The Despicable Me series is one of the most popular franchises in the world, owing its success to its great animation and humorous scenes featuring lovable characters like Gru or the Minions. With so many films in the series, you may be tempted to skip around while watching them, but for those who are new to this universe and are looking to explore its comedy, adventure, and warm tales, make sure you follow this guide, which contains in-depth information and background so that you never miss out on any adventures featuring Despicable Me.
1. Despicable Me (2010)
The first installment of the film introduces us to Gru, a supervillain who has aspirations to rob the moon of her glow. Gru is truly a perfectionist when it comes to his job, but there is a dramatic change when he crosses paths with three orphan girls named Margo, Edith, and Agnes. These girls undergo a radical transformation throughout the series and rekindle the very essence of compassion dormant within Gru.
In addition, the outcome of the film also features the birth of the Minions, who bring a completely novel element of exuberant chaos along with charm to Gru’s life. Despicable Me was an instantaneous success, capturing the hearts of both adults and children, and from there has had no shortage of sequels and spin-offs.
Key Points:
- Launched in 2010
- Features Gru and the Minions
- Emphasizes transformation, family, and comedy
- Suitable for all age groups
2. ‘Despicable Me 2’ (2013)
Set a few years after the events in the first movie, Gru has settled down into a loving father figure. He’s moved on from being a villain, but his quiet life comes crashing down when the Anti-Villain League recruits him to help with a new supervillain: El Macho.
This film continues tracking Gru’s transformation from a villain into a father figure, over the top with Minion chaos and plenty of action. It’s more light-hearted than the previous film but still focuses on the importance of family and redemption.
Essential Details:
- Release Year: 2013
- The transition of Gru from a villain to a family man continues.
- New figures like Lucy Wilde are added.
- Extra chaos from the Minions, alongside more action and humor, is enjoyed.
3. Minions (2015)
Minions is a prequel focusing on the iconic yellow creatures prior to them meeting Gru. The film traces the Minions’ extensive history that chronicles their simplistic beginnings and their pursuit of the ultimate evil leader. The narrative details the Minions’ journey in search of a new villain, Scarlett Overkill, while trying to figure out the ideal mastermind to follow.
The Minions tell the story, providing comic relief through the famed Minion antics, and while Gru is not the main character in this movie, it offers a more detailed account of the Minions and their reasons.
Important Details:
- Launched in 2015
- A prequel that highlights the tale of the Minions
- The addition of a new villain Scarlett Overkill
- Contains a lot of slapstick humor and Minion antics
4. Despicable Me 3 (2017)
In Despicable Me 3, Gru goes up against an old nemesis: Balthazar Bratt, a villainous ex-child star. Additionally, Gru discovers he has a long-lost twin brother named Dru, who is the complete opposite of Gru: rich, self-assured, and an eager supervillain. The two siblings form an alliance, but trouble arises when Gru struggles with his past life as a villain and his present life as a father.
There is a lot of heart brought to this movie—the dynamic of family, the sibling rivalry, and the internal conflict of Gru between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ are wonderfully explored. The Minions also make a return in this installment as they once again find themselves in trouble due to their chaotic nature.
Key Points
- Released in 2017
- Focuses on Gru’s brother, Dru, who was never found
- Introduces Balthazar Bratt
- A combination of action and comedy with familial themes
5. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
Minions: The Rise of Gru is a direct sequel to 2015’s Minions and chronicles another of Gru’s childhood stories. Gru, a supervillain wannabe in his youth, can be seen in the mid-70s attempting to steal a gemstone; this puts him in hot water with the Vicious 6, a menacing band of villains. With the help of his minions, Gru goes on a quest to prove his worth.
This film is filled with nostalgic references and humorous scenes while further developing Gru’s character into the beloved villain he is known to be.
Key Pointers:
- Released 2022
- The plot focuses on young Gru in the 1970s.
- Shows Gru’s journey into villainy.
- New villains are added into the mix, such as the Vicious 6.
Why You Should Watch the Despicable Me Movies in Order
Watching the franchise is interesting, but it is more so when watching it in terms of sequence. One such benefit of this particular order is following Gru, a ruthless villain-turned father, as he undergoes gradual yet notable character development. Diving deeper, it allows better comprehension of the Minions, unraveling the context of how these beloved characters became the lovable troublemakers adored by the audience. Its action and humorous nature, paired with wholesome family scenes, create an enchanting experience for both children and adults.
Key Takeaways:
Despicable Me in chronological order reveals the full character arc, telling the story of Gru’s transition from a villain into a father figure.
Every single movie displays the evolution of the character’s familial bonds and highlights the significance of love, redemption, and diligence.
The Minions movies portray these creatures in great detail, showcasing their notorious behavior and explaining why they do what they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the order of the Despicable Me movies?
The sequence is as follows: Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), and Minions (2015), followed by Despicable Me 3 (2017), and finally Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022).
2. Should I view the Minions movies to understand Despicable Me?
Though the Minions films offer some context, you can partake in the Despicable Me series without needing to watch them beforehand.
3. Are the Minions movies vital to the core Despicable Me storyline?
While the Minions films delve into their connection with Gru, they serve mostly as offshoots and are not essential viewing for understanding the main Despicable Me films.
4. Which Despicable Me movie is best to start with?
To initiate viewing, the first Despicable Me movie is best, as it contains all of the ensemble’s primary characters and establishes the foundation for the franchise.
5. Are all ages appropriate for viewing Despicable Me?
The Despicable Me movies are indeed family-friendly films suitable for people of any age.
