Illumination’s Minions & Monsters opened to $63.5 million over five days in North America, becoming the lowest 5-day opening in the Despicable Me franchise history. The film was projected to earn $80 million but fell short. It’s the third time Universal released a Despicable or Minions film on a Wednesday over July 4.

The numbers suggest franchise fatigue might be real. Despicable Me 2 (2013) opened to $143 million. Despicable Me 4 (2024) opened to $122.6 million. Minions & Monsters at $63.5 million represents a significant drop.

Good Reviews, Soft Box Office

Critically, Minions & Monsters is the best reviewed film in the 16-year franchise at 90 percent certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It received an A- CinemaScore. Quality didn’t translate to ticket sales. This can happen when audiences simply need a break from a character or franchise, regardless of how good the film is.

The film opened Wednesday with $14.23 million, a solid opening day. The full three-day weekend was $38.5 million across 4,243 theaters. Global box office after two days stood at $62.6 million. International markets might push the total higher, but it’s unlikely to reach the $80 million forecast.

The Franchise Question

Studios often use one underperforming film to reset audience expectations. If Minions & Monsters drops 60 percent in its second weekend, that signals audience loss. If it holds better, it could indicate international strength or delayed word-of-mouth. The next two weeks matter more than the opening.

Animation franchises live or die on audience appetite for familiar characters. Minions & Monsters suggests that appetite is weakening. Even great animation can’t overcome franchise exhaustion.