Two Minion Movies, One Big Question
The Minions have headlined two films of their own: Minions (2015) and Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). Both are prequels to the Despicable Me series, following the Minions' misadventures before they found their permanent evil boss. But which film is the better watch? We break down both movies side by side.
The Story
Minions (2015) follows Kevin, Stuart, and Bob as they venture out from their isolated tribe to find a new villain to serve. Their journey takes them to 1960s New York and London, where they encounter supervillain Scarlet Overkill.
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) is set in the 1970s and centers on a young Gru who dreams of joining a supervillain group called the Vicious 6. The Minions play a supporting role in helping young Gru prove himself.
Edge: Rise of Gru — Having Gru as a central character gives the story more emotional grounding and a stronger arc.
Humor Style
Both films rely on physical comedy, slapstick, and absurdist situations, but their humor has different textures:
- Minions (2015) leans almost entirely on wordless Minion chaos. It's more like a series of elaborate gags strung together with a loose plot.
- Rise of Gru (2022) balances Minion humor with character-driven comedy from young Gru and the Vicious 6, giving it more variety.
Edge: Rise of Gru — The added character dynamics create more comedic range.
Animation Quality
Seven years separate the two films, and the visual difference is noticeable. Rise of Gru features sharper detail, richer textures, and more sophisticated lighting. However, Minions (2015) was impressive for its time and holds up well.
Edge: Rise of Gru — Simply by virtue of technological advancement.
Nostalgia & Setting
Both films leverage retro settings for comedic effect:
- Minions (2015): 1960s Swinging London is a visually distinct and fun backdrop. The period music and fashion add charm.
- Rise of Gru (2022): The 1970s aesthetic, with kung fu references and funky music, is equally entertaining and perhaps more cohesive in its use of era-specific humor.
Edge: Tie — Both films use their decade well.
Kid vs. Adult Appeal
| Audience | Minions (2015) | Rise of Gru (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Young children (3–6) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Older kids (7–12) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Teens & Adults | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Overall Verdict
Minions: The Rise of Gru edges out the original Minions film in most categories — it's more narratively complete, visually superior, and broadly appealing across age groups. That said, the original Minions film has an undeniable charm and remains a pure, joyful showcase of what makes these little yellow creatures so lovable.
The good news? You don't have to choose. Watch both back to back for the ultimate Minion double feature — your family won't complain.