The Despicable Me movies in order franchise has captured the hearts of many with its lovable characters, witty humor, and heartwarming themes. From the first film’s release in 2010 to the upcoming release of Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022, the series has become a household name in the world of animated movies. In this article, we will take a closer look at the order of the Despicable Me movies, as well as any special features and Easter eggs that fans should keep an eye out for.
Starting with the original Despicable Me film, released in 2010, the franchise follows the journey of the lovable villain-turned-dad Gru, his three adopted daughters, and his army of mischievous minions. The film was a huge success, grossing over $543 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews for its heartwarming story, unique animation, and standout performances by Steve Carell and the rest of the cast.
Since then, the franchise has continued to grow with the release of Despicable Me 2 in 2013, Minions in 2015, and Despicable Me 3 in 2017. With each new installment, fans have been treated to more heartwarming adventures, hilarious antics, and unforgettable moments.
Contents
Despicable Me (2010)
The first installment of the animated film franchise showcases the journey of a supervillain named Gru as he attempts to steal the moon with the help of his loyal army of minions. ‘Despicable Me’ (2010) introduces us to Gru, who is portrayed as a ruthless and cunning mastermind, who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. However, as the story progresses, we see the evolution of Gru’s character as he starts to develop a soft spot for three orphan girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, who he initially adopts for his own selfish gain.
The role of the girls in the plot is significant, as they serve as a catalyst for Gru’s transformation from a villain to a hero. Throughout the film, we see how the girls’ innocence and unconditional love gradually melt Gru’s heart, making him realize that there is more to life than just being a villain. The chemistry between Gru and the girls is heartwarming, and their relationship serves as the emotional core of the movie. Overall, ‘Despicable Me’ is not only entertaining but also offers a valuable lesson about the power of love and redemption.
Despicable Me 2 (2013)
The second installment of the Despicable Me franchise, released in 2013, titled Despicable Me 2, continues the story of Gru and his newly adopted daughters. The plot analysis of this movie reveals that the story revolves around Gru’s struggle to find his place in the world after giving up his villainous activities. He is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help them catch a dangerous new villain, and in doing so, he must navigate his way through fatherhood and a new career as a spy.
One of the most significant aspects of Despicable Me 2 is the character development of Gru. The movie shows him in a new light, as a loving father who is trying to do the right thing for his family. The film portrays his journey of transformation from a villain to a hero, which is heart-warming and humorous at the same time. The movie also introduces new characters, such as Lucy, who becomes Gru’s partner in crime-fighting and love interest.
The chemistry between Gru and Lucy adds a new layer of humor to the movie, and their interactions are some of the most enjoyable moments in the film. Overall, Despicable Me 2 is a delightful addition to the franchise, with an engaging plot and well-developed characters.
Minions (2015)
Released in 2015, Minions explores the origins and adventures of the beloved yellow creatures who first appeared in the Despicable Me franchise, as they search for a new evil master to serve. The film takes the audience on a journey through time, showcasing the hilarious antics of the minions as they evolve and develop over the centuries, from serving the dinosaurs to Napoleon Bonaparte. The minions’ language and culture add to the humor of the film, as they speak a gibberish language that is both endearing and incomprehensible.
The minions have had a significant impact on popular culture, becoming a household name and a symbol of the franchise’s success. Their merchandise and fan base are a testament to their popularity, with countless items available for purchase, from toys and clothing to home decor and food products.
The minions’ role in the franchise’s success is undeniable, as they have become one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the film industry. Their appearance in other movies and media only further cements their iconic status, and their future in the franchise is sure to be bright.
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Despicable Me 3 continues the story of Gru, Lucy, and their family as they face a new villain, Balthazar Bratt, a former child star turned evil mastermind who seeks to take over the world. The film explores Gru’s family dynamics as he struggles to balance his responsibilities as a father to his adopted daughters and his duties as a secret agent.
One of the highlights of Despicable Me 3 is the introduction of Gru’s long-lost twin brother, Dru. Dru is everything Gru is not – he’s charming, wealthy, and has a full head of blonde hair. The dynamic between the two brothers adds a new layer to the film’s exploration of family relationships. Along with the new characters, the Minions continue to provide comic relief with their hilarious antics and misadventures. Overall, Despicable Me 3 is a fun and entertaining addition to the franchise that will delight both children and adults alike.
Minions The Rise of Gru (2022)
Minions: The Rise of Gru is the latest addition to the Despicable Me franchise, and it serves as a prequel to the original Despicable Me movie. The film explores Gru’s origin story and introduces audiences to a younger version of his loyal minions, who are on a mission to become the world’s greatest villains. The movie also features new characters, including a young Gru and his mentor, Wild Knuckles.
The Rise of Gru promises to be a thrilling and entertaining addition to the franchise. The movie’s emphasis on Gru’s backstory and the minions’ quest to become the world’s greatest villains is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. The addition of new characters, such as Wild Knuckles, adds another layer of complexity to the story and promises to make for an exciting viewing experience. Overall, Minions: The Rise of Gru is a must-see movie for any fan of the Despicable Me franchise, and it is sure to be a hit at the box office.
Specials and Spin-offs
The Specials and Spin-offs section of the Despicable Me franchise offers fans a chance to further immerse themselves in the world of Gru and his minions. One of the most popular spin-offs is Minion Madness, a series of short films that showcase the antics of the lovable yellow creatures. These shorts provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the minions, often featuring their mischievous behavior and playful interactions. They also offer a chance for fans to see the minions in different settings, such as a vacation resort or a talent show.
Another spin-off worth mentioning is Agnes’ Adventures, a series of animated shorts that focus on the youngest member of Gru’s family. Agnes is a fan favorite, known for her innocent demeanor and love for unicorns. These shorts follow her on various adventures, such as going on a camping trip or starting her own business.
They offer a sweet and heartwarming look into Agnes’ world, and provide a break from the more action-packed main films. Overall, the specials and spin-offs of the Despicable Me franchise add depth and variety to the beloved series, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
Easter Eggs and References to Look Out For
Numerous Easter eggs and references are scattered throughout the Despicable Me franchise, providing attentive fans with an opportunity to spot hidden gems that add to the overall viewing experience. For example, in the first film, eagle-eyed viewers may notice a poster in Gru’s lair that reads “Missing: Goya’s Saturn Devouring His Son.” This is a reference to the famous painting by Francisco Goya, which depicts the Greek myth of Saturn eating his children. The poster hints at Gru’s own villainous nature and sets the tone for the film.
Background details are also abundant in the Despicable Me movies, with each scene offering a wealth of visual information that adds depth to the story. In the second film, for instance, viewers can spot a sign outside the mall that reads “Grumpier Old Men 2: Still Grumpy.” This is a nod to the 1995 film Grumpier Old Men, which starred Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon.
This reference adds an extra layer of humor to the scene and demonstrates the filmmakers’ attention to detail. Overall, the Despicable Me franchise is a treasure trove of Easter eggs and references that reward dedicated fans with a richer, more immersive viewing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Despicable Me franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, bringing joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. With its lovable characters, heartwarming storylines, and clever humor, it has established itself as a beloved part of modern cinema. The franchise’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down, and fans eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.
