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Minions

Minions is a 2015 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Minions is a 2015 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. It serves as a prequel and spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise, focusing on the origins of the Minions and their search for a new master. The film was followed by a sequel, Minions: The Rise of Gru, in 2022.

Premise

The film presents the Minions as small yellow creatures who have existed since the beginning of time and have long served history’s most despicable masters. Its story follows them as they attempt to find a new leader and avoid disaster.

Production

Minions was directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda from a screenplay by Brian Lynch. It was produced by Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures as part of the Despicable Me franchise.

Release

The film premiered in London on June 11, 2015, before its U.S. release on July 10, 2015. It became commercially successful and is noted as the first non-Disney animated film to pass US$1 billion at the box office. The film was released in Canada as part of its wider North American rollout.

Series

Minions launched the Minions film series within the broader Despicable Me franchise. The series continued with Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022, and later entries expanded the franchise further.

Key facts

  • Minions is a spin-off prequel to Despicable Me.
  • It follows the Minions as they search for a new evil master after serving a series of unsuccessful ones.
  • The film premiered in London on June 11, 2015, and was released in the United States on July 10, 2015.
  • It is the first installment in the Minions film series.
  • A sequel, Minions: The Rise of Gru, was released in 2022.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally by Universal Pictures, which gave it theatrical release in Canada as part of its wider North American rollout.[1][3]

Frequently asked questions

What is Minions?
Minions is a 2015 American animated comedy film and a spin-off/prequel to Despicable Me.
Who directed Minions?
The film was directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda.
What is Minions about?
It follows the Minions as they search for a new master after serving a long line of unsuccessful ones.
When was Minions released?
It premiered in London on June 11, 2015, and was released in the United States on July 10, 2015.
Is Minions part of a series?
Yes. It is the first film in the Minions series and was followed by Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions_(film)
    Supports: 2015 film, directors, writer, premise, premiere and U.S. release date
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions_(film_series)
    Supports: Minions film series and commercial success
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me
    Supports: Franchise context and sequel information
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions_(Despicable_Me)
    Supports: Description of the Minions characters and fictional species context