There are five released feature films featuring the Minions, including both movies where they are supporting characters and those where they take center stage. This article provides a comprehensive, chronological exploration of the Minion-centric corner of the Despicable Me franchise, answering all your burning questions about these banana-loving buddies.
The Minion Movie Timeline: Release Order and Beyond
Understanding the Minion saga means grasping the chronological order of their appearances in film. This section outlines the definitive order in which these films were released, offering a clear pathway through the Despicable Me universe.
1. Despicable Me (2010)
This is where it all began! Despicable Me introduced us to Gru, the supervillain with a heart of (eventually) gold, and his army of Minions. While not the main focus, the Minions quickly became a beloved part of the story, captivating audiences with their quirky antics and gibberish language. They’re crucial to Gru’s operations and integral to the film’s comedic success. They are, in essence, Gru’s loyal, if slightly inept, workforce.
2. Despicable Me 2 (2013)
The Minions play a significantly larger role in Despicable Me 2. Not only are they still providing comic relief, but they also become directly involved in the plot, undergoing transformations and participating in action sequences. Evil Minions are introduced, adding a new layer of chaos and danger to the narrative. This film cemented the Minions as bonafide stars, proving their ability to carry significant plot weight.
3. Minions (2015)
Finally, the Minions get their own standalone movie! Minions serves as a prequel, tracing their origins and their relentless pursuit of finding the most despicable master to serve. This film focuses on Kevin, Stuart, and Bob as they embark on a global adventure, encountering the villainous Scarlett Overkill and shaping their destiny before meeting Gru. The film reveals the evolutionary purpose of the Minions and their unwavering dedication to villainy.
4. Despicable Me 3 (2017)
The Minions are back alongside Gru in Despicable Me 3. While Gru grapples with his newfound brother, Dru, and confronts a new villain, Balthazar Bratt, the Minions experience their own internal conflicts and explore different career paths, showcasing their independent spirit. Although they have reduced screen time compared to Despicable Me 2, their presence continues to be an essential component of the franchise’s charm. They even attempt a jailbreak, highlighting their unwavering loyalty to each other.
5. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
Another prequel! Minions: The Rise of Gru further explores the Minions’ pre-Gru life, specifically their encounter with a young Gru aspiring to join the Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains. This film highlights the budding relationship between Gru and the Minions, showcasing how their shared love of mischief and chaos leads to an enduring partnership. The plot revolves around a stolen amulet, cementing their future together as the most despicable duo in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions: Diving Deeper into the Minion Universe
This section addresses common questions regarding the Minion movies, providing detailed answers and clarifying any confusion about their roles, timelines, and impact.
FAQ 1: What is the correct viewing order of the Despicable Me franchise, including the Minions movies?
The correct viewing order based on release date is:
- Despicable Me (2010)
- Despicable Me 2 (2013)
- Minions (2015)
- Despicable Me 3 (2017)
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
However, some prefer to watch chronologically within the story’s timeline. In that case, you’d watch the Minions movies first, followed by the Despicable Me movies. Both orders offer different perspectives on the narrative.
FAQ 2: Are the Minions movies considered canon to the Despicable Me storyline?
Yes, the Minions movies are absolutely canon. They provide the backstory for the Minions and their relationship with Gru, enriching the overall narrative of the Despicable Me franchise. Understanding the events in Minions and Minions: The Rise of Gru enhances the viewing experience of the main Despicable Me films.
FAQ 3: Why are the Minions movies prequels?
The Minions movies are prequels because they delve into the origins of the Minions and their journey to find a master, eventually leading them to Gru. This allows the franchise to explore the Minions’ history and motivations, adding depth to their characters and solidifying their connection to the main storyline.
FAQ 4: Which Minions movie is the most successful at the box office?
Minions (2015) is the most financially successful of the Minions movies, having grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. This demonstrates the immense popularity of the Minions and their ability to draw audiences to theaters even without Gru as the central figure.
FAQ 5: Who voices the Minions?
The vast majority of the Minion voices are provided by Pierre Coffin, who also co-directed the Despicable Me films and Minions movies. This consistency in voice acting contributes to the Minions’ unique and recognizable sound.
FAQ 6: What language do the Minions speak?
The Minions speak a unique language known as “Minionese” or “Banana Language.” It’s a blend of several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and even some Russian and Korean. While largely gibberish, it contributes significantly to their charm and comedic appeal.
FAQ 7: Will there be any more Minions movies in the future?
While nothing is officially confirmed beyond current projects, given the ongoing popularity of the franchise, it’s highly likely that more Minions movies will be produced in the future. The success of Minions: The Rise of Gru further solidified the potential for exploring more of the Minions’ pre-Gru adventures.
FAQ 8: Are the Minions all the same?
While they might appear similar at first glance, the Minions have distinct personalities and characteristics. Characters like Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Phil, Dave, and Jerry are often featured prominently and have identifiable traits. This adds layers to their character and makes them more than just a uniform horde.
FAQ 9: How long have the Minions been around?
According to the first Minions movie, the Minions have been around for millions of years, constantly searching for a despicable master to serve. This ancient history adds an intriguing element to their backstory and explains their unwavering dedication to villainy.
FAQ 10: What is the Minions’ favorite food?
The Minions are famously obsessed with bananas. This is a recurring gag throughout the franchise and has become a defining characteristic of their identity. Their love for bananas is a source of much humor and is often incorporated into merchandise and promotional materials.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch all the Minions and Despicable Me movies?
The Minions and Despicable Me movies are typically available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and through digital rental or purchase options on services like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region and current licensing agreements.
FAQ 12: What makes the Minions so popular?
The Minions’ popularity stems from several factors: their endearing design, their unique gibberish language, their slapstick humor, and their unwavering loyalty. These elements combine to create characters that are both funny and relatable, appealing to a wide audience across different age groups and cultures. They are, essentially, the perfect blend of chaos and cuteness.