Minions & Monsters' July Box Office: Domestic Slump, Global Strength

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s “Minions & Monsters” opened on July 1, 2026. Reported three-day domestic grosses range from $36.4 million to $39.5 million; five-day totals are cited between $61.4 million and $66 million. All sources agree it posted the franchise’s lowest opening.

‘Minions & Monsters’ Leads July 4th Box Office With a Franchise-Low $64.5M Debut

The Despicable Me franchise has released seven animated titles in 16 years, averaging a new film roughly every two years. Prior July-4 openings include “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (2022) with $123 million and “Despicable Me 4” (2024) with $122 million.

Just Jared

Domestic figures differ: Variety/BoxOffice Pro list $36 million (three-day), USA Today/TheWrap note $61 million (five-day), Deadline reports $64.5 million. Internationally the film earned $85–$87 million weekend and cumulative overseas totals of $98 million, $99 million, $159.8 million, $159.9 million or $160 million. Top markets: China ($16.3 million), Germany ($6.4 million), UK/Ireland ($5.8 million), Mexico ($5.6 million).

Deadline Hollywood

The domestic shortfall underscores the franchise’s reliance on overseas revenue, historically 60-71 % of earnings. Analysts cite “franchise fatigue” after seven releases and competition from Disney-Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” which earned $31 million domestically and $764 million globally. With an $85 million budget, profitability depends on the international tail.

Variety Magazine

Universal domestic distribution head Jim Orr said the film “provides global audiences with a film that audiences are embracing” and expects a “very long and lucrative run.” Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri called the release “a reset of sorts for our studio,” noting a shift to leaner budgets. Rentrak analysts said the July 4 holiday on a Saturday likely depressed U.S. attendance, while the A-CinemaScore suggests strong word-of-mouth.

LA Times

FranchiseRe analyst David A. Gross warned, “seven [installments] is further than any animation series has gone. Audiences are showing fatigue now.” Hollywood Reporter critic Frank Schreck described the movie as “overstuffed,” questioning whether its ambitious homage diluted broad appeal.

Variety Magazine

Domestic totals differ by up to $8 million and overseas figures vary by as much as $62 million. No source gives a definitive worldwide cumulative beyond the approximate $160 million range, leaving profitability uncertain.

Variety Magazine

• “Illumination once again provides global audiences with a film that audiences are embracing. Minions & Monsters debuts atop the domestic box office on this holiday weekend with reaction scores that once again validate the charm, wit and heart of this most incredible franchise. We look forward to a very long and lucrative run throughout the rest of the summer.” — Jim Orr, Universal domestic distribution boss

Deadline Hollywood

• “Seven [installments] is further than any animation series has gone. Audiences are showing fatigue now,” — David A. Gross, FranchiseRe analyst

Variety Magazine

• “While 'Supergirl' didn't meet our box office expectations, it's just one component of a broader, long-term strategy at DC Studios that we remain confident in,” — Peter Safran, DC Studios co-CEO

USA Today