In 1976, 11-year-old Gru joins the criminal organization Vicious 6 to become a supervillain. He steals a stone with magical properties but is betrayed by the gang. Gru's Minions help him retrieve the stone after a series of adventures, and together they defeat the Vicious 6. Gru fulfills his dream and hires his mentor Dr. Nefario, embarking on a new path as a supervillain.

Minions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world. The Minions steal the Queen's crown but later betray Scarlet, leading to a series of chaotic events. In the end, Scarlet is stopped and frozen by young Gru.