Summary
Introducing the yellow, clumsy, hilarious sidekicks that became a staple of pop culture, theDespicable Mefranchise brought so many original and heartfelt moments to audiences. While there areamazing movie villainsout there with complex motivations, the franchise brings out a villain unlike any other. With his iconic voice, visuals, and big ambitions, Gru is an infamous and beloved animated antagonist at the heart of allDespicable Memovies, making it a cherished animated franchise.
Yet, the franchise expanded well beyond the villain, with four main installments and two spin-off movies, filled with their own charm. While some prioritize comedy, others promote character development, yet eachDespicable MeandMinionsmovie brings something to the table, making this a franchise filled with heart and laughter, as well as unique installments.
6Despicable Me 4
Tomatometer: 54%
Afterfive predecessor movies, critics are a bit more fed up with the franchise at this point, leaving the latest installment with the lowest score of them all, despite its talented cast, which includes Will Ferrell as the newest addition. Bringing Gru and Lucy’s son into the mix, the movie presents a new family dynamic, as they all go into hiding from their old nemesis, Maxime Le Mal and Valentina.
While the movie is cursed by being compared to the other features in the franchise,Despicable Me 4has its share of positive attributes, including a light-hearted story, cartoonish humor, and a great entry for new viewers. While its formulaic narrative might be a negative to critics, it brings a refreshing family adventure with beloved characters, even if it is not as groundbreaking as previous installments.
5Minions
Tomatometer: 56%
The spin-off franchise based on the yellow sidekicks might not reach the heights of the original franchise,but it had its own success. While the critics were not huge fans, the movie still had its dedicated audience, who enjoyed the slapstick humor that was at the center of the feature.
Focusing on the minions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob as they are recruited by Scarlett Overkill, the clumsy helpers bring a lot of comedy to the movie, even when it lacks narrative. Overall,Minionsis an enjoyable watch, especially for fans of the yellow sidekicks, despite not having as much heart as the otherDespicable Memovies.
4Despicable Me 3
Tomatometer: 58%
Even the best of trilogies have trouble with third installments and, despite not being a trilogy,Despicable Medid have a dip in its third feature. However, the movie still managed to add to Gru’s character development and bring some funny quips, with Steve Carell voicing both twins, Gru and Dru, in a hilarious adventure.
Unfortunately, by focusing on Gru’s relationship with his lost twin brother,Despicable Me 3diverged the focus from what made the franchise so popular: Gru’s relationship with his girls. Yet, the movie managed to solidify Gru’s redemption arc and keep the franchise’s humor with laugh-out-loud moments.
3Minions: The Rise Of Gru
Tomatometer: 70%
While the firstMinionssolo movie was not super well received,Minions: The Rise of Gruwas the sequel that nobody asked for but everyone needed. The hard truth is that the minions without Gru feel incomplete somehow, so the spin-off sequel fixed it by introducing a young Gru responsible for managing too many minions in his journey to become a villain.
Even though it felt like a villain origin story for Gru at points, the movie still managed to pivot the focus to the minions and their adventures. Showcasing that even villains have feelings and need friends, the secondMinionsmovie walks the villainy line carefully. Despite being aMinionsmovie, it still captured all that theDespicable Memovies are known for, mixing villainy with love and comedy, while having a change offocus to the small yellow sidekicks.
2Despicable Me 2
Tomatometer: 75%
Thesequel might not reach the heights of the first movie, but it brings a delightful journey, continuing Gru’s redemption journey as he goes further from a villain and solidifies himself more as a hero. Bringing an extra layer of complexity to all characters,Despicable Me 2still manages to keep all the best elements of the franchise at its core.
Moreover, the sequel brings romantic love to Gru’s life and a new setting with a unique villain, in a story as complex as the first one. With Lucy fitting in as a smooth addition and more minion comedy,Despicable Me 2has some of the most heartwarming and funny scenes in the franchise.
1Despicable Me
Tomatometer: 80%
While the collection has had many highlights throughout the years in its many movies, the originalDespicable Mestill manages to stay at the top, with its unique premise, following a villain with a character arc not usually seen in children’s movies. At its core, the movie comes as aredemption story about a villainwho gives up on villainy for love.
As Gru plans on stealing the moon, he adopts three little girls as part of his malicious plan but ends up caring for them as a true father, telling them stories, practicing dance moves, and all uncharacteristic things for a despicable antagonist. Funny, endearing, original, and the introduction of the minions, there is a reason this movie inspires so many other hilariousDespicable Memovies.
