Minions & Monsters (2026)

Minions & Monsters is two movies, and you’ll feel the exact second the weaker one takes over. The first is a gem. The Minions, silent-movie clowns born a century too late, land in 1927 Hollywood, chase a bank robber who turns out to be an actor, become accidental stars, then get fired the minute talkies arrive because nobody understands a word they say. The fake silent film titles alone are worth the ticket. Then the monsters show up, and it slides into the usual Illumination finale, a giant creature tearing through town while everyone yells. James, the artsy Minion who just wants to make his own movie, is a sweet lead, backed by Henry and Ed, who speaks in sign language. Trey Parker voices a tiny green schemer named Goomi whose full name is longer than most credits. It runs 90 minutes and holds an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. A 6.8 because it’s the franchise’s sharpest idea, even if the ending is noise. $649 says you narrate your next dull meeting as a silent film, title cards and all.

What works: The Old Hollywood setup is clever and funny, especially the Minions’ silent stardom and their crash when sound arrives.

What doesn’t: Once the monsters arrive, the second half turns into a generic, noisy chase, and the story never digs much deeper than slapstick.

Who it’s for: Kids who love the Minions and grown-ups who love old movies, who might finally enjoy the same film for once.