'Minions' passes $1 billion at global box office

Universal Pictures' "Minions" becomes the world's third-highest animated film grossing of all time.

The news that animated movie "Minions" has reeled in over $1 billion gives Universal Pictures another industry record to celebrate: three worldwide box-office films over the $1 billion mark in a single year, "Minions", "Furious 7" and "Jurassic World".

The little yellow men have not even made it over to China yet (planned for September 13), which promises considerable further revenue. The movie is set for release in Italy today, followed by Turkey and Greece next month.

"Minions" is a 3D computer-animated family film, and a prequel to the "Despicable Me" franchise. It was produced by Illumination Entertainment for Universal Pictures.