by inThe Despicable Me movies in order has become a household name since its first movie release in 2010. The series of animated films, produced by Illumination Entertainment, follows the villain-turned-hero Gru and his loyal minions in their misadventures. With the fourth installment in the works, it’s worth revisiting the franchise by examining the Despicable Me movies in order.
The Despicable Me franchise has been praised for its humor, heart, and animation, making it a favorite among children and adults. The series has grossed over $3.7 billion worldwide, making it Illumination Entertainment’s most successful franchise. As the franchise continues to evolve, it’s essential to examine the themes and messages that have resonated with audiences and the future direction of the Despicable Me universe.
Table of Contents
Despicable Me (2010)
The introductory film of the Despicable Me franchise, released in 2010, follows the story of Gru, a supervillain who adopts three orphan girls as part of his plan to steal the moon. Exploring Gru’s backstory, the movie provides a glimpse into the life of a young Gru, constantly overshadowed by his mother’s achievements and his successful twin brother, Dru. As an adult, Gru is determined to prove himself and become the most notorious villain in the world.
However, his plan to steal the moon is thwarted by the intervention of the three orphan girls – Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Initially, Gru sees the girls as nothing more than pawns in his scheme, but as he spends more time with them, he begins to bond. Ultimately, their love and affection lead Gru to abandon his evil ways and become a hero. The role of the girls in the plot is not only to provide a counterbalance to Gru’s villainous tendencies but also to highlight the importance of family, love, and compassion.
Despicable Me 2 (2013)
Released in 2013, the second film in the Despicable Me franchise follows the reformed villain Gru as he teams up with the Anti-Villain League to stop a dangerous new threat. Like its predecessor, the film is a hit with audiences and critics alike. The movie is full of action, humor, and heart, making it an excellent watch for all ages.
One of the most exciting aspects of Despicable Me 2 is the exploration of Lucy’s role in the story. Lucy, an agent of the Anti-Villain League, is introduced as Gru’s partner in crime-fighting. She is a robust and capable character who provides a great foil to Gru’s more reserved personality. Throughout the film, we see her develop a close relationship with Gru and his daughters, adding an emotional depth to the story missing in the first movie.
Additionally, introducing the new villain Eduardo, creates a sense of urgency and danger that raises the stakes for our favorite characters. Eduardo is a former friend of Gru’s who has turned to a life of villainy, and his presence adds a layer of complexity to the story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Despicable Me 2 is a worthy successor to the first film and a great addition to the franchise.
Minions The Rise Of Gru (2015)
2015 the animated film Minions was released as a spin-off from the Despicable Me franchise. The film focused on the lovable yellow creatures as they searched for a new villain to serve. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
The impact of Minions on pop culture cannot be denied. The characters have become a cultural phenomenon, appearing on clothing, toys, and even food products. The success of the spin-off has also raised questions about the future of the Despicable Me franchise. While some argue that the spin-off has taken away from the original films, others believe that it has only added to the franchise’s overall success. Regardless, Minions has undoubtedly left its mark on animation and pop culture.
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
One of the most successful animated franchises of recent years, Despicable Me, continued its legacy with the release of its third installment in 2017. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, Despicable Me 3 introduced new characters like Gru’s twin brother Dru and the villain Balthazar Bratt. The movie follows Gru as he discovers his long-lost brother, and the two team up to take down Bratt, a former child star turned villain who seeks revenge against Hollywood for canceling his show.
Apart from introducing new characters, Despicable Me 3 also impacted the franchise’s overall plot. The movie marked a significant shift in focus from Gru’s criminal past to his family life and relationship with Lucy, his wife. The addition of Dru allowed for a deeper exploration of Gru’s past and the development of his character as a family man. Overall, Despicable Me 3 was a successful addition to the franchise, maintaining the humor and heart that fans had come to love while bringing new elements to the story.
The Evolution of Gru’s Character
Gru’s character has changed significantly throughout the Despicable Me franchise, from a notorious villain to a doting family man. Gru’s redemption is evident in his transformation from a selfish, power-hungry supervillain to a loving, protective father and husband. His character development is seen in his deepening relationships with his daughters, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, and his wife, Lucy.
Gru’s evolution as a character is a testament to the Despicable Me franchise’s success in creating a nuanced and multi-layered protagonist. His journey from a villain to a hero is entertaining and inspiring. His transformation highlights the importance of family and the power of love to change a person’s perspective. Overall, Gru’s character development serves as a reminder that redemption is always possible and that people can change for the better if they choose to.
Themes and Messages Across the Franchise
As we have seen in the previous subtopic, the character of Gru has undergone significant changes throughout the Despicable Me franchise. However, these changes are not the only aspect that makes the movies captivating. The franchise has always been known for its insightful themes and messages that explore various aspects of human nature. This subtopic will delve deeper into these themes and messages, specifically, ‘Exploring Morality, Finding Family: Themes in Despicable Me Franchise.’
One of the most prominent themes in the Despicable Me franchise is morality. The movies explore the concept of good and evil and how our actions have consequences. The character of Gru, for example, starts as a villain but eventually learns the importance of doing the right thing. The movies show that even the most despicable characters can change and become better people.
Another vital theme in the franchise is the importance of family. The movies emphasize that family is not just about blood relations but also about the people we surround ourselves with. Through Gru’s relationship with his adopted daughters and his minions, the movies show that family is essential for our emotional well-being and growth. Overall, the Despicable Me franchise goes beyond just entertaining its audience; it also imparts valuable life lessons relevant to people of all ages.
The Future of the Despicable Me Universe
The trajectory of the Despicable Me franchise remains uncertain, as the creators have expressed interest in exploring different avenues, such as spin-offs and prequels. With the franchise’s success, it is no surprise that the creators want to expand the Despicable Me universe beyond the main series. This opens up opportunities for exploring new characters and their backstories and creating new storylines separate from the main series.
One potential avenue for the franchise is spin-off movies focusing on specific characters, such as the Minions or the girls from the series. This would allow for a deeper exploration of these characters and their adventures while maintaining the overall feel of the Despicable Me universe.
Additionally, there is potential for prequels that explore the origins of Gru and his rise to villainy or even the history of the Minions themselves. Whatever direction the creators choose to take the franchise in, it is clear that there is still plenty of potential for innovation and growth within the Despicable Me universe.
Conclusion
The Despicable Me franchise consists of four movies and features the character of Gru, a former villain who becomes a father figure to three orphaned girls. The movies in order are Despicable Me (2010), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Minions (2015), and Despicable Me 3 (2017). The franchise has been successful at the box office, with each movie grossing over $900 million worldwide.
One of the most significant aspects of the Despicable Me franchise is the evolution of Gru’s character. Gru transforms from a criminal mastermind to a loving father figure throughout the movie. This transformation is a central theme of the franchise, as Gru learns the importance of family and love over his desire for power and fame. The franchise also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption.
Looking to the future, the Despicable Me franchise shows no signs of slowing down. A fifth movie is in development, and the Minions are set to star in their spinoff film. The franchise’s continued success is a testament to the appeal of its lovable characters and heartwarming themes. The Despicable Me franchise is a beloved and enduring part of modern animation.
