Directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, Despicable Me is a hit animated comedy that hit French theaters on October 6, 2010. Written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, the film introduced the world to the beloved Minions. It follows Gru, a supervillain desperate for recognition, and features the voice of Gad Elmaleh in the French dub, alongside Steve Carell and Jason Segel in the original version. Fans will be able to stream the movie on Disney+ starting February 1, 2026.
In a suburb too idyllic to be true, a sinister house hides a shocking secret: Gru, surrounded by a legion of Minions and an arsenal of gadgets, is plotting an “impossible” heist to reclaim his place as the top supervillain. His goal is audacious, almost childlike in its scale: steal the moon. To achieve this, he devises a plan to outsmart his rivals and make his mark on the world.
But the plan hits an unexpected snag. Gru comes across three orphaned sisters—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—who see in him more than just a cold-hearted villain: they regard him as a potential father figure. This shift in the film’s plot turns the story into one of adoption and personal change, where kindness and emotional bonds break through the veneer of villainy he’s been known for.
Beyond its parody of the super-villain genre, the film excels with a storytelling approach that blends visual gags, cartoon-style action, and heartfelt family moments, all while creating a universe that feels immediately recognizable. The Minions, voiced and brought to life by Pierre Coffin, stand out as a comic highlight, thanks to their intentionally incomprehensible language and slapstick physicality—so much so that they sometimes overshadow the main plot.
From an industry perspective, Despicable Me sets a significant milestone for French animation: it is heralded as the first feature-length animated film entirely produced at the Paris-based Mac Guff studio, a key partner of Illumination and Chris Meledandri. This transatlantic collaboration shapes the film’s visual identity, designed specifically for 3D viewing and maximum appeal to family audiences.
The feature film primarily targets families and children aged 6 and up, but its layered humor, clever nods, and Gru’s quirky antics also appeal to adults. Following the grand tradition of animated movies crafted for dual audiences, it fits into a genre of popular entertainment that seamlessly blends adventure, comedy, and heartfelt moments—much like contemporary family film franchises that have become staples of modern cinema.
Despicable Me | Movie | 2010
Release date in cinemas: October 6, 2010
Available on Disney+ starting February 1, 2026
Animation, Comedy | Duration: 1h35
Directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin | Starring Gad Elmaleh, Steve Carell, Jason Segel
Original title: Despicable Me
Country: United States
With its anti-hero who shows his human side through his interactions with children and Minions that have become pop culture icons, Despicable Me remains a classic of 2010s animation. It’s both a slapstick heist comedy and a heartfelt family story. Its debut on Disney+ opens up a fresh opportunity to (re)discover the first installment of the franchise.
To explore further, check out our curated list of Disney+ premieres for February, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top picks in what to watch in streaming today.
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