What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDespicable Me 3
Pierre Coffin · Film · 2017
If you loved Despicable Me 3, start with Phineas and Ferb (Dan Povenmire, 2007) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Despicable Me 3 across media.
If you loved Despicable Me 3, you clearly enjoy stories where chaotic villains and dysfunctional families collide in absurd, high-stakes adventures.
Books on the same thread
Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #3)
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2017
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Friendship, Responsibility.
Like Despicable Me 3, this book centers on a mischievous villain whose plans are constantly upended by unexpected characters, blending slapstick humor with the same zany energy found in Gru’s world.
The Bad Guys
Aaron Blabey · Book
Shares a thread with Despicable Me 3: Redemption.
Just as Despicable Me 3 explores the redemption of a former villain, this story features tough characters subverting tropes while balancing criminal pasts with a newfound sense of purpose.
Dog Man
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2016
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Crime-fighting, Animal Heroes.
This graphic novel captures the same brand of humorous, character-driven chaos as Despicable Me 3, focusing on an unconventional hero who is still learning how to navigate his responsibilities.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (Book 3)
Jeff Kinney · Book · 2009
Explores: Family Relationships, School Life, Friendship.
Fans of the awkward family dynamics in Despicable Me 3 will appreciate this look at a boy struggling to meet his father’s expectations while navigating his own clumsy life.
Series on the same thread
Phineas and Ferb
Dan Povenmire · Series · 2007
Shares 3 threads with Despicable Me 3: Sibling Rivalry, Good vs Evil, Slapstick Comedy.
This series mirrors the invention-heavy, sibling-focused antics of Despicable Me 3, pairing a secret agent narrative with the same kind of absurdist comedy and lighthearted family rivalry.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Shares a thread with Despicable Me 3: Good vs Evil.
Much like the high-stakes battles in Despicable Me 3, this series focuses on a powerful protector balancing his family life with the constant need to save the world.
SPY x FAMILY
Series · 2022
Explores: Found Family, Secret Identity, Fish Out of Water.
This show echoes the core appeal of Despicable Me 3 by featuring a makeshift family hiding their true identities while engaging in high-stakes espionage and comedic domestic misunderstandings.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Barry Sonnenfeld · Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Despicable Me 3: Good vs Evil.
Those who enjoyed the colorful, over-the-top villainy of Balthazar Bratt in Despicable Me 3 will find a similar sense of theatrical antagonism and dark humor in these unfortunate events.
Podcasts on the same thread
Grumpy Old Geeks
Jason DeFillippo & Brian Schulmeister with Dave Bittner · Podcast · 2026
Explores: cynicism, digital culture, corporate skepticism.
If the cynical, satirical tone of the villainous segments in Despicable Me 3 resonated with you, this podcast provides a sharp, unfiltered look at the absurdity of modern culture.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This series captures the collaborative, unpredictable spirit of the family adventures in Despicable Me 3, utilizing improvised storytelling to create high-stakes comedy that keeps you constantly guessing.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary conflict in Despicable Me 3?
In Despicable Me 3, the main plot follows Gru and his wife Lucy as they attempt to stop Balthazar Bratt. Bratt is a former child star from the 1980s who is currently attempting to achieve world domination, forcing the couple to intervene to save the world.
Who is the antagonist that Gru faces in Despicable Me 3?
The antagonist in Despicable Me 3 is Balthazar Bratt. He is characterized as a former child star from the 1980s who has turned to villainy with the goal of achieving world domination, which serves as the central threat that Gru and Lucy must resolve.
Is Balthazar Bratt the main villain in Despicable Me 3?
Yes, Balthazar Bratt is the central villain in Despicable Me 3. The narrative focuses on Gru and his wife Lucy working together to prevent Bratt from successfully executing his plans for world domination, which he pursues following his career as an 1980s child star.
What is the role of Lucy in Despicable Me 3?
In Despicable Me 3, Lucy acts as the wife of Gru and works alongside him as a partner. Together, the two characters focus their efforts on stopping the former 1980s child star Balthazar Bratt from his quest to achieve world domination.