The Despicable Me franchise has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. With its hilarious minions, lovable anti-hero Gru, and heartwarming stories, it’s no wonder the series has become a global phenomenon. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to watch the Despicable Me movies in order, you’re in the right place.
This article will walk you through each film in the series, discussing the plot, characters, and essential viewing order. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a longtime fan looking to revisit the movies, you’ll find everything you need here.
Why You Should Watch Despicable Me Movies in Order
The Despicable Me movies aren’t just random tales of minions and mischief; they tell an evolving story. Watching them in order helps you understand the progression of Gru’s character, the relationships he forms, and how the lovable minions play into the grand scheme of things. Each movie builds on the last, creating a more profound emotional connection to the characters and their world.
What is the Despicable Me Franchise?
Before diving into the movie order, let’s first look at what the Despicable Me franchise is all about. The series, created by Illumination Entertainment, focuses on a supervillain named Gru, who adopts three orphan girls and gradually transitions from villain to a loving father. Along the way, his minions—small, yellow, and incredibly funny creatures—steal the show with their antics.
Besides the main storyline, the franchise has also spawned spin-offs and prequels, focusing on the minions themselves. These movies are essential in understanding the full story of Gru, his adopted daughters, and the minions.
The Despicable Me Movies in Order: Where to Begin
There are several ways to approach the Despicable Me series. However, watching them in release order is the best way to grasp the characters’ evolution and plot fully. Here’s a detailed guide on how to watch Despicable Me movies in order.
Despicable Me (2010)
The first film in the series introduces us to Gru, the supervillain with a heart of gold. With the help of his minions, he hatches a plan to steal the moon. However, his plans suddenly turn when he adopts three orphaned girls: Margo, Edith, and Agnes.
- Plot: Gru is determined to outdo his rival, Vector, by shrinking and stealing the moon. Along the way, the three girls melt Gru’s icy heart, making him reconsider his criminal ways.
- Key Characters: Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes, Dr. Nefario, Vector, and the minions.
- Why it’s Important: This film lays the groundwork for Gru’s transformation from a villain to a caring father and introduces us to the world of the minions.
Despicable Me 2 (2013)
In Despicable Me 2, Gru has given up his life of crime to become a full-time dad to his adopted daughters. However, things turn unexpectedly when the Anti-Villain League recruits him to track down a new villain.
- Plot: Gru is called back into action by the Anti-Villain League, where he teams up with Lucy Wilde, an eccentric agent, to catch the villain El Macho. At the same time, the minions are mysteriously disappearing.
- Key Characters: Gru, Lucy Wilde, Margo, Edith, Agnes, El Macho, and the minions.
- Why it’s Important: This film is a turning point in Gru’s life. He transitions from a villain to a hero, and it also sets the stage for his romantic relationship with Lucy.
Minions (2015)
Though Minions is technically a spin-off, it’s an essential part of the Despicable Me movies because it explains the origin of Gru’s little yellow helpers. This prequel takes us back to the 1960s when the minions were searching for their ultimate evil boss.
- Plot: The minions travel through history, constantly seeking the perfect evil master. They eventually find Scarlett Overkill, the world’s first female supervillain, and help her with her evil plans.
- Key Characters: Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Scarlett Overkill, Herb Overkill, and a young Gru.
- Why it’s Important: This film shows the backstory of the minions and how they first crossed paths with Gru, setting the stage for future movies.
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
By the time Despicable Me 3 rolls around, Gru has settled into his life as a father and husband. However, things get shaken up when Gru meets his long-lost twin brother, Dru, and a new villain, Balthazar Bratt, emerges on the scene.
- Plot: Gru is fired from the Anti-Villain League and discovers he has a twin brother named Dru. The brothers team up to take down Balthazar Bratt, a former child star turned villain.
- Key Characters: Gru, Dru, Lucy Wilde, Balthazar Bratt, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and the minions.
- Why it’s Important: This film adds a new layer to Gru’s character by introducing his family background and showing his bond with his brother Dru.
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
This film takes us back to Gru’s childhood, showing how he rose to become the villain we meet in the first Despicable Me movie. Although it’s technically another prequel, it’s a must-watch to fully understand Gru’s journey and his bond with the minions.
- Plot: Set in the 1970s, a young Gru dreams of becoming the world’s greatest villain. With the help of his loyal minions, he takes on a group of villains known as the Vicious 6.
- Key Characters: Young Gru, Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Belle Bottom, and the Vicious 6.
- Why it’s Important: This film provides deeper insight into Gru’s childhood, his motivations for becoming a villain, and his early connection with the minions.
Viewing Order of the Despicable Me Movies
To fully appreciate the Despicable Me universe, here’s the recommended viewing order:
- Despicable Me (2010) – Start here to meet Gru, the girls, and the minions.
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) – Continue Gru’s journey as he shifts from villain to hero.
- Minions (2015) – Go back in time to discover the origins of the minions.
- Despicable Me 3 (2017) – Meet Dru and see how Gru balances family and fighting villains.
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) – Delve into Gru’s childhood and early villainous days.
Table: Despicable Me Movies and Release Dates
Movie TitleRelease Date
Despicable Me 2010
Despicable Me 2 2013
Minions 2015
Despicable Me 3 2017
Minions: The Rise of Gru 2022
The Evolution of Gru and the Minions
One of the most remarkable aspects of watching the Despicable Me movies in order is witnessing the evolution of Gru and his relationship with the minions. Gru starts as a selfish villain focused on becoming the world’s top criminal. However, as the series progresses, he softens, becoming a loving father, husband, and hero. The minions, meanwhile, provide comic relief, but their loyalty and bond with Gru add emotional depth to the series.
Why the Minions are Fan Favorites
The minions have taken on a life of their own, becoming cultural icons in their own right. Their gibberish language, goofy personalities, and slapstick humour have made them beloved by fans of all ages. Despite their silliness, the minions are essential to the storyline, always helping Gru with his schemes and forming a unique part of his family.
What’s Next for Despicable Me?
While the latest film in the franchise, Minions: The Rise of Gru, has only recently been released, fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for Gru and his minions. Given the popularity of the series, it’s likely that more movies will be on the horizon. Whether we’ll see more prequels, sequels, or spin-offs remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—the Despicable Me universe is far from over.
Final Thoughts on Watching Despicable Me Movies in Order
In conclusion, watching the Despicable Me movies in order is the best way to fully experience Gru’s adventures and the delightful minions. Each film adds something new to the story, introducing new characters, developing relationships, or giving us a deeper look at Gru’s past. So, grab some popcorn, gather your family, and get ready to dive into the hilarious and heartwarming world of Despicable Me.
If you haven’t yet, make sure to watch the Despicable Me movies in order—you won’t regret it
