Comprehensive Despicable Me List of Movies: Every Film in Release and Chronological Order

As of 2026, the Despicable Me franchise consists of six feature-length films: four installments in the main Despicable Me series and two Minions prequel spin-offs. The franchise also includes over 15 short films and a variety of television specials, making it the highest-grossing animated film series in history.

The Despicable Me universe, created by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, has evolved from a single story about a villainous mastermind into a multi-generational family saga. Understanding the correct order to watch these films—whether by release date or narrative chronology—is essential for fans who want to track the development of Gru, his daughters, and the chaotic history of the Minions. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of every movie in the franchise, their plot significance, and where the series stands in 2026.

The Core Despicable Me Franchise (The Main Storyline)

The main series follows the journey of Felonious Gru, a supervillain who finds redemption through fatherhood. These films are set in the contemporary era and progress linearly.

Despicable Me (2010)

The film that started it all introduced audiences to Gru, a "top-tier" villain voiced by Steve Carell, who finds himself struggling to maintain his status against younger, more tech-savvy rivals like Vector (Jason Segel). Gru’s plan to steal the Moon requires him to use three orphan girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—as pawns in his scheme.

However, the core of the movie is the emotional transformation Gru undergoes. This film established the signature visual style of Illumination: vibrant, slapstick-heavy, and character-driven. It also introduced the Minions, the small, yellow, gibberish-speaking henchmen who would eventually become global cultural icons. The movie's success was rooted in its ability to balance subversive "villain" humor with a genuine heart-warming core.

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

By the second installment, Gru has completely retired from his life of crime to focus on being a father. His domestic life is interrupted when he is recruited by the Anti-Villain League (AVL) to track down a new threat who has stolen a dangerous mutagen called PX-41.

This film introduced Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig), an energetic AVL agent who eventually becomes Gru’s love interest and wife. Despicable Me 2 expanded the lore of the Minions by introducing the "Evil Minions"—purple, wild-haired versions of the characters transformed by the mutagen. The film solidified the franchise's commercial power, fueled largely by the "Happy" soundtrack produced by Pharrell Williams.

Despicable Me 3 (2017)

The third film focuses on the theme of biological family versus chosen family. Gru discovers he has a long-lost twin brother named Dru, who lives in a massive mansion in Freedonia and dreams of becoming a world-class villain like their father.

While Gru struggles with his brother's incompetence and his own desire to remain a "good guy," they must team up to stop Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star turned supervillain who is obsessed with his old character. This movie explored Lucy’s growth as a stepmother and showcased the Minions’ brief attempt to strike out on their own, ending in a comical prison break sequence.

Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Released in the summer of 2024, the fourth main installment took a "family on the run" approach. The story introduces Gru Jr., Gru and Lucy’s biological son, who seems to harbor a hilarious grudge against his father. The family is forced into witness protection to escape the vengeful Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara).

The film notably introduced the Mega Minions—five Minions who are granted superpowers via a serum, parodying contemporary superhero cinema. Despite the chaotic plot lines, the film remained grounded in Gru’s attempt to bond with his infant son while maintaining his cover as a suburban salesman named "Chet."

The Minions Prequel Series (Spin-offs)

Due to the overwhelming popularity of Gru’s henchmen, Illumination developed a prequel series that explores the origin of the Minions and how they eventually met a young Gru.

Minions (2015)

Set primarily in 1968, this prequel reveals that the Minions have existed since the beginning of time with a singular purpose: to serve the most despicable master they can find. After failing to keep masters like a T-Rex, Napoleon, and Dracula alive, three Minions—Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—venture to "Villain-Con" in Orlando.

They are recruited by Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the world’s first female supervillain. The film is a period piece filled with 60s British culture and music. It concludes with the Minions' first meeting with a young Gru, setting the stage for the second prequel.

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Set in the 1970s, this film bridges the gap between the 2015 prequel and the original 2010 movie. It follows a 12-year-old Gru as he tries to join a team of supervillains known as the Vicious 6. When the interview goes poorly, Gru steals a precious artifact from them, leading to a high-stakes chase.

The film explores Gru’s mentorship under Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) and emphasizes that even as a child, Gru’s "villainy" was always secondary to his need for belonging. The "GentleMinions" social media trend significantly boosted this film's box office, making it a cultural phenomenon in the early 2020s.

Complete List of Feature Films by Release Date

To watch the films as they were originally presented to the public, follow this list. This is the recommended order for first-time viewers to appreciate the evolution of the animation and the introduction of new characters.

Chronological Viewing Order

If you want to experience the story according to the timeline of the characters' lives, you should watch the prequels first. This order allows you to see Gru grow from a 12-year-old boy into a father and, eventually, a grandfather-figure to his growing family.

1. Minions (2015): Starts with the dawn of time, but the bulk of the story takes place in 1968.
2. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022): Takes place in the mid-1970s (approx. 1976).
3. Despicable Me (2010): Set in the contemporary era (presumably around 2010-2012).
4. Despicable Me 2 (2013): Follows shortly after the first film.
5. Despicable Me 3 (2017): Set roughly a year or two after the second film.
6. Despicable Me 4 (2024): Set several years after the third film, as Gru Jr. is an infant/toddler.

The Significance of "Mini-Movies" (Short Films)

In addition to the feature films, Illumination has released nearly 20 short films, usually packaged with the home media (Blu-ray/DVD) releases or shown before other theatrical films. While not required for the main plot, they offer deep dives into the Minions' antics and side characters.

Notable short films include:

• Orientation Day: New Minions are trained in the basics of bomb carrying and lab safety.
• Home Office: A chaotic look at Gru’s transition to working from home.
• Competition: Two Minions engage in an escalating series of challenges in a lab.
• Mooned: A 2023 short showing what happened to Vector after he was stranded on the Moon in the first film.

These shorts are essential for fans of the franchise's slapstick humor, as they often feature no dialogue and rely entirely on visual comedy and the "Minion-ese" language.

The Future of the Franchise in 2026 and Beyond

As of early 2026, the Despicable Me universe shows no signs of slowing down. Universal Pictures and Illumination have officially confirmed that Minions 3 is in development, with a scheduled release date of June 30, 2027. While plot details remain under wraps, it is expected to continue the "Rise of Gru" era, potentially showing Gru's late teenage years or his first major solo heists.

There is also ongoing speculation regarding Despicable Me 5. Given the massive box office success of the fourth film—which surpassed $900 million globally—industry analysts expect a fifth main-line movie to be announced for a 2029 or 2030 release. The franchise's strategy of alternating between the "past" (Minions) and the "present" (Gru’s family) has proven highly effective at maintaining audience interest across different demographics.

Technical Milestones and Cultural Impact

The Despicable Me list of movies represents more than just a successful commercial venture; it marks a shift in the animation industry. Illumination Entertainment, led by Chris Meledandri, pioneered a "mid-budget" high-quality animation model. By keeping production costs significantly lower than competitors like Pixar or Disney (usually under $100 million per film), the franchise has achieved unparalleled profit margins.

The "Minions" themselves have become a marketing juggernaut. According to Box Office Mojo, the franchise as a whole has grossed over $5 billion. The character designs, specifically the Minions, were created to be simple yet expressive, allowing for easy translation into merchandise, theme park attractions (such as "Minion Land" at Universal Studios), and digital memes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Despicable Me movie should I watch first?

For the best experience, start with the original Despicable Me (2010). While the Minions movies take place earlier in the timeline, the 2010 film is designed to introduce the audience to the characters and the tone of the universe. The emotional payoffs in the prequels are more effective if you already know who Gru becomes later in life.

How many Despicable Me and Minions movies are there in total?

As of 2026, there are six released feature films. These include Despicable Me 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Minions and Minions: The Rise of Gru. A seventh film, Minions 3, is scheduled for 2027.

Are the Minions immortal?

According to the lore established in the 2015 Minions movie, the Minions are an ancient species that has existed since the beginning of life on Earth. They do not appear to age and can survive in extreme conditions, such as the vacuum of space or the depths of the ocean, suggesting they are biologically immortal or at least incredibly resilient.

Is Despicable Me 4 the last movie?

No, Despicable Me 4 is not the final film. While Gru's character arc reached a new milestone with the birth of Gru Jr., the announcement of Minions 3 for 2027 confirms that Illumination is committed to expanding the franchise. A Despicable Me 5 is highly likely given the series' continued financial dominance.

Who provides the voice for Gru?

Steve Carell has voiced Gru in every feature film and most of the short films since the franchise's inception in 2010. His unique accent—a blend of various Eastern European and comedic influences—is a hallmark of the character.

Practical Recommendation for Viewers

If you are planning a marathon of the Despicable Me movies, the most rewarding path is the Chronological Order. Starting with the 2015 Minions film allows you to see the "origin of the species," followed by The Rise of Gru to see how the bond between the Minions and Gru was forged. Then, watching the main tetralogy (Despicable Me 1-4) provides a satisfying conclusion to Gru’s journey from a lonely villain to a father of four. For parents, this order is also helpful as the prequels are generally more slapstick-oriented, while the later films introduce more complex family themes that older children can appreciate.