How to watch

Spun off from Despicable Me, the Minions films lean into slapstick comedy, retro spy vibes, and family-friendly action while charting how Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and the rest eventually align with a young Gru. Because these movies are prequels to the main Despicable Me series, some viewers wonder whether to alternate franchises. For a clean Minions-only experience, keep this sub-series self-contained first. It provides the core origin beats and a clear bridge into Gru's villain era. Once you've finished these entries, you can jump into Despicable Me with better context for recurring jokes and character dynamics.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is simple and works perfectly for first-time viewers, since each film naturally builds on the previous one.

1. Minions (2015)
2. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Because this is already a prequel-focused franchise, release order and story chronology are currently aligned.

📖 Story Chronology

Chronology starts with the Minions' search for a villainous leader and continues with Gru's formative years in the 1970s.

1. Minions (2015)
2. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Which Order Should You Choose?

You can confidently watch the Minions series in release order, which is also the chronological route right now. Start with Minions to meet the trio and understand how they connect with young Gru, then continue to The Rise of Gru for a bigger adventure and stronger setup for the wider Despicable Me timeline. If you're planning a full Illumination marathon, this pair works best as your opening chapter before moving into Despicable Me (2010) and beyond. Either way, keep both films together for the most satisfying character progression and comedic payoff.

🔗 Related Guides

• Despicable Me Watch OrderGuide
• Toy Story Watch OrderGuide
• Ice Age Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!