Despicable Me (2010)

Kernel Score: 82% · 15,884 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Family, Comedy, Animation, Science Fiction, Action

Released: 2010-07-08

Runtime: 95 minutes

Is Despicable Me worth watching?

Worth watching. A funny, warm family cartoon about a supervillain whose plans are undone by three adopted girls. It's silly in a good way, and has more heart than you'd expect.

Watch it if you

want an easy, funny family movie
like villains who turn out to be softies
enjoy slapstick and cute kids

Skip it if you

want sophisticated animation
are tired of Minions

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Despicable Me

Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Gru is a supervillain determined to prove he’s the greatest by stealing the Moon. To pull off his plan, he adopts three orphaned girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—intending to use them as part of his scheme. However, as Gru bonds with the girls, his cold, villainous exterior begins to melt.

Despicable Me parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that Despicable Me is a PG animated comedy about a supervillain who adopts three orphan girls and grows to love them.

Violence & scariness: A little — Cartoon villain schemes with minimal real danger, aimed at a family audience.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Despicable Me

If you liked Despicable Me, these are the movies we'd watch next.

Despicable Me 2 (2013) — 77%: The sequel, with more of the same family humour
The Wild Robot (2024) — 91%: Animated film with real heart and emotion
The Incredibles (2004) — 85%: Family superhero comedy with great action
Lilo & Stitch (2002) — 87%: Sweet, funny story of an odd family
The Lego Movie (2014) — 85%: Fast, joke-heavy animated comedy
Megamind (2010) — 77%: Another animated supervillain comedy

Director

Chris Renaud

Cast

Steve Carell as Gru (voice)
Jason Segel as Vector (voice)
Miranda Cosgrove as Margo (voice)
Dana Gaier as Edith (voice)
Elsie Fisher as Agnes (voice)
Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario (voice)
Julie Andrews as Gru's Mother (voice)
Will Arnett as Mr. Perkins (voice)
Kristen Wiig as Miss Hattie (voice)
Pierre Coffin as Tim / Bob / Mark / Phil / Stuart (voice)

Despicable Me FAQ

Is Despicable Me worth watching?

Worth watching. A funny, warm family cartoon about a supervillain whose plans are undone by three adopted girls. It's silly in a good way, and has more heart than you'd expect.

Where can I watch Despicable Me?

In the US you can stream Despicable Me on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Despicable Me OK for kids?

Despicable Me is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Despicable Me is a PG animated comedy about a supervillain who adopts three orphan girls and grows to love them.

What movies are like Despicable Me?

If you liked Despicable Me, try Despicable Me 2, The Wild Robot, The Incredibles and Lilo & Stitch.