Summary
Despicable Me 2 has appeared on Netflix's Weekly Top 10 list for ten non-consecutive weeks, indicating its recurring popularity.
Despicable Me 2 has surpassed the popularity of the original film and currently holds the second spot on Netflix's Daily Top 10 chart for the United States. Its success can be attributed to the film's enduring appeal among viewers, the recent introduction of Minions Land at Universal Studios Florida, and the summer season which provides an opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite animated movies once again.
Despicable Me 2, the beloved animated sequel released in 2013, continues to enjoy a resurgence on streaming platforms. For the tenth consecutive week, it has secured a spot on Netflix's Weekly Top 10 list of most-watched films worldwide. Starring Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig as Gru and Lucy, respectively, the film follows Gru's journey as a father of three young girls who is recruited by the good guys to take down a new supervillain.
After being re-added to Netflix's catalog on August 1, Despicable Me 2 garnered 4.8 million views from August 7 to 13. Netflix's official site highlights that the movie has been on the Top 10 list for ten non-consecutive weeks, showcasing its enduring popularity. Moreover, it is currently the second most-watched film in the United States when reviewing Netflix's Daily Top 10, surpassing even the original Despicable Me in terms of popularity.
What Is Driving Despicable Me 2’s Success?
While newer titles like Happiness for Beginners and Heart of Stone have recently made their way onto Netflix's Weekly Top 10, Despicable Me 2, which is a movie from a decade ago, also joins the list. Despite its age, the Gru-led franchise has experienced a summer boost before. Just last July, the "Gentle Minions" TikTok trend brought teenagers to theaters dressed in suits to watch the Despicable Me spinoff, Minions: The Rise of Gru. This animated franchise has consistently shown its enduring popularity among audiences.
The increase in streaming for Despicable Me 2 could also be attributed to the recent opening of Minions Land at Universal Studios Florida. This attraction features a Minions-themed café and a Gru laboratory, keeping Despicable Me at the forefront of people's minds. Additionally, other classic animated movies like The Bee Movie and Madagascar 3 are also trending on Netflix in the U.S., possibly because families have more relaxed schedules during the summer and can enjoy revisiting their favorite films.
With summer coming to an end and children returning to school, Despicable Me 2 may soon lose its popularity on Netflix. However, due to the expected decline in new content caused by the Hollywood strike involving writers and actors, the Minions craze might continue well into the post-summer period as people seek solace in familiar movies.