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Minions

Minions

Go back to where it all began.

201591 minPGMidcredits score: 56th percentile of all films
Directors
Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
Starring
Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton

Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Minions?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Minions streaming on Netflix and Peacock and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Minions?

Minions earns 9 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and 10× return.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Minions worth watching?

Minions' Midcredits score is the 56th percentile of all films, from 1.2M ratings across 6 sources. 53% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

56th percentile

Better received than 56% of films

41st percentile among Animation56th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)55th
Approval (how many liked it)56th

63 /100

55th percentile of all films

37th percentile among Animation55th percentile among 2010s

Critics 56 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

53% liked it

56th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Animation56th percentile among 2010s
53% rated it 7–1047% rated it 1–6

Critics 55% · Audience 49%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 30 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Animated Film

99th percentile

1.2M ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$74M
Opening weekend$116M
Domestic gross$336M
Worldwide gross$1.2B

Returned 15.7× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The Minions are cute, chaotic, and best enjoyed in small doses rather than as leads.

Fans praised

  • Adorable, visually expressive main trio (Kevin, Stuart, Bob) with distinct personalities
  • Relentless, good-natured slapstick humor and witty gibberish dialogue
  • Excellent 60s soundtrack and clever period-specific cultural references

Detractors panned

  • Thin, predictable plot that fails to sustain feature length
  • Minions' gibberish becomes grating and repetitive without Gru's grounding presence
  • Scarlet Overkill is a bland, one-note villain who lacks charisma

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive82

60s soundtrack (The Who, The Kinks) perfectly complements the period setting

HumorDivisive65

Slapstick and gibberish-driven comedy that lands for fans but feels repetitive to detractors

CharactersDivisive60

Main trio (Kevin, Stuart, Bob) have distinct personalities, but human cast is flat and underdeveloped

PacingDivisive55

Energy peaks in the opening, then drags through repetitive middle sections

Plot and storyDivisive35

Thin, episodic, and predictable; centers on a quest for an evil master

OriginalityDivisive30

Derivative spin-off that relies heavily on established franchise cuteness

Emotional impactDivisive30

Lacks the heart and warmth of the Despicable Me films; feels soulless to many

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 16 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 17 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is Minions like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It is gentle, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulAbsurdThrilling
Heaviest: middle
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
PlayfulWhimsical · 2% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its absurd premise and slapstick comedy with a playful, warm sincerity, never winking at the audience but embracing the silliness.
The rideThe film maintains a consistently light, energetic, and silly mood throughout, with the middle stretch at Villain-Con being the most eventful and absurd.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: setup of the minions' history and need for a master, journey to find Scarlett Overkill, and the heist and its consequences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer with a light, joyful sense of fun and a smile from the minions' silly antics.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows three minions on a global journey to find a new villain master to serve, leading to a heist of the British crown jewels.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Loyalty · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the Minions' existential need for a master to give their lives meaning, and their unwavering loyalty to each other and their chosen boss.
StanceThe film playfully celebrates the Minions' joyful dedication to finding purpose through serving a villainous master, never questioning the morality of their actions.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanIn transitFantasy
Orchestral classicalPopSupportive music · original score · Heitor Pereira
SettingA whimsical, cartoon version of 1968 Earth where supervillains convene at Villain-Con and London is ruled by a child king.
MusicThe score incorporates lively orchestral pieces and period pop songs to reinforce the 1960s setting and slapstick energy.

Content guide

Is Minions okay for kids?

PG

Minions is rated PG: “Rated PG for action and rude humor” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (45/100), sexual content at mild (34/100), language at mild (17/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (21/100) and frightening material at moderate (39/100). Overall it is heavier than 55% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 27 other countries
  • UKU
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium12
  • BGB
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceK
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia6+
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 17% of all filmsHeavier than 55% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 73%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 76%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 29%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 37%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 55%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 73% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Minions have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Minions?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Pierre Coffin
as The Minions
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best Animated Film
Sandra Bullock
as Scarlet Overkill
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jon Hamm
as Herb Overkill
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Keaton
as Walter Nelson
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Allison Janney
as Madge Nelson
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Steve Coogan
as Professor Flux
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jennifer Saunders
as The Queen
Geoffrey Rush
as Narrator
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Steve Carell
as Young Gru
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Katy Mixon Greer
as Tina

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Minions?

Movies like Minions include Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), Despicable Me (2010) and Despicable Me 2 (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Brian Lynch, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Pierre Coffin directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Minions?

552 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: supervillain. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.