The yellow pill-shaped characters have taken over global cinema since 2010, but keeping track of all the minions movies can be confusing with prequels, sequels, and spin-offs. How many films exist, and what's the best order to watch them?
The Despicable Me franchise includes six theatrical feature films as of 2024: three main Despicable Me movies following Gru, two Minions prequel films exploring the yellow creatures' history, and multiple shorts. Understanding both release order and chronological timeline order helps fans experience the complete story properly.
Complete List of All Minions Movies
All of the minions movies released theatrically include both the main Despicable Me series and Minions standalone prequels. This expanded universe has generated over $4.6 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful animated franchises ever.
Complete theatrical release list:
- Despicable Me (2010) - Introduces Gru and Minions
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) - Gru joins Anti-Villain League
- Minions (2015) - Prequel set in 1960s
- Despicable Me 3 (2017) - Gru meets twin brother Dru
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) - Prequel set in 1970s
- Despicable Me 4 (2024) - Latest installment with Mega Minions
The minions toys collection features characters from across all films, allowing fans to collect representations from their favorite movie moments and eras.
All the Minions Movies in Order by Release Date
All the minions movies in order of theatrical release provides the sequence audiences originally experienced the franchise. This release order reveals how the series evolved and expanded based on audience reception and commercial success.
|
Film |
Release Date |
Box Office |
Setting |
Focus |
|
Despicable Me |
July 2010 |
$543 million |
Modern day |
Gru adopts girls |
|
Despicable Me 2 |
July 2013 |
$970 million |
Modern day |
Gru joins AVL |
|
Minions |
July 2015 |
$1.16 billion |
1960s |
Kevin, Stuart, Bob |
|
Despicable Me 3 |
June 2017 |
$1.03 billion |
Modern day |
Gru meets Dru |
|
Minions: The Rise of Gru |
July 2022 |
$939 million |
1970s |
Young Gru origin |
|
Despicable Me 4 |
July 2024 |
$969 million |
Modern day |
Mega Minions |
Release order shows the franchise's growing ambition and scope. The original Despicable Me established characters and world, while Despicable Me 2 confirmed franchise viability. The massive success of Minions (2015) proved the yellow characters could carry films independently.
The Rise of Gru (2022) faced pandemic delays, originally scheduled for 2020 but pushed back twice. Despite long wait, it achieved strong box office performance demonstrating franchise durability and fan loyalty across gaps.
Chronological Order: Timeline of Events
How to watch all the minions movies chronologically requires rearranging release order to follow the franchise's internal timeline. This approach reveals character backstories and world-building in linear narrative sequence.
Chronological timeline order:
- Minions (2015 film) - Set in 1968, shows Minions before meeting Gru
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022 film) - Set in 1976, young Gru's origin
- Despicable Me (2010) - Modern era, Gru adopts Margo, Edith, Agnes
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) - Shortly after first film, Gru and Lucy
- Despicable Me 3 (2017) - Continues Gru's story, introduces Dru
- Despicable Me 4 (2024) - Latest adventures with Gru's family
The prequel films provide context for Gru's character development and explain his relationship with Minions. Watching chronologically reveals how young Gru (age 11 in Rise of Gru) evolved into the villain-turned-father audiences know.
The Main Despicable Me Trilogy
All the despicable me and minions movies in order include three core films following Gru's transformation from supervillain to devoted father. These movies form the emotional heart of the franchise.
Despicable Me (2010) introduces Gru planning to steal the moon while reluctantly adopting three orphan girls. His journey from villain to loving father creates the franchise's emotional foundation. The Minions serve as comedic support while Gru's relationship with Margo, Edith, and Agnes drives the story.
Despicable Me 2 (2013) transitions Gru from villainy to heroism as he joins the Anti-Villain League. The film introduces Lucy Wilde, who becomes Gru's romantic interest and eventually wife. The Evil Minion subplot provides action while Gru navigates dating and single parenthood.
Despicable Me 3 (2017) reveals Gru has a twin brother Dru and introduces villain Balthazar Bratt, a former child star turned criminal. The film explores family themes while providing 1980s nostalgia through Bratt's character design and motivation.
Main trilogy themes:
- Gru's redemption and transformation
- Found family and adoption
- Balancing villain past with hero present
- Romantic relationship development
- Sibling dynamics and identity
The minions precool includes from key trilogy moments, capturing memorable scenes that define Gru's character journey across the main films.
The Minions Prequel Films
What are all of the minions movies focusing primarily on the yellow characters? Two prequel films shift focus from Gru to Minion adventures before and during his early villain career.
Minions (2015) explores their ancient history, showing they've existed since the dawn of time serving various villainous masters. The film follows Kevin, Stuart, and Bob in 1968 as they search for a new master after accidentally killing previous ones. They eventually meet young Gru at film's end, setting up Rise of Gru.
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) shows 11-year-old Gru's first interactions with his loyal yellow workforce in 1976 San Francisco. The film explains how Gru became a villain and why Minions remain so devoted to him. The Vicious 6 villain team and Wild Knuckles provide main conflicts.
Prequel film benefits:
- Explain Minion origins and biology
- Show Gru's childhood and villain formation
- Provide pure Minion comedy with minimal human focus
- Explore different historical eras (1960s, 1970s)
- Expand universe beyond main trilogy setting
Despicable Me 4: The Latest Entry
The newest addition to all the minions movies arrived in summer 2024. Despicable Me 4 introduces Mega Minions—five enhanced Minions with superpowers—while continuing Gru's family adventures.
The film features Gru and family entering witness protection after villain Maxime Le Mal escapes prison seeking revenge. The Mega Minion subplot provides superhero parody elements while maintaining franchise humor and heart.
Despicable Me 4 highlights:
- Introduces Mega Minions with superpowers
- Gru's family in witness protection
- New villain Maxime Le Mal
- Gru Jr. (Gru's baby son) featured
- Continues Lucy and girls' storylines
- Maintains franchise balance of humor and emotion
Short Films and Specials
Beyond theatrical releases, all of the minions movies content includes numerous short films expanding the universe. These mini-movies provide additional character development and comedy without requiring feature-length commitments.
Notable short films include:
- Orientation Day - New Minion's first day working for Gru
- Banana - Minions fight over a single banana
- Home Makeover - Minions redecorate while Gru's away
- Panic in the Mailroom - Chaos during package delivery
- Training Wheels - Agnes learns to ride a bike
- Puppy - Minions adopt a UFO thinking it's a dog
- Minion Scouts - Camping trip gone wrong
How to Watch All Minions Movies
How to watch all the minions movies depends on preferred streaming services and viewing format. The films appear across multiple platforms with availability varying by region and licensing agreements.
Viewing options:
- Streaming services - Netflix, Peacock, Amazon Prime (varies by region)
- Digital rental/purchase - iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon
- Physical media - DVD, Blu-ray, 4K UHD available for all films
- Cable on-demand - Check local providers for availability
- Theatrical re-releases - Occasional special screenings
For complete franchise experience, physical media collections offer best value. Box sets containing all films provide bonus features, deleted scenes, and commentary tracks unavailable through streaming.
Future of the Franchise
All the minions movies released so far represent just part of the franchise's potential. Illumination Entertainment has suggested additional films remain in development, though specific details remain unannounced.
The box office success of Despicable Me 4 virtually guarantees further entries. Industry analysts predict at minimum Despicable Me 5 and potentially another Minions prequel exploring different historical eras.
Potential future content:
- Despicable Me 5 continuing main timeline
- Additional Minion prequel films
- Spin-offs focusing on supporting characters
- Streaming-exclusive series or specials
- Theme park attractions and experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minions movies are there?
There are six theatrical Minions/Despicable Me films as of 2024: Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Minions (2015), Despicable Me 3 (2017), Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), and Despicable Me 4 (2024).
What is the correct order to watch all Minions movies?
For first-time viewers, watch in release order: Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Minions (2015), Despicable Me 3 (2017), Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), and Despicable Me 4 (2024).
Are the Minions movies connected?
Yes, all Minions and Despicable Me movies exist in the same continuity with connected storylines and character development.
Which Minions movie should I watch first?
Start with Despicable Me (2010), the original film that established the franchise. It introduces Gru, the Minions, and the core characters while providing the emotional foundation for the series.
Is Despicable Me 4 the last Minions movie?
Despicable Me 4 (2024) is the latest film but likely not the last. The movie's strong box office performance and continued franchise popularity suggest additional entries remain in development. Illumination Entertainment has indicated interest in continuing the series.
