Illumination has spent the last decade changing what mainstream animation looks like, starting with Despicable Me in 2010. The film's success quickly snowballed into one of the most recognizable animation brands on the planet, thanks in no small part to the Minions, those chaotic, banana-obsessed scene stealers who went from comic relief to full-blown global icons in a flash.
Their silliness and cross-generational appeal helped cement Illumination as a studio that can rival animation's biggest names. That momentum hasn't slowed, with the upcoming Minions & Monsters (2026) promising another imaginative ride. Before the yellow mischief machines hit the big screen again, let's take a look at all Illumination animated movies in order, which can be found on Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+.
Despicable Me (2010)
Despicable Me follows career supervillain Gru (Steve Carell), who plans to steal the moon with help from Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and his army of Minions (all voiced by Pierre Coffin). After several failed attempts, he decides to adopt three girls, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), to act as a distraction during his scheme. But he eventually grows attached to them.
Despicable Me is the movie that established Illumination's emotional formula, which is broad comedy anchored by sincere character change. While the animation style is simpler than many contemporaries, the storytelling and Carell's vocal performance made it a hit. It's perfect for families who enjoy redemption-driven animated comedies like Megamind (2010).
Hop (2011)
Hop begins when E.B. (Russell Brand), the teenage son of the Easter Bunny (Hugh Laurie), runs away to Hollywood to follow his dreams of becoming a drummer since he doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps. When a directionless slacker named Fred (James Marsden) hits him with his car, the pair become unlikely friends and team up to stop Carlos the Chick from trying to take over Easter.
Hop was Illumination's first hybrid live-action/animation project, complete with fantasy and musical energy. It might lack the emotional depth of the studio's stronger films, but its playful tone and seasonal charm give it an easygoing appeal. The movie is ideal for younger viewers who like bright holiday mischief similar to Peter Rabbit (2018).
The Lorax (2012)
Based on the popular Dr. Seuss book of the same name, The Lorax follows Ted Wiggins (Zac Efron), who lives in a city filled with artificial trees. When his girlfriend Audrey (Taylor Swift) says she would like to see a real one, Ted goes to see the reclusive Once-ler (Ed Helms), who tells him about the forest guardian Lorax (Danny DeVito), who tried to prevent environmental destruction caused by greed and carelessness.
The movie expands on Dr. Seuss' 1971 tale, turning it into a bright musical adventure. Though the humor and added characters occasionally soften the story's sharper moral edge, the film's emotional clarity gives its message lasting resonance. The Lorax is perfect for families who appreciate environmentally themed animation like WALL-E (2008).
Despicable Me 2 (2013)
Despicable Me 2 follows a reformed Gru (Steve Carell) who is trying to live a quiet, honest life with his three girls, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher). But things get chaotic when Anti-Villain League agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) aggressively recruits him to stop a dangerous new criminal.
The sequel successfully expands on the original film, while leaning into Minion-driven comedy and fast-paced spy adventure without losing the emotional core that made Gru's transformation meaningful. While slightly more chaotic in structure, it's still one of Illumination's most entertaining follow-ups. Despicable Me 2 is perfect for viewers who enjoy superhero-family stories like The Incredibles (2004).
Minions (2015)
Minions follow the little yellow henchmen who are determined to find and serve the most despicable master in history. So, Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob decide to travel to 1960s London in search of the ultimate villain. They eventually pledge loyalty to Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and her inventor husband, Herb (Jon Hamm), by agreeing to steal the Queen's crown.
By shifting the spotlight entirely onto the Minions, the film fully embraces near-silent slapstick comedy and rapid-fire visual gags instead of deeper emotional storytelling. One would think that the trade-off would limit narrative emotion, but it really doesn't harm the story at all, which explains why these characters are so popular. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys classic cartoons like the Looney Tunes (2020).
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
The Secret Life of Pets tells the story of a terrier named Max (Louis C.K.) whose comfortable life in Manhattan is disrupted when his owner brings home an unruly dog named Duke (Eric Stonestreet). The two become rivals but must work together to make it home safely when they are lost in New York City and run into rebellious bunny, Snowball (Kevin Hart), and other abandoned pets.
The film's central idea of pets leading secret emotional lives when humans are away makes the comedy instantly relatable. Even with a familiar buddy-adventure structure, the sharp character humor, affection, and jealousy keep it engaging. It's perfect for animal-loving families who connected with friendship stories like Toy Story (1995).
Sing (2016)
Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, Sing follows hopeful theater owner Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who organizes a singing competition to save his failing theater. After his assistant advertises the contest with a larger-than-planned cash prize, the event attracts performers from all walks of life who want a chance at stardom.
Rather than using music purely for spectacle, Sing ties familiar pop songs to the backstories of characters like Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Ash (Scarlett Johansson), Meena (Tori Kelly), and Johnny (Taron Egerton). Although it might feel a little predictable, the warmth and humor make Sing an unmissable movie for fans of uplifting musical dramas like The Greatest Showman (2017).
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Despicable Me 3 begins when Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) are fired from the Anti-Villain League for allowing former child star-turned-villain Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), whose crimes are fueled by 1980s nostalgia, escape. At the same time, Gru's long-lost twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Carell), tracks him down and invites him for a visit.
Despicable Me 3 embraces more exaggerated comedy and pop-culture parody than earlier entries in the franchise. Even so, its playful energy, Minion mayhem, and expanded family dynamics keep the story endlessly entertaining. It's perfect for franchise fans and anyone who likes colorful, nostalgia-driven animation such as Wreck-It Ralph (2012).
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018)
This animated retelling of The Grinch follows the titular character (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch), who lives alone above the little town of Whoville with his loyal dog Max for company. Growing increasingly irritated by the town's Christmas cheer, he decides to disguise himself as Santa to steal the holiday from Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seely) and her neighbors.
Illumination's version of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch turns the famously grouchy character into someone whose loneliness feels relatable rather than simply comedic. While it lacks the sharper edge of earlier adaptations, the film's cozy visuals, gentle humor, and sincere message make it an all-year-round favorite. It's ideal for viewers who rewatch Elf (2003) every Christmas.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)
The Secret Life of Pets 2 finds Max (Patton Oswalt) dealing with a new crisis after his owner Katie (Ellie Kemper) gets married and has a baby boy. Meanwhile, Snowball (Kevin Hart), Gidget (Jenny Slate), and Duke (Eric Stonestreet) go on separate adventures that include saving a toy from a group of cats, posing as a superhero, and rescuing a tiger cub from a circus.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 splits the story into multiple arcs, which breaks the tight focus of the original film. But that isn't entirely bad because it gives each character more space for smaller, more personal emotional beats. The humor remains energetic and kid-friendly, and the message about protecting loved ones is on point. It's ideal for families who enjoy reassuring sequels like Finding Dory (2016).
Sing 2 (2021)
Sing 2 follows Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who is determined to prove himself on a bigger stage. So he convinces entertainment mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale) to fund an extravagant new show in Redshore City. To make the performance unforgettable, the troupe decides to find reclusive rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono) to help them.
The only problem is that Clay wants to remain hidden from the spotlight because of his painful past. The sequel expands everything that worked in Sing, and its climactic performance delivers one of Illumination's most moving finales, proving that silliness and sincerity can coexist in the same story. Sing 2 is a must-watch for music lovers who enjoyed Encanto (2021).
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
Set in the 1970s, Minions: The Rise of Gru follows a young version of the aspiring bad guy (Steve Carell) who dreams of joining the notorious supervillain team known as the Vicious 6, only to find himself accidentally becoming their enemy. With the help of seasoned villain Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) and his trusty Minions, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, Gru learns all about the true meaning of loyalty and leadership.
Unlike the first Minions movie, this prequel balances slapstick chaos with genuine coming-of-age emotion, giving Gru's childhood ambition meaningful context within the larger franchise. The retro style, martial-arts comedy and stronger emotional throughline make it one of Illumination's more satisfying adventures. It's ideal for fans of animated origin stories like Kung Fu Panda (2008).
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
The Super Mario Bros. Movie begins when Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are pulled down a mysterious pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom and become separated. As Mario searches for Luigi, he meets Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), who are trying to stop Bowser (Jack Black) from conquering the realm.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie succeeds by fully embracing the games' simplicity rather than overcomplicating things. It's filled with fast-paced adventure and visual references that longtime players instantly recognize. While the characters lack a little depth, the entire movie is a major crowd-pleaser. The film is a must for fans of the video game and anyone who loved Sonic the Hedgehog (2020).
Migration (2023)
Migration tells the story of a family of mallards led by the overprotective Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), his wife, including Pam (Elizabeth Banks), and their children, Dax and Gwen. When a flock of ducks visits their New England pond, the family decides to join them on a migratory trip to Jamaica. A slightly fearful Mack talks with his uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), who decides to tag along despite his own misgivings.
Migration trades Illumination's usual rapid-fire comedy for a calmer story about family trust, discovery, and the value of stepping out of our comfort zones. The film might not be the most original in terms of story, but the message is still kind of timeless, which helps to elevate it. The movie is a must for anyone who enjoys travel stories like 2011's Rio.
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Despicable Me 4 finds Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) living their best lives with their girls, Margot, Edith, Agnes, and new baby, Gru Jr, who loves to torment his dad. But the family is suddenly forced into hiding when Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) escapes from the Ant-Villain League and poses a threat to Gru and his family. At the same time, the Minions get a "mega" upgrade.
The fourth movie in the franchise returns focus to Gru's domestic life, which restores the emotional messaging that defined the original Despicable Me. While the formula is familiar, the continued evolution of Gru as a father keeps the story feeling meaningful instead of repetitive. It's ideal for fans who enjoy the generational storytelling of the Toy Story series.
