Despicable Me Movies in Order: All 7 Films, Including Minions

Start with Despicable Me (2010), then follow the seven-film release order below. That gives you Gru’s family story alongside all three Minions spin-offs. If you only want the numbered Despicable Me movies, watch 1 → 2 → 3 → 4; the prequels are not required first.

The newest entry, Minions & Monsters (2026), is the third Minions film—not Despicable Me 5. Here is where it fits, whether you are planning a full marathon or choosing something to watch after Despicable Me 4.

Despicable Me and Minions movies in release order

As of September 25, 2026, there are seven released feature films: four Despicable Me movies and three Minions movies. Start here for a first watch. The original introduces adult Gru and his adopted daughters before the spin-offs explore earlier adventures.

Just want Gru’s story—or just the Minions?

You do not have to alternate between the two series. Pick the shorter route that matches what you came for:

• Gru’s main family story: Despicable Me → Despicable Me 2 → Despicable Me 3 → Despicable Me 4.
• The Minions spin-offs, in release order: Minions → Minions: The Rise of Gru → Minions & Monsters.

If the children you are watching with mainly want Kevin, Stuart and Bob, start with Minions. If they want Gru and his daughters, start with Despicable Me. Either choice gives you a straightforward entry point without a seven-film commitment.

Despicable Me movies in chronological order

For a rewatch, you can move the prequels to the front. This order follows each film’s main setting, not the earliest flashback or historical montage it contains.

1. Minions & Monsters — 1920s Hollywood.
2. Minions — its central adventure takes place in the 1960s.
3. Minions: The Rise of Gru — young Gru in the 1970s.
4. Despicable Me
5. Despicable Me 2
6. Despicable Me 3
7. Despicable Me 4

There is one easy trap here: Minions opens with a history stretching much further back. That does not make its main adventure earlier than the Hollywood story. Keep the movies intact rather than trying to rearrange individual scenes.

Illumination’s description of Minions & Monsters establishes the 1920s setting and a new group of Minions, including James and Henry. It is an earlier-set story even though it was released last.

What should you watch after Despicable Me 4?

Minions & Monsters is the next release after Despicable Me 4. Its 2026 theatrical release brings the feature-film total to seven.

Do not expect it to pick up Gru’s family life immediately after film 4. It belongs to the spin-off series. If you skipped the earlier Minions films, you can instead catch up with Minions and The Rise of Gru in that order.

Do you need the shorts or a complete movie collection?

Minion mini-movies are optional extras, not missing chapters in the seven-feature sequence. A package advertising ten shorts does not add ten full-length movies to the franchise.

Before buying a collection, compare its included titles with your chosen route. “4-Movie Collection” describes a bundle; it is not another title for Despicable Me 4, and it does not necessarily contain the four numbered films. Older collections may also omit Minions & Monsters.

If you are renting or streaming instead, check each film separately. A subscription may include some entries while charging extra for others, and availability differs between countries.