Release order
Begin with Despicable Me. The Minions films are prequels, but they work best after the main films establish Gru and his very unusual household.
Mischief with a heart
Big plans.
Bigger family.
Gru’s four main films and the Minions prequels offer two ways into one playful world. Watch by release date for the jokes as audiences met them, or start earlier in Gru’s fictional life.
Despicable Me & Minions2010–2026About 11 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
The three Minions theatrical features come before Despicable Me in the broad story timeline. Their internal continuity is playful rather than exact. The four Gru films then follow in order.
The films / 7 theatrical releases
Despicable Me & Minions
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Despicable Me
Gru’s grand plan is disrupted by three sisters who change his priorities.
Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
With Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell BrandUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Despicable Me (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Despicable Me 2
A new mission brings Gru further into family life.
Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
With Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin BrattUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Despicable Me 2 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Minions
The small yellow sidekicks search for a leader before meeting Gru.
Directed by Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
With Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael KeatonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Minions (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Despicable Me 3
Gru encounters a surprising family connection.
Directed by Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda
With Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey ParkerUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Despicable Me 3 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Minions: The Rise of Gru
A younger Gru makes his first larger bid for villain fame.
Directed by Kyle Balda
With Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan ArkinUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Minions: The Rise of Gru (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Despicable Me 4
Gru and family face another change of identity and routine.
Directed by Chris Renaud
With Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will FerrellUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Despicable Me 4 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Minions & Monsters
The latest theatrical Minions adventure precedes Gru’s adult family years.
Directed by Pierre Coffin
With Pierre Coffin, Trey Parker, Christoph WaltzUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Minions & Monsters (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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