12 Movies Where The Villain Turns Good

Seeing a prime opportunity to finally infiltrate his hated arch enemy’s base, the dastardly Gru adopts 3 orphan girls out selling cookies. Gru’s latest masterplan proves successful, even with his struggles to master that whole parenting thing. Having used their sales work to get in, Gru realises he has a heart after all when he can’t bring himself to abandon them.

Receiving help and care from his adopted children, Gru eventually bids farewell to his villainous ways. Stepping up to save them from nemesis, Vector, Gru has become the hero of his story by the end. Voiced by Steve Carell, Gru’s curious accent works well as a super villain spoof but has enough poise and emotion that his development remains heartfelt and engaging throughout.

Gru’s transformation from mean-spirited villain to a loving, adoptive father is among the best character arcs in the history of animated cinema. Moving and hooking viewers everywhere, Despicable Me became a smash hit franchise. Gru’s ongoing journey into heroism was explored and expanded upon further in the 2nd and 3rd films.