Watch the Despicable Me saga, Illumination's comedy about villain-turned-dad Gru and his Minions, in release order for the simplest path. For story order, start with the two Minions prequels, then watch the four Despicable Me films in sequence.
Release order preserves jokes, reveals, and character growth as viewers first saw them. Chronology suits rewatches and young viewers who want Gru's life from childhood onward. Streaming access changes often, so confirm each title with the checklist below before movie night.
Table of Contents
Watch in Release Order
Release order follows the films as audiences met them. It introduces Gru as an adult villain, then fills in Minion history later.
This path keeps early twists and character turns intact. It also makes the prequels feel like a flashback, not a restart.
- Despicable Me
- Despicable Me 2
- Minions
- Despicable Me 3
- Minions: The Rise of Gru
Watch in Story Order
Chronology follows Gru's life from childhood to fatherhood. It begins with Minion origins, then shows Gru as a boy who idolizes villains.
This order clarifies motives and running gags about loyalty, rivalry, and family. It works well for a rewatch once the main reveals are known.
- Minions
- Minions: The Rise of Gru
- Despicable Me
- Despicable Me 2
- Despicable Me 3
Which Order Fits You?
First-time viewers usually do best with release order. Jokes land as intended, and Gru's change from villain to parent feels gradual.
Choose chronology for young children or timeline-focused rewatches. It keeps cause and effect simple, although early surprises lose impact.
- Pick release order for a first viewing, shared family viewing, or full character arc.
- Pick story order for a second viewing, a Gru-focused marathon, or viewers who dislike flashbacks.
How to Find Each Film to Stream?
Access rotates among subscriptions, rentals, purchases, and library loans. Treat any older where-to-watch post as outdated. Recheck each title on viewing night, since lineups can change overnight.
- Write down the six titles in your chosen order.
- Check your current subscriptions first, title by title.
- Compare rental and purchase prices in two stores.
- Check your local library app for DVD or digital loans.
- Mark shorts and specials separately, since they often sit apart.