It's hard to believe it has been nearly 15 years since fans were first introduced to moon-stealing supervillain Felonious Gru (Steve Carell) and his cute army of clueless Minions in Despicable Me. But three adopted daughters, two sequels and a pair of prequel spin-offs later, and here we are, about to reunite with the former evil-doer in the wickedly anticipated Despicable Me 4.
For those keeping score, the series kicked off in 2010 with Despicable Me, which was soon followed in 2013 by Despicable Me 2. The first franchise spin-off, Minions, then arrived in 2015, before the second mainline sequel, Despicable 3 hit in 2017. And most recently, in 2022, we got the second spin-off, Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Now, before infiltrating the cineplex to take in the franchise's sixth film/fourth main entry – which you can purchase tickets for right now – you may be wondering what happened in the first five films. No worries. Whether you've never watched the Despicable Me movies or you're a longtime fan craving a refresher, we've got you got covered with a chronological recap of all the Despicable Me movies in order.
Too Long, Didn't Read summary:
• Seven long years after Despicable Me 3, Gru and company finally return in the enormously popular series' next installment, landing like a laser gun beam on July 3.
• Despicable Me 4 follows five previous franchise films, including two Minions-starring spin-offs, 2015's Minions and 2022's Minions: The Rise of Gru.
• If you're looking for a quick recap on the first three Despicable Me movies and the pair of Minions movies, read on to catch up on the story so far in chronological order.
Minions (2015)
56% on the Tomatometer
While it was released five years after the series' debut entry – and two years after Despicable Me 2 – this first Minions-focused spin-off actually serves as a prequel to Despicable Me. Following the tiny henchmen's scene-stealing success in the original film, animation studio Illumination decided to give fans more of what they wanted: a story entirely dedicated to the adorable, yellow, overall-wearing creatures.
Working as a sort of origin story for the master-serving little monsters, Minions finds the titular antiheroes without a supervillain to serve after having accidentally killed all their previous bosses. Centered on the trio of Kevin, Stuart and Bob, the tale sees them seeking out Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the world's first female supervillain. The story's primarily focused on this quest and these characters, but a younger version of Gru does make an appearance before the film's finale.
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
70% on the Tomatometer
The fifth film in the Despicable Me franchise serves as both a sequel to Minions and prequel to the original Despicable Me. This second series' spin-off once again puts the Minions front and center, but also makes the pre-teen Gru a more significant supporting character.
Steve Carell once again voices the budding baddie, who recruits the Minions – including the returning Kevin, Stuart and Bob – but soon banishes them following a mishap. The sequel/prequel also introduces colorful villain crew the Vicious 6, as well as their former leader and Gru's future mentor Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin). The loyal underlings thwart the Vicious 6, save Gru and ultimately redeem themselves in the eyes of their master.
Despicable Me (2010)
80% on the Tomatometer
The film that started it all is also one of the franchise's best efforts. In addition to introducing Gru in his evil-doing prime, the debut entry presents the fan-favorite Minions – who'd soon receive their own spin-off series – as well as adorable orphan trio Margo, Edith and Agnes.
Of course, those three little girls went on to not only steal viewers' hearts, but also Gru's. The likeable young ladies manage to bring out the cranky criminal's softer side, leading him to abandon his nefarious, selfish ways in favor of putting their safety and happiness first. Gru soon adopts the girls and begins his transformation from evil-doer to do-gooder.
Despicable Me 2 (2013)
75% on the Tomatometer
The Despicable Me franchise really hit its stride with its first sequel, which was able to forgo much of the world-building and character introductions of the original film and lean into its strengths for an even funnier story that fires on all cylinders. Despicable Me 2 sees Gru officially leave his supervillain past behind as he teams up, albeit reluctantly, with the Anti-Villain League.
His association with the AVL also introduces Lucy Wilde (voiced by Kristen Wiig, who played the orphanage owner in the first film), his partner and love interest. With plenty of encouragement from Margo, Edith and Agnes, Gru and Wilde ultimately wed. On top of all that, Despicable Me 2 also gave us the evil, purple, mutated Minions!
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
58% on the Tomatometer
Featuring the most complex storyline in the Despicable Me franchise, Despicable Me 3 introduces two significant characters and a twisty plot that takes some unexpected turns.
The film kicks off with Gru and his new wife/fellow AVL agent Lucy Wilde getting fired from the evil-thwarting agency. Things get even more complicated when Gru discovers he has a villainous twin brother, Dru Gru (also voiced by Carell). Toss in brand new baddie Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), Gru's disenchanted Minions abandoning their boss and the resulting strain all this puts on Margo, Edith, Agnes and Lucy, and Despicable Me 3 is a bit of a roller coaster from start to finish.
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Seven years after the last mainline entry, Despicable Me 4 reunites fans with loving parents/Anti-Villain League partners Gru and Lucy, as well as their adopted daughters. The franchise's sixth film is taking a bigger-is-better approach, adding not only a new family member – baby Gru Jr. – but a brand new big bad played by none other than The LEGO Movie's Lord Business, Will Ferrell. Of course, the banana-loving Minions are also back, but look a bit different thanks to a top secret program that transforms them into mega-agents with superhero-like abilities. We're sure that'll work out just fine.
