Minions is a 2015 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. It is the spin-off/prequel and the third installment in the Despicable Me series. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda (in Balda’s first film), produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy and written by Brian Lynch, the film features the voices of Coffin as the Minions (including Kevin, Stuart and Bob), Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush. The film focuses on the Minions in search of their new master. Minions debuted in London on June 11, 2015 and was released in the US on July 10. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the animation, voice acting and soundtrack, but criticized the character development and humor, which some called unfunny and inappropriate. It was a financial success at the box office, grossing $1.159 billion worldwide, and became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2015, the tenth highest-grossing film of all time, and the second highest-grossing animated film with highest-grossing of all time. during its theatrical run, and to this day is the highest-grossing animated film made not released by Walt Disney Pictures. A sequel, Minions: The Rise of Gru, was released in 2022.