Despicable Me Movies: Story Timeline

Other Watch Orders:
2010 - 20246 Films9h 15m4 Average

This chronological watch order begins with the Minions in the 1960s and follows their journey through finding young Gru in the 1970s, before transitioning to the modern-day films that chronicle his transformation into a family man. Starting with the Minions' origins provides complete context for their devotion to Gru and creates a more linear narrative flow.

While this approach offers satisfying story progression from the very beginning of the Minions' villain-seeking quest, it does mean experiencing Gru's character introductions differently than original audiences did. However, both orders work beautifully - this timeline approach simply prioritizes chronological storytelling over the theatrical reveal structure.

There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.

1
Minions poster

Minions

20151h 31m3.6
Director: Kyle Balda
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan

Three Minions named Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by super-villain Scarlet Overkill and her inventor husband Herb in their scheme to take over the world.

FamilyAnimationAdventureComedy
2
Minions: The Rise of Gru poster

Minions: The Rise of Gru

20221h 27m4.3
Director: Kyle Balda
Cast: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin, Taraji P. Henson, Julie Andrews

Young Gru dreams of joining his favorite supervillain group, the Vicious 6, and devises a plan to prove his evil credentials with help from his loyal Minions.

FamilyComedyAdventureAnimation
3
Despicable Me poster

Despicable Me

20101h 35m4.2
Director: Chris Renaud
Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Fisher, Dana Gaier

A supervillain's ambitious plan to steal the moon gets complicated when three orphaned girls unexpectedly enter his life. As Gru cares for the children, his cold heart begins to warm in this animated comedy about family and redemption.

FamilyComedyAnimation
4
Despicable Me 2 poster

Despicable Me 2

20131h 38m4
Director: Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand

Former supervillain Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help track down a dangerous new criminal threatening the world.

AnimationComedyFamily
5
Despicable Me 3 poster

Despicable Me 3

20171h 30m3.6
Director: Pierre Coffin
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier

Gru and his wife Lucy face off against Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star turned supervillain who threatens world domination.

ActionAnimationComedyFamilyAdventure
6
Despicable Me 4 poster

Despicable Me 4

20241h 34m4.1
Director: Chris Renaud
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Sofía Vergara, Miranda Cosgrove

Gru and Lucy welcome a new baby to their family while facing a dangerous new villain named Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, forcing them to go into hiding to protect their loved ones.

FamilyComedyAnimationScience Fiction