Who truly defines a story is it the heroes or the villains, or perhaps the quirky sidekicks that steal every scene? The "Despicable Me" franchise, a global phenomenon, has proven that unforgettable characters are the heart and soul of a successful cinematic universe. From reformed supervillains to gibberish-speaking, overall-clad minions, the sheer diversity and charm of its cast have captivated audiences worldwide.

Since the release of the original "Despicable Me" in 2010, audiences have been swept away by the heartwarming tale of Gru, a criminal mastermind who finds his life unexpectedly transformed by three orphaned girls: Margo, Edith, and Agnes. This animated media franchise, crafted by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, has expanded beyond its initial film into a sprawling universe encompassing six feature films, seventeen short films, and a mountain of merchandise. But what is it about these characters that resonates so deeply?

Category	Information
Franchise Name	Despicable Me
Origin	American media franchise
Creator	Illumination (Production Company)
Distributor	Universal Pictures
First Release	2010
Number of Feature Films	6
Number of Short Films	17
Other Media	Games, Rides, Merchandise
Key Characters	Gru, Minions, Margo, Edith, Agnes, Dr. Nefario, Vector
Themes	Family, Redemption, Good vs. Evil, Loyalty
Voice Acting Notable Mentions	Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Jason Segel
Official Website	Illumination Official Website