The world of animated entertainment has a new treat for home viewers, and it's a prequel that delves into the origins of those beloved banana-loving Minions.
Minions & Monsters: A Cinematic Journey
Minions & Monsters, the third installment in the Minions franchise, has made its way to digital platforms, offering fans a chance to enjoy the film's unique blend of humor and nostalgia from the comfort of their homes. With a modest budget of $85 million, the film has managed to gross over $473 million globally, solidifying its place among the top 10 highest-grossing movies of the year.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the film's critical reception. While it may not have reached the same heights as its predecessor, Despicable Me 4, Minions & Monsters has garnered praise for its ode to early Hollywood and the power of cinema. IGN's review, which gave the film an impressive 8/10 rating, described it as "the best one yet" in the franchise.
A Prequel with a Hollywood Twist
The new Minions movie takes viewers on a journey back to the 20th century, where our beloved Minions embark on a quest for a new 'Big Boss'. In a hilarious twist of fate, they mistake an actor for a prolific villain, leading them into the heart of Hollywood. This premise, as IGN's reviewer Eric Goldman puts it, pays homage to the golden age of cinema and the magic of storytelling.
Home Entertainment Options
For those eager to watch Minions & Monsters, the film is available to rent or purchase digitally. Renting will set you back $19.99, while purchasing the digital version costs $29.99. If you're a collector, you can pre-order the DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K versions, with the 4K collector's edition offering a slightly better deal than the digital version.
Prime Video also has a tempting offer for fans, bundling all three Minions movies for $49.99, a $10 discount compared to purchasing them separately.
The Future of Illumination Studios
As for the future of the Despicable Me franchise and its Minions spin-off, the details remain shrouded in mystery. Illumination Studios, known for their innovative animated films, has recently expanded their horizons by partnering with Nintendo for the Mario movies.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, released earlier this year, became a massive success, crossing the $1 billion mark at the global box office and claiming the title of the highest-grossing animated movie of 2026. It seems likely that Illumination will continue to explore the world of Nintendo, but only time will tell what their next move will be.
Streaming Availability
For those who prefer streaming services, Minions & Monsters is expected to join its predecessors on Peacock. Based on the release timeline of Despicable Me 4, we can anticipate the third Minions movie to be available on Peacock by the end of October.
So, whether you're a collector, a digital renter, or a streaming enthusiast, Minions & Monsters offers a unique cinematic experience that pays tribute to the magic of Hollywood and the enduring appeal of the Minions.
