Why Is Despicable Me On Disney Plus?

UK subscribers are in for a bit of a surprise when they log into Disney+ today, as Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 has suddenly appeared on Disney+. Yes, Despicable Me films, the series that gave birth to the Minions that you find in Universal parks. Universal Pictures owns Despicable Me and Minions, having absolutely nothing to do with Disney IP. If this wait... why is THAT on Disney+? moment feels familiar, you'll also like our earlier explainer: Why Shrek Is On Disney+?

So, if you opened up Disney+ today and did another double-take, you’re not alone.

Why Is Despicable Me on Disney+?

The short answer is that Disney+ has licensed two of the Despicable Me films, (temporarily):

• Despicable Me (2010)

• Despicable Me 2 (2012)

Just remember that although this is a surprise to viewers, this kind of crossover isn't unusual. Disney+ doesn't only stream Disney-owned titles. Like Netflix, Prime Video, and NOW, it also licenses films it doesn't own when the rights are available, often for a limited window and only in certain countries.

That's why a Universal title like Despicable Me can pop up on Disney+ UK even though Universal has its own streaming home in other markets.

And yes, it's popular with viewers. In the UK at the time of writing, Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 are showing up in Disney+'s Top 10, which tells you exactly why Disney would want them on the service.

Why it happens: streaming rights are a "who's got the contract this month?" situation

When a studio releases a film, the streaming rights can be sold and resold over time. You'll often see big family films rotate between services when previous agreements expire. Streaming rights are usually split up by: t

• Country/region

• Time window (a few months, a year, etc.)

• Type of streaming (subscription vs. rental vs. free-to-watch with ads)

So Disney+ UK can legally stream Despicable Me even if Disney+ US can't, and even if Universal is sending newer films elsewhere.

Does Disney Own Despicable Me?

Just because Disney+ is streaming both Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2, it doesn't mean Disney has bought or own the franchise. Universal Pictures still owns the IP, so you won’t be seeing any Minions in the Disney Parks soon,

What it usually means is that Disney has paid for a time-limited streaming window in the UK. Possily because of the success and popularity of having the Shrek films on the platform.

Why Disney+ wants it

From Disney+'s point of view, Despicable Me is a dream "borrowed" title:

• It's safe, familiar family viewing

• It re-watches well (hello, Minions marathons)

• It's the kind of film parents throw on during school holidays, and February half-term begins this week.

And with a new Minions-related film on the way later this year, interest in the franchise is naturally high again, which makes the timing feel even more deliberate.

Does this mean Despicable Me 4 will come to Disney+ next?

It seems very unlikely that will happen.

A lot of confusion comes from mixing up older library titles (like Despicable Me 2010) with new releases (like Despicable Me 4). Library titles are much easier to license because they've already completed multiple distribution windows.

Industry reporting has also shown Universal has major licensing arrangements elsewhere (particularly for animated films in the US), which is why the new stuff doesn't automatically land on Disney+.

So: seeing the originals on Disney+ UK is not a promise that the newest films will follow.

Will it stay on Disney+ UK?

It is unlikely, so don't assume Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2 will be available permanently on Disney+. Licensed films typically come with an expiry date, and platforms don't always announce when that date is. It is likely that Disney + will have the rights for a couple of months.

Where else can I watch Despicable Me 1, 2 and 3 in the UK?

If you don't have Disney+, here's where each movie is available right now in the UK, including rental and purchase options.

• Despicable Me (2010)

Stream (subscription): Disney+

Rent/Buy: Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Rakuten TV, Sky Store

• Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Stream (subscription): Disney+

Rent/Buy: Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Rakuten TV, Sky Store

• Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Stream (subscription): Amazon Prime Video (and Prime Video with Ads)

Rent/Buy: Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Rakuten TV, Sky Store

Physical: DVD/Blu-ray (via Zavvi listings

FAQs: Despicable Me on Disney+ (UK)

Is Despicable Me actually on Disney+ in the UK?

Yes, Disney+ UK currently has Despicable Me, and Disney+ also lists Despicable Me 2 on its UK service.

Is Despicable Me owned by Disney?

No. It's an Illumination franchise released by Universal.

Why would Disney+ stream a Universal movie?

Because Disney+ can license films it doesn't own if the rights are available in a specific country (like the UK).

Is it on Disney+ everywhere?

No, availability varies by country due to regional streaming rights.

How long will it stay?

Licensed films can leave with little notice. There is no time frame as to how long Disney+ will stream the films.

Magic in a Minute

Despicable Me is on Disney+ UK because Disney has licensed it for a limited time. Streaming rights change by country, and family blockbusters often rotate between platforms.