The Despicable Me franchise has reached a major milestone, becoming the first animated series in history to cross the $5 billion mark at the global box office. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the enduring popularity of Gru and his mischievous Minions.
The latest installment, Despicable Me 4, has continued to dominate the box office, topping the charts in its second weekend with a $44.6 million domestic haul. This represents a mere 40% drop from its record-setting opening, showcasing the franchise’s remarkable staying power. Furthermore, internationally, the film has also performed strongly, adding $87.9 million to its growing worldwide total of $437.8 million.
Consistent Box Office Juggernaut
Since the first film’s release in 2010, the Despicable Me franchise, which includes the main Despicable Me series and the Minions spin-offs, has been a consistent box office juggernaut. Collectively, the series has now earned $5.08 billion globally, surpassing other major animated franchises like Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, and Toy Story.
The franchise’s biggest hit to date remains 2015’s Minions, which grossed an impressive $1.15 billion worldwide. More recently, 2022’s Minions: The Rise of Gru narrowly missed the $1 billion milestone, earning $939.4 million globally. Illumination, the studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, has established itself as a powerhouse in Hollywood, with other successful animated properties like The Secret Life of Pets and Sing under its belt.
Moreover, the studio’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality, audience-pleasing films every two to three years has been a key factor in the franchise’s sustained success.
As the Despicable Me franchise continues to dominate the box office, it has solidified its position as one of the most successful animated franchises of all time. With Minions 3 already in the works for a 2027 release, Gru and his Minions show no signs of slowing down, and the franchise’s future remains bright. The achievement of crossing the $5 billion mark is a remarkable feat, and it underscores the enduring appeal of the Despicable Me series.
As other major animated franchises like Shrek and Toy Story prepare to release new installments, the Despicable Me franchise remains a formidable force in the industry. This success further cements its legacy as a true box office juggernaut, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
