10 Best Illumination Movies, Ranked (2024)

Though it was founded less than 20 years ago, Illumination has managed to produce some of the biggest animated films of the 21st century. From Despicable Me to Sing, these franchises have released a wealth of spin-off content and merchandise, exemplifying the lucrative nature of this production company. But the company's success doesn't stop there. Illumination is gearing up to release several elusive sequels in the next two years, all of which are expected to be box-office hits.

Alongside these box-office statistics, Illumination has managed to secure an army of avid fans. Though the company mostly aims its films toward children, adults can also appreciate its ability to captivate audiences. As such, it seems that Illumination is set to defeat its surrounding competition as it extends its growing catalog of colorful films.

10 The Third Installment Was the Weakest of Them All

Despicable Me 3

After the roaring success of Despicable Me back in 2010, fans would expect that the third movie would be an instant hit as well. Yet, a lot of fans deemed this film to be the weakest of the lot, mostly because it didn't provide audiences with anything new. In this film, Gru reunites with his long-lost brother, Dru, to take down the elusive Balthazar Bratt. Though they get off to an awkward start, the brothers work to build a stronger bond as they defeat the former child star.

The biggest criticism of this film is that it's a tad convoluted. Even though the film adheres to the same sense of humor as the previous films, the introduction of Gru's brother makes the entire lore a bit too complicated. Overall, many viewers believed that the filmmakers were just keen to cram in as many jokes as possible and weren't entirely bothered about keeping the plot consistent.

Despicable Me 3

PG

Animation

Action

Comedy

Family

Gru meets his long-lost, charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru, who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist.

Director

Pierre Coffin , Kyle Balda , Eric Guillon

Release Date

June 15, 2017

Cast

Nev Scharrel , Steve Carell , Dana Gaier , Miranda Cosgrove , Kristen Wiig , Trey Parker

Writers

Ken Daurio , Cinco Paul

Runtime

96minutes

Budget

$80 million

Studio(s)

Universal Pictures

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

prequel(s)

Despicable Me , Despicable Me 2

9 A Classic Video Game Gets a New Lease on Life

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Though there have been multiple attempts to bring Mario and Luigi to the big screen, Illumination managed to hit the nail right on the head with The Super Mario Bros Movie. The film introduces viewers to a pair of Italian plumbers, who get whisked into a magical Mushroom Kingdom. But, the brothers quickly learn that things are not all sunshine and rainbows when the infamous Bowser is lurking around the corner.

Though the plot of this film is a tad thin in certain places, there's no denying that it's teeming with color and excitement. Complete with karts, blue shells, and ice flowers, this film is a fantastic tribute to the video game franchise. But, even if certain viewers aren't fully familiar with the games, they will still be able to appreciate its storytelling and overall zest for life.

8

10

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

While working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers and brothers Mario and Luigi are transported through a mysterious pipe to a magical new world. But when the siblings are separated, an epic adventure begins.

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Director

Aaron Horvath , Michael Jelenic

Release Date

April 5, 2023

Cast

Chris Pratt , Jack Black , Anya Taylor-Joy , Charlie Day

Runtime

92 minutes

Main Genre

Animation

8 Turns Out an Old Dog Can’t Learn New Tricks

The Secret Life of Pets 2

Following on from the 2016 film, The Secret Life of Pets 2 sees the animals embarking on a dynamic adventure. Max travels to a farm where a sheepdog named Rooster tries to encourage this comfortable dog to finally face his fears. But, back at the apartment, Gidget tries to retrieve Max's favorite toy from a cat-infested home. As such, this is an ideal sequel for fans as it introduces the same gang of loveable characters, just in a different location.

However, some critics state that this film lacks any ambition and essentially tells the same story as the first film. Plus, a lot of audiences were disappointed that the three individual storylines didn't match up until the very end. As a result, this sequel often resembles a series of short animated films, rather than a comprehensive movie.

The Secret Life of Pets 2

PG

Adventure

Comedy

Continuing the story of Max and his pet friends, following their secret lives after their owners leave them for work or school each day.

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Director

Chris Renaud

Release Date

May 24, 2019

Cast

Patton Oswalt , Kevin Hart , Jenny Slate , Eric Stonestreet , Tiffany Haddish

Runtime

1 hour 26 minutes

Main Genre

Animation

7 Fans Get To Enjoy a Supervillain’s Backstory

Minions: The Rise of Gru

Gru is an integral part of the Despicable Me franchise and Minions: The Rise of Gru helps to transport fans back to the very beginning. As a young boy, Gru is obsessed with a group called the Vicious 6. So, with a little help from his tiny yellow friends, the budding supervillain hatches a plan to join their crew.

Those with young children quickly fell in love with this film because it offered the same amount of laughs as the original films, but now with a vintage twist. The 1970s overlay also works to make the film more bright and colorful, again, making it a delight to consume. Yet, critics argue that the Despicable Me franchise is desperate to churn out as many films as possible to be more profitable, and the film's lack of sophistication and actual storytelling is proof of that.

Minions: The Rise of Gru

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6 This Film Hoards a Ton of Talented Stars

Sing

When faced with a dwindling theater, apt businessman Koala Buster Moon decides to hold the ultimate singing competition. Though a ton of people audition, he's left with five contestants: a mouse, an elephant, a pig, a gorilla, and a hedgehog. Alongside these quirky characters and an inspiring story, Sing is blessed with an incredible cast, including Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, and Nick Kroll.

Although the cast delivers each song with immense passion, Sing lacks the key principles of a musical. Instead of allowing the song to move the plot along, the film is teeming with exposition and excessive dialogue. Though it could be argued that this technique was used to make the story more suitable for children, it can at times make the film feel quite slow and dull. Yet, families see it as a great jukebox musical and believe that its joyful themes are utterly infectious.

Sing (2016)

PG

Comedy

Family

Music

In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario's attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipated even as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same.

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Director

Garth Jennings

Release Date

September 11, 2016

Cast

Matthew McConaughey , Reese Witherspoon , Seth MacFarlane , Scarlett Johansson , Taron Egerton

Runtime

1 hour 48 minutes

Main Genre

Animation

5 A Team of Humble Pets Seek Revenge on the Humans

The Secret Life of Pets

Though the sequel wasn't exactly favored by critics, The Secret Life of Pets was praised for its originality and unique assortment of characters. Max usually enjoys a simple and luxurious life with his owners, but when they bring home an unruly dog named Duke, his entire world gets flipped upside down. But, when the pair get trapped inside a van that's headed straight to the dog pound, the dogs must work together to get revenge on the humans.

Unlike other kids' films, The Secret Life of Pets runs at a very quick pace. Not only does this help to keep the stakes high at all times, but it also ensures that the jokes can keep on rolling. Though it may not be as exciting as Despicable Me, this film sits at the halfway point because of its incredible world-building techniques and adorable characters.

The Secret Life of Pets

PG

Adventure

Comedy

The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.

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Director

Chris Renaud

Release Date

June 16, 2016

Cast

Louis C.K. , Eric Stonestreet , Kevin Hart , Jenny Slate

Runtime

1 hour 27 minutes

Main Genre

Animation

4 A Talented Screenwriter Helps to Bring This Family to Life

Migration

Migration works to push away from the conventions created by other Illumination franchises and offers audiences something a lot more heartfelt and whimsical. The film is centered around a family of mallards who are preparing to migrate to Jamaica but get swept up along the way. As such, Mack and the rest of his family must learn to adapt to the hustle and bustle of New York City before they reach their dream destination.

This film was written by Mike White, who fans will best recognize from hit comedy dramas like White Lotus and Enlightened. As such, many critics believe that White successfully adds a lot of wit to this simple film, making it a lot more sincere than its predecessors. Thus, Migration is a refreshing treat for Illumination fans because it provides them with a compelling blend of incredible animation and storytelling.

Migration

PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

A family of ducks try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime.

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Not available

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Director

Benjamin Renner , Guylo Homsy

Release Date

December 22, 2023

Cast

Elizabeth Banks , Awkwafina , Danny DeVito , Carol Kane

Writers

Benjamin Renner , Mike White

Runtime

92 minutes

Main Genre

Animation

3 A Rock Legend Plays a Pivotal Role in This Sequel

Sing 2

Sing 2 follows the talent as they prepare for their latest musical extravaganza. But, to perform in one of the world's greatest venues, they must first convince Clay Calloway to open the establishment. Though the main cast remains mostly the same, the biggest appeal of this film is Bono, who plays Calloway. Though his voice acting leaves a lot to be desired, his singing is a real treat for avid U2 fans.

Overall, Sing 2 works to strengthen the themes of the first film, placing great emphasis on loyalty and friendship. Thus, it doesn't need to rely on twists or surprises, because fans appreciate the film's musical heart over anything else. Though Bono may not be impressive to very young children, the character of Clay Calloway adds a sentimental touch to this joyful film.

Sing 2

PG

Comedy

Animation

Adventure

Buster Moon and his friends must persuade reclusive rock star Clay Calloway to join them for the opening of a new show.

Director

Garth Jennings

Release Date

December 22, 2021

Cast

Matthew McConaughey , Chelsea Peretti , Scarlett Johansson , Pharrell Williams , Halsey , Bobby Cannavale , Nick Kroll , Eric Andre , Taron Egerton , Letitia Wright , Tori Kelly , Nick Offerman , Reese Witherspoon , Bono

Writers

Garth Jennings

Runtime

112 mminutes

Budget

$85 million

Studio(s)

Universal Pictures

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

prequel(s)

Sing (2016)

2 This Film Focuses on Fatherhood and Fart Guns

Despicable Me 2

After the events of the first film, Gru has now left the world of crime behind him and focuses entirely on being a father. Yet, the Anti-Villain League still requires his help and sends him on a quest to bring down the fearsome El Macho. As such, Gru is forced to leave his family behind and move over to the other side of fighting crime.

Though a lot of the themes are the same, Despicable Me 2 places a greater focus on Gru's kids. Thus, by giving the protagonist a whole host of new responsibilities, the film works to up the stakes and provide fans with an abundance of character growth. Loaded with crude gags and slapstick scenes, this sequel offers everything great about Despicable Me as well as some more sentimental moments.

Despicable Me 2

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Crime

Family

Sci-Fi

When Gru, the world's most super-bad turned super-dad has been recruited by a team of officials to stop lethal muscle and a host of Gru's own, He has to fight back with new gadgetry, cars, and more minion madness.

Director

Pierre Coffin , Chris Renaud

Release Date

June 26, 2013

Cast

Steve Carell , Kristen Wiig , Benjamin Bratt , Miranda Cosgrove , Russell Brand , Ken Jeong , Elsie Fisher , Dana Gaier , Pierre Coffin

Writers

Ken Daurio , Cinco Paul

Runtime

98 minutes

Budget

$76 million

Studio(s)

Universal Pictures

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

Sequel(s)

Despicable Me 3

prequel(s)

Despicable Me , Minions , Minions: The Rise of Gru

1 Illumination Secured an Instant Hit

Despicable Me

It's very rare for a production company to see incredible amounts of success for its first release, but Despicable Meappeased fans of every age. Supervillain Gru and his growing team of Minions are hell-bent on stealing the moon, but three orphan girls quickly soften his heart. As such, Despicable Me works to dismantle the typical action movie and provide fans with endless laughs.

The film also saw immense success at the box office, earning an impressive $543.2 million against a modest $69 million budget. Aside from its childish humor, this film was praised for its charming plot development, especially concerning Gru's love for the girls. Plus, there's no denying that the minions are a fantastic asset to this fun-filled franchise.

Despicable Me

PG

Adventure

Comedy

When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better.

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Director

Chris Renaud , Pierre Coffin

Release Date

June 9, 2010

Cast

Steve Carell , Jason Segel , Miranda Cosgrove , Russell Brand , Julie Andrews , Kristen Wiig

Runtime

1 hour 35 minutes

Main Genre

Animation

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