Fans of the beloved animated franchise, prepare for a change. Despicable Me (2010) and Despicable Me 2 (2013) will exit Netflix on February 1, 2025. This departure marks the end of an era for subscribers who have enjoyed these family favorites on the streaming platform – and these movies are SERIOUS favorites. Together they established one of the greatest animated movie franchises of all time.
The Despicable Me films introduced audiences to Gru, his adorable adopted daughters, and the mischievous Minions. These movies achieved massive success at the box office. The first film grossed $544.7 million worldwide, while the sequel nearly doubled that with $975.2 million in global earnings.
Viewers still have time to watch these animated classics on Netflix. After their removal, fans can find the Despicable Me movies on other streaming services. Peacock has already secured the rights to stream both films, along with newer entries in the franchise.
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Where Did the Minions Go? Tracking Despicable Me’s Streaming Journey
Why Movies Leave Streaming Services
Movies often move from one streaming platform to another because of licensing deals. These deals give a streaming service the right to show a movie for a specific time. When the deal ends, the movie has to leave unless the service makes a new deal. This is why you see movies appear and disappear on services like Netflix, Hulu, and others. Sometimes, the movie goes to a streaming service owned by the same company that made the movie. For example, movies from Universal Pictures often end up on Peacock. This is the case with the Despicable Me franchise, which is owned by Universal.
Despicable Me’s Streaming History
Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 have been available on Netflix in different regions at various times. These movies were previously available on Netflix in the US and Canada. The first movie left Netflix in the US on February 1st, 2024. The second movie left Netflix in Canada on August 8, 2024. This change is due to shifting licensing agreements. The movies are now available on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service.
Where to Watch Despicable Me Now
If you’re looking to watch Despicable Me or its sequel, you have a few options. The most reliable place is Peacock, which is the streaming home for many Universal Pictures films. You can also rent or buy the movies on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available.
A Summary of Availability
| Movie | Netflix End Date | Current Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Despicable Me | Feb 1, 2024 | Peacock, Digital Rental/Purchase, Physical Media |
| Despicable Me 2 | Feb 1, 2024 | Peacock, Digital Rental/Purchase, Physical Media |
Keep in mind that streaming availability can change, so it’s always good to check the specific platform you plan to use.
Key Takeaways
- Despicable Me and its sequel leave Netflix on February 1, 2025
- The films were major box office successes, grossing over $1.5 billion combined
- Peacock will become the new streaming home for the Despicable Me franchise
Content Departure and Streaming Alternatives
The Despicable Me franchise faces changes in its streaming availability. Fans will need to adapt to new platforms to enjoy these popular animated films.
Expiration of Titles on Netflix
Despicable Me (2010) and Despicable Me 2 (2013) will leave Netflix on February 1, 2025. This departure marks the end of their current streaming run on the platform. Netflix subscribers have a limited time to watch these films before they become unavailable.
The removal of these titles is part of Netflix’s regular content rotation. Streaming rights for movies often change hands between different services. Viewers should plan to watch these films before the expiration date if they wish to see them on Netflix.
Future Streaming Platforms
After leaving Netflix, the Despicable Me movies may find new homes on other streaming services. Peacock is a likely destination for these films. The platform has previously hosted Despicable Me content, including the recent release Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Amazon Prime Video is another potential streaming option for the franchise. Prime Video often acquires popular titles after they leave other services. Fans should keep an eye on announcements from these platforms for updates on where to stream Despicable Me and its sequel.
Viewers may need to explore different streaming services to continue watching the Despicable Me franchise. Checking multiple platforms or considering digital rentals could be necessary to access these beloved animated films.
Despicable Me Series Overview and Impact
The Despicable Me franchise has become a global animated phenomenon, blending humor, heart, and innovative storytelling. Its success stems from memorable characters, vibrant animation, and themes that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Familial Themes and Character Arc of Gru
Felonious Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, anchors the series with his transformation from supervillain to loving father. His journey begins when he adopts three orphan girls: Margo, Edith, and Agnes. This unexpected family unit forms the emotional core of the series.
Gru’s character development is central to the films’ appeal. He evolves from a scheming villain to a protective, caring parent. This arc explores themes of love, belonging, and the power of family to change lives.
The Minions, Gru’s yellow, gibberish-speaking henchmen, add comedic flair and have become iconic in their own right. Their loyalty to Gru and their slapstick antics provide consistent laughs throughout the series.
Critical Reception and Box Office Success
Despicable Me (2010) and its sequel Despicable Me 2 (2013) received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Critics praised the films for their:
- Clever humor
- Heartwarming storylines
- Exceptional voice performances
- Innovative animation style
The box office numbers reflect the franchise’s popularity:
| Film | Worldwide Box Office |
|---|---|
| Despicable Me (2010) | $543 million |
| Despicable Me 2 (2013) | $970 million |
These impressive figures cemented the series as a major player in animated cinema. The success led to further expansions of the franchise, including spin-offs and sequels.
Continuation of the Franchise
The popularity of Despicable Me spawned a larger universe of films:
- Minions (2015): A prequel focusing on the origins of Gru’s sidekicks
- Despicable Me 3 (2017): Continuing Gru’s family adventures
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022): Exploring Gru’s childhood
Despicable Me 4 is set for release in 2024, showcasing the franchise’s enduring appeal. New voice talents have joined the series over time, including Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, and SofÃa Vergara.
Illumination Entertainment, the studio behind the franchise, has established itself as a major force in animation through these films. The series’ impact extends beyond cinema, influencing:
- Merchandise
- Theme park attractions
- Video games
This multimedia approach has solidified Despicable Me’s place in popular culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 prepare to leave Netflix, viewers have questions about their future availability and streaming options. Here are answers to common queries about these popular animated films.
What alternative streaming services will host Despicable Me after it leaves Netflix?
Several streaming platforms may acquire the rights to Despicable Me after its Netflix departure. Peacock, owned by NBCUniversal (the parent company of Illumination Entertainment), is a likely candidate. Other possibilities include Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
Viewers should check these services closer to the removal date for updates on availability.
Will Despicable Me and its sequel be available for purchase digitally or on DVD after they are removed from Netflix?
Yes, Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 will remain available for digital purchase and on DVD/Blu-ray after leaving Netflix. These options allow fans to own the movies permanently.
Digital purchases can be made through platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video. Physical copies are sold at major retailers and online marketplaces.
What is the planned removal date for Despicable Me movies from Netflix’s library?
The planned removal date for Despicable Me (2010) and Despicable Me 2 (2013) from Netflix is February 1, 2025. This date marks the end of Netflix’s current licensing agreement for these films.
Viewers have until January 31, 2025, to watch these movies on the streaming platform.
Can I watch Despicable Me movies on Netflix after February 1 if I downloaded them?
No, downloaded Despicable Me movies will not be accessible on Netflix after February 1, 2025. Netflix’s download feature is tied to active licensing agreements.
Once the movies leave the platform, all downloaded versions will expire and become unplayable through the Netflix app.
Are there any plans for Netflix to bring back Despicable Me movies to their platform in the future?
There are no confirmed plans for Netflix to bring back Despicable Me movies at this time. Streaming rights often change hands between platforms.
Netflix may negotiate new deals in the future, but this depends on various factors, including licensing costs and viewer demand.
What are the reasons for Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 being taken off Netflix?
The removal of Despicable Me and its sequel from Netflix is likely due to the expiration of licensing agreements. Streaming rights are typically negotiated for specific time periods.
Other factors may include:
- The studio’s decision to move content to their own streaming service
- Increased competition for popular titles among streaming platforms
- Changes in Netflix’s content strategy or budget allocation
