is frustrated with his falling popularity as a supervillain when he is outshone by Vector (Jason Segal), a newcomer who steals the Pyramid of Giza.
With hurt pride, Gru, living in his lair with his army of Minions and Dr Nefario, plans to steal the moon – a heist that would re-establish his status as the most dangerous villain of all. However, his plans are stopped when Vector again outsmarts him.
To defeat Vector, Gru decides to adopt three orphan girls, Margot, Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) who would sell him cookies and infiltrate his castle. However, things take an unexpected turn when Gru tries to balance his new-found parenthood and villainy.
The film’s main conflict arises as Gru begins to get attached but must let go of the girls to avoid any distractions (as Dr Nefarious advises him). In an ultimate head vs heart, the narrative intertwines comedic moments with tender, emotional ones as the plot culminates into a satisfying ending.
4. Despicable Me 2 (2013)
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Benjamin Bratt, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Ken Jeong
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%
The second movie in the list of Despicable Me movies in order is Despicable Me 2. It is also the fourth movie by release date.
After the events of the first movie, Gru and his daughters have settled into a simple routine as Gru juggles fatherhood and his jelly business.
But chaos knocks on their door when Dr Nefario betrays Gru and goes on to assist another supervillain. Gru is approached by agent Lucy Wilde from AVL (Anti-Villain League) who wants to recruit his services as a former supervillain to help her catch the culprit who has stolen a mutagen.
What follows is a thrilling yet comedic sequence of events— Gru teams up with Lucy to find El Macho (Benjamin Bratt), fights his mutated Minion, Kevin as he attacks his daughters, and defeats El Macho with the help of Dr Nefario who comes back to his aid.
Finally, in the end, he also marries Lucy after 147 dates.
5. Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Directed by: Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda
Cast: Steve Carell, Trey Parker, Steve Coogan, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Pierre Coffin
Runtime: 1 hour 29 minutes
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%
Credited as the fourth highest-grossing film of 2017, Despicable Me 3 adds another star to the franchise’s name.
Depicting a profound turn of events, the film explores the idea of redemption with Gru’s character development albeit in a comedic manner. Gru, in the third instalment of the Despicable Me universe, gives up his villainy and joins AVL as a fellow agent with his wife. It marks his transition from bad to good – a message for viewers all over about how no one is ever too far gone, how there’s always good even in the worst sort of people.
Now coming back to the plot.
Due to a change in management, Gru and Lucy get dismissed from their jobs. After losing all prospects, Gru is abandoned by his Minions as well. The movie then navigates Gru’s struggle while introducing another loveable character in the mix – Dru (also Steve Carell), Gru’s long-lost brother.
The film keeps reinstating the idea of goodness through many sequences. For instance, upon losing his job, Gru refuses to go back to being a supervillain. Or, when Dru asks him to teach him how to be a supervillain, Gru still refuses to revert to his old ways.
Further on in the plot, amidst their brotherly bonding, Gru and Dru go through many ups and downs in their relationship before stopping Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a supervillain who is obsessed with world domination.
At last, the film concludes with Gru and Dru defeating Bratt with the Minions, and sharing a sweet hug with Lucy, Margot, Edith and Agnes (Nev Scharrel).
6. Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Sophia Vergara
Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 55%
Released in July, Despicable Me 4 was one of the most anticipated animated movies of 2024. Additionally, the film also had an extensive marketing campaign. For example, Lego released a limited edition Despicable Me 4 set ahead of the release.
It is the latest release of the Despicable Me franchise and the last film (as of now) in the list of Despicable Me movies in chronological order.
In the movie, Gru, with his newly born son Gru Jr. and the rest of his family, relocates to a safe house under a witness protection program when his old nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Farrell) resurfaces to seek revenge. While adjusting to his new life, Gru also deals with his new teenage neighbour Poppy Prescott (Joey King) who wants to be a villain.
Amidst keeping his family safe and making sure his cover isn’t blown, Gru navigates all hurdles with his trusted Minions, his friend Dr Nefario, and his wife and children.
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You can watch the movie’s trailer below:
(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Despicable Me)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Except for the prequels (Minions and Minions: Rise of Gru) which can be watched either before or after, you need to watch the Despicable Me movies in order to understand the plot.
The first Despicable Me movie was released in 2010.
Chronologically, the viewing order of the Despicable Me movies is: Minions (2015), Minions: Rise of Gru (2022), Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Despicable Me 3 (2017) and Despicable Me 4 (2024). If you're going by release dates, the viewing order would be: Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Minions (2015), Despicable Me 3 (2017), Minions: Rise of Gru (2022) and Despicable Me 4 (2024).
