Despicable Me 4

Despicable Me 4

Year: 2024

Runtime: 1 h 35 m

Language: english

Directors: , Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage

Echo Score: 66
AnimationAdventureComedyFamilySci-Fi

Lovable supervillain Gru and his family are joined by a new member, Gru Jr., a mischievous mini-me who tests his father's patience. When Gru and the family face off against the diabolical duo of Maxime Le Mal and Valentina, they must work together to outsmart their opponents and save the day in a hilarious and heartwarming adventure.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Despicable Me 4 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Despicable Me 4 (2024) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Despicable Me 4 (2024), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

The film kicks off with Gru attending a reunion at his former school, Lychee Pas Bon. There, he confronts a nemesis from his past, Maxime Le Mal, who harbors a deep grudge after Gru allegedly stole his act during their childhood. Maxime boasts about his newfound powers, claiming to have harnessed cockroach parts in his quest for world domination. However, the AVL, alongside Gru, manages to apprehend him. Much to their dismay, Maxime, with the assistance of his girlfriend Valentina—portrayed by Sofía Vergara—escapes from custody, intent on transforming humanity into hybrids of humans and cockroaches, with a disturbing focus on Gru’s biological son, Gru Jr..

Enter Silas Ramsbottom, the former head of AVL, who visits Gru and his family to discuss the alarming news of Maxime’s breakout. He informs them that relocation to a different town called Mayflower under new identities is imperative for their safety. While most of the minions are absorbed into AVL custody, five of them—Dave, Mel, Gus, Tim, and Jerry—are chosen to become the Megaminions, a special group endowed with unique powers. However, their mission goes awry as they inadvertently wreak havoc in the city.

In their new community, Gru and his family encounter their neighbors, the Prescotts, who have a teenage daughter, Poppy, played by Joey King. Poppy, with dreams of becoming a villainess, recognizes Gru and blackmails him into assisting her in stealing the school’s mascot, Lenny, a honey badger, for her own admission into Lychee Pas Bon. Gru reluctantly agrees, and together with Poppy, two minions, and Gru Jr., they successfully capture Lenny. Unfortunately, their triumph is short-lived, as the school’s elderly principal, Ubelschlecht, uses surveillance footage to reveal Gru’s location to Maxime.

The next day, while Gru and his partner Lucy practice tennis with the Prescotts, Ubelschlecht storms into their new home, interrogating Poppy and her friends about Gru’s whereabouts. An urgent call from Margo prompts them to rush back to confront Ubelschlecht. Meanwhile, Lucy alerts the AVL, recruiting the Megaminions to assist in thwarting Maxime’s plans. Unbeknownst to everyone, Gru Jr. slips away and is kidnapped by Maxime and Valentina.

In a climactic showdown, Poppy aids Gru in confronting Maxime, who reveals his horrifying transformation of Gru Jr. into a cockroach hybrid. In a tense fight, Gru manages to reach through to Gru Jr., breaking the vile spell over him. The transformed son turns against Maxime instead, and in a stunning twist of fate, Maxime is defeated and captured with the help of the Megaminions, alongside various animals and insects.

With the crisis averted, the family returns home safe and sound, and Dr. Nefario—a longtime ally—helps restore Gru Jr. to his normal self. In a gesture of reconciliation, Gru visits Maxime in prison, where they finally resolve their differences. The film concludes with Gru and Maxime performing “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” for their fellow inmates, including Gru’s previous foes. As an added cherry on top, Poppy is celebrated for successfully securing her spot at Lychee Pas Bon.

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 08:30

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Despicable Me 4?

Still wondering what the ending of Despicable Me 4 (2024) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

After Maxime, the cockroach-themed villain, kidnaps Gru’s infant son, he plans to turn him into a cockroach using his powerful laser gun, seeking revenge on Gru. Amidst this chaos, Gru’s family and Poppy, the young helper, chase after Maxime in a flying chariot. During the intense confrontation, Maxime’s wife crashes their plane, and in the process, he transforms Gru’s son into a tiny cockroach, causing Gru immense heartbreak because his son no longer recognizes him. Determined to save his family, Gru fights Maxime fiercely, and just when it seems Maxime might kill Gru, the boy, Junior, regains his senses and attacks Maxime for hurting his father. This reinvigorates Gru, leading him to land a powerful punch that causes Maxime to slip and fall from the building. Though Maxime survives the fall and still mocks them, his defeat is sealed when the AVL’s Mega Minions arrive and arrest him.

In the aftermath, Dr. Nefario uses Maxime’s technology to reverse the cockroach transformation, turning everyone back to normal, including Junior and Maxime himself. Maxime is then imprisoned in a state facility with other supervillains; Gru visits him, offering an apology for a childhood prank, which sparks a humorous rivalry involving a singing competition. The film ends with the villains in a prison talent show, celebrating their antics rather than morality, highlighting that these characters are inherently mischievous. The story underscores that no matter how much someone can be physically or mentally changed, the bond of family remains strongest, as demonstrated by Junior’s betrayal of Maxime and his choice to fight for his father. The villainous chaos winds down, leaving Gru and his family safe at home, simply appreciating their love and the chaos they can survive together.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:02

Unlock the Full Story of Despicable Me 4

Don't stop at just watching — explore Despicable Me 4 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Despicable Me 4 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Despicable Me 4 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Despicable Me 4 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Despicable Me 4 Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Despicable Me 4

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Despicable Me 4. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Despicable Me 4

Despicable Me 4 Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Despicable Me 4? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Despicable Me 4 Ending Explained

More About Despicable Me 4

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Despicable Me 4: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Despicable Me 4

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