Despicable Me Movies in Order: A Detailed Guide

Are you a fan of the delightful world of Minions and the lovable villain-turned-hero Gru? If so, you might be wondering about the best way to watch the “Despicable Me” movies in order. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the “Despicable Me” franchise, including the correct viewing order, key plot points, and interesting tidbits about each movie. Let’s dive into the wacky and heartwarming universe of “Despicable Me.”

Key Takeaways

• The “Despicable Me” franchise includes five main movies as of 2023.
• The chronological order starts with “Minions” (2015), followed by “Despicable Me” (2010), “Despicable Me 2” (2013), “Despicable Me 3” (2017), and “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (2022).
• The series revolves around Gru, his adopted daughters, and his mischievous Minions.
• Each film adds depth to the characters and expands the whimsical world they inhabit.

Despicable Me Movies in Order

The “Despicable Me” series is a blend of humor, heart, and adventure. Here’s the recommended order to watch these movies to fully appreciate the storyline and character development.

1. Minions (2015)

Plot Summary: The Minions movie serves as a prequel to the “Despicable Me” series. It explores the origin story of the adorable yellow henchmen and their quest to find a new evil master. The film is set in the 1960s and follows three Minions—Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—as they embark on a journey to find a new leader. They eventually meet Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first female supervillain.

Key Points:

• Introduction to the Minions’ backstory.
• Set in the 1960s, providing a retro feel.
• Scarlet Overkill as the main antagonist.

2. Despicable Me (2010)

Plot Summary: The first film in the series introduces us to Gru, a supervillain with a heart of gold. Gru plans to steal the moon to cement his status as the greatest villain of all time. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he adopts three orphaned girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—who change his outlook on life and love.

Key Points:

• Introduction of Gru and his transformation from villain to hero.
• The heartwarming adoption of Margo, Edith, and Agnes.
• Development of Gru’s relationship with the Minions.

3. Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Plot Summary: In the sequel, Gru has left his villainous ways behind and is now a devoted father. However, he is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help track down a new supervillain, El Macho. Gru teams up with AVL agent Lucy Wilde, and the two embark on a mission to save the world while navigating their budding romance.

Key Points:

• Gru’s transition to heroism and fatherhood.
• Introduction of Lucy Wilde and their romantic subplot.
• The threat posed by El Macho.

4. Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Plot Summary: In the third installment, Gru discovers he has a long-lost twin brother, Dru, who is eager to team up for a heist. Meanwhile, former child star-turned-villain Balthazar Bratt emerges as a new threat. The film explores themes of family, identity, and redemption as Gru navigates his complex relationships with Dru and Balthazar.

Key Points:

• Introduction of Gru’s twin brother, Dru.
• Balthazar Bratt as the quirky antagonist.
• Themes of family and self-discovery.

5. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Plot Summary: The most recent addition to the franchise, this film acts as a sequel to “Minions” and a prequel to “Despicable Me.” It follows a young Gru as he aspires to join the supervillain group known as the Vicious 6. With the help of his loyal Minions, Gru sets out on a journey that will shape his future as the world’s greatest villain-turned-hero.

Key Points:

• Focus on young Gru’s early aspirations of villainy.
• Introduction of the Vicious 6.
• Further development of the Minions’ loyalty to Gru.

Why Watch the Despicable Me Movies in This Order?

Watching the “Despicable Me” movies in this order allows you to experience the story in a way that builds on each character’s development and the overarching narrative. Starting with “Minions” provides context for the Minions’ background, which enhances the viewing of the subsequent films. Following with “Despicable Me” and its sequels allows you to see Gru’s transformation and the evolution of his relationships with his daughters, Lucy, and the Minions.

Character Evolution and Themes

The “Despicable Me” franchise is not just about humor and adventure; it also delves into themes of family, redemption, and self-discovery. Gru’s journey from a villain to a loving father and hero is at the heart of the series. The Minions, with their unwavering loyalty and comedic antics, add a layer of charm and whimsy to the story.

Each film introduces new characters and challenges that contribute to the growth of the main characters. From Gru’s adoption of the girls to his partnership with Lucy and the discovery of his twin brother, the series is rich with emotional and narrative depth.

The “Despicable Me” franchise offers a delightful blend of humor, heart, and adventure that appeals to audiences of all ages. By watching the movies in the recommended order, you can fully appreciate the character development and overarching storyline. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the world of Gru and the Minions promises an entertaining and heartwarming experience.

So grab some popcorn, gather your loved ones, and dive into the whimsical world of “Despicable Me.” You won’t be disappointed!