"Despicable Me 4" is out now. But Minions fans watching films in the order they were released could be missing out.
Minions in the "Despicable Me" spinoff, "Minions: The Rise of Gru."
Universal Pictures
The minions and Gru are back in "Despicable Me 4."
It is the sixth film in the highest-grossing animated franchise of all time.
If you plan to wathc, or rewatch, the series, here's the perfect order to do it.
"Despicable Me" fans watching the Minions films in the order they were released could be missing out.
Our approach, outlined below, will help you quickly feel invested in the franchise before exploring the Minions' backstory and seeing them go on ever-weirder adventures in the "Despicable Me" sequels.
After the first two "Despicable Me" movies premiered in 2010 and 2013, the franchise became a huge cultural phenomenon as kids and adults alike became obsessed with the bizarre Minions and their gibberish.
The production companies behind the franchise, Illumination and Universal Pictures, quickly took advantage of the hype, producing two more prequels and two sequels.
After "Minions: The Rise of Gru" premiered in 2022, the Minions cinematic universe became the highest-grossing animated franchise, with a total revenue of $4.6 billion across the first five films.
Now the minions and Gru are back again with a sixth film, "Despicable Me 4."
While many fans have likely watched the series in release order, we think there is a better way to experience the Minions cinematic universe in all its glory.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for the "Despicable Me" and "Minions" movies.
Start with "Despicable Me."
The Minions, Gru (Steve Carell), Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and Edith (Dana Gaier) in "Despicable Me."
Universal Pictures
"Despicable Me" is the perfect introduction to the wacky world of the Minions.
In this film, you meet Gru (Steve Carell) — a clumsy supervillain who is terrible at being evil — his horde of Minions, and his mad scientist, Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand).
To complete his mission to steal the moon, Gru decides to adopt three girls, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher).
Although the prequel movies explain how Gru and the Minions became who they are, the sweet relationship between Gru and his adopted children helps viewers feel invested in the characters and the franchise.
Next, jump to the past with "Minions."
Young Gru (Steve Carell) makes a cameo in the prequel movie "Minions."
Universal Pictures
"Minions" was released after "Despicable Me 2," but it could be helpful to understand the Minions backstory before watching the remaining "Despicable Me" movies.
The prequel explains that neither Gru nor Dr. Nerfario created the Minions.
Instead, they evolved to serve the most evil being they could find. (They lived in a cave in the Arctic during both world wars to avoid any awkward conversations).
After years of boredom, three Minions named Kevin, Stuart, and Bob head to 1968 New York to try to find a new evil master.
At the end of the movie, the trio meets young Gru.
Then watch the second prequel movie, "Minions: The Rise of Gru."
11-year-old Gru (Steve Carell) and the Minions in "Minions: The Rise of Gru."
Universal
"Minions: The Rise of Gru" is set eight years after the first movie, when the Minions are serving an 11-year-old Gru.
Don't think too much about how that would make Gru three years old in the first film. The timeline doesn't make sense.
In this film, Gru aims to join a supervillain team but is captured after a heist goes wrong. So Kevin, Stuart, and Bob must learn Kung Fu to save Gru and stop the supervillain team.
This movie establishes how powerful the Minions can be and introduces the Anti-Villain League, which will become important later. The mid-credit scene also explains how Dr. Nefario joined Gru's team.
Now, return to the main storyline with "Despicable Me 2."
Lucy (Kristin Wiig) and Gru (Steve Carell) first meet in "Despicable Me 2."
Universal Pictures
After learning the Minions' backstory, you can return to the "Despicable Me" movies and watch them in release order.
In "Despicable Me 2," Gru tries to raise his children and gets recruited by the Anti-Villain League (AVL).
Gru's love interest, AVL agent Lucy Wilde (Kristin Wiig), is introduced, and Dr. Nefario quits Gru's team. Also, multiple Minions are kidnapped and turned into indestructible monsters, showing the creatures' full potential.
Then watch "Despicable Me 3."
Gru and his long-lost twin Dru are both voiced by Steve Carell in "Despicable Me 3."
Universal
In "Despicable Me 3," Gru and Lucy are married but are kicked out of the AVL after a failed mission.
Gru then meets a long-lost twin, Dru, while some of the Minions, disillusioned with their non-evil master, leave him.
Finally, watch the new movie "Despicable Me 4."
Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristin Wiig) have a baby in "Despicable Me 4."
Universal/Illumination
According to the trailer, "Despicable Me 4" follows Gru and Lucy as they raise their newborn baby alongside their adopted children.
But the AVL must put the whole family into witness protection after an old villain escapes prison.
Meanwhile, five Minions are given superpowers and are being called MegaMinions.
