‘Minions & Monsters’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed – Critics Share Their Thoughts

‘Minions & Monsters’ is generating buzz among critics, with early reactions indicating that this latest installment in the Despicable Me universe could be one of the franchise’s strongest offerings in recent years.

The animated comedy has achieved an impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 41 critic reviews. Many reviewers have lauded its humor, inventive concepts, and homage to classic cinema. While not every critic was enamored, the general consensus has been largely positive, with some declaring it one of the best films tied to the franchise since the original ‘Despicable Me.’

Directed by Pierre Coffin, who co-wrote the film with Brian Lynch, ‘Minions & Monsters’ transports audiences back to the Minions’ early days. Set in 1920, decades prior to the first Minions movie, this time the small yellow characters embark on a unique journey, crafting their own monster movie during Hollywood’s golden age.

This film marks the third prequel in the Minions series and the seventh overall in the Despicable Me franchise. Pierre Coffin reprises his role as the voice of the Minions, joined by a talented cast including Trey Parker, Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeff Bridges, Zoey Deutch, Bobby Moynihan, and Phil LaMarr.

Initial reviews indicate that critics appreciated the film’s focus on filmmaking and classic Hollywood. Nell Minow from Movie Mom provided a favorable review, emphasizing how it expands the Minions’ backstory while introducing fresh ideas.

Minow noted that the film “continues the origin story, adding in the origin story of the movies, plus a robot voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and some love for the fanboys.” She remarked that these elements create an enjoyable blend that is hard to resist.

Travis Hopson from Punch Drunk Critics also rated the film positively, stating that it shines when the Minions delve into the world of cinema. He praised the scenes where the characters explore the movie business during Hollywood’s golden era.

However, not all reviewers were convinced. Mark Kennedy from the Associated Press offered a critical review, describing the film as “a navel-gazing misfire,” arguing that it spends too much time celebrating filmmaking rather than delivering a compelling narrative.

Other critics found much to appreciate. Peter Sobczynski from Auteurist Class praised the film’s first half, particularly its jokes about movie history. He acknowledged that while the film eventually returns to familiar Minions-style comedy, the early creativity compensates for it.

Odie Henderson from the Boston Globe also gave the film a positive review, commending the script by Coffin and Lynch. Henderson appreciated that the movie’s humor is grounded in real cinematic knowledge and noted its concise 90-minute runtime.

‘Minions & Monsters’ was first announced in July 2024 following the release of ‘Despicable Me 4.’ The film is produced by Illumination, with Chris Meledandri and Bill Ryan at the helm. John Powell composed the music, continuing his collaboration with Illumination.

The movie had its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 21, 2026, before hitting theaters in the United States on July 1 through Universal Pictures.

With strong early reviews and a fresh setting in old Hollywood, ‘Minions & Monsters’ seems poised to give the long-running franchise a new direction while maintaining the chaotic comedy that fans have come to love from the Minions.

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