Minions & Monsters has earned $283.9 million globally, with $111.7 million domestically and $172.1 million from international markets. The film opened with a softer-than-expected $61 million 5-day opening in North America—the franchise’s lowest opening since launching in 2015—but international markets have carried it to respectable global numbers.

Released July 1, the film represents the seventh entry in the Despicable Me franchise and the third Minions prequel. The results suggest audiences are experiencing fatigue with the yellow creatures, even as international viewers continue to embrace the comedy.

Franchise Fatigue in North America

The $61 million 5-day North American opening fell well short of predecessors. Minions: The Rise of Gru opened to $123 million in 2022. Despicable Me 4 opened to $122 million in 2024. Minions & Monsters opened at roughly half those numbers, signaling that even beloved franchise characters can wear out their welcome.

Domestic audiences appear to be tiring of the formula. The franchise has been constant for nearly a decade, with multiple Minions spinoffs and main sequels. Market saturation has set in.

International Legs Strong

International performance tells a different story. The film earned $86 million during its opening weekend alone internationally—nearly equaling its domestic 5-day opening. Cumulative international receipts of $172.1 million represent the film’s real story.

This split—weak domestic, strong international—is increasingly common for animated franchises. Global audiences still enjoy the slapstick humor and colorful animation. US audiences want something new.

The Despicable Me Machine

Despite modest domestic performance, the franchise remains profitable. Animation budgets run smaller than live-action tentpoles, and global appeal provides multiple revenue streams. Universal will likely commission more sequels based on these numbers.

Minions & Monsters earned nearly triple its estimated production budget, proving that even tired franchises can work internationally when they avoid US-only reliance.