The latest film adaptation of the beloved video game, the Minecraft Movie, has made a remarkable splash at the box office, generating an estimated $300 million globally in its opening weekend. Despite facing a myriad of lukewarm reviews, the film has proven to resonate substantially with audiences, making its theatrical debut on Friday after numerous delays.
Featuring an impressive lineup, including Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, the film's earnings notably surpassed its production budget of $150 million. According to EntTelligence, around half of the total revenue originated from North America, indicating strong local support.
Critics have had mixed feelings about the film; The Telegraph rated it two stars, commenting that the original charm of the game was lacking, while The Guardian offered it only one star, describing it as having a "cobbled-together feel." Despite the critiques, crowds flocked to theatres in significant numbers, a testament to the film's broad appeal to families.
Steve Buck, chief strategy officer at EntTelligence, remarked that the film's performance exceeded industry expectations, particularly highlighting that around 25% of the viewers were under the age of 13, with more than half of the audience being male. "When dads like a family film, that's a good thing," he added during an interview with BBC News, underscoring the film's intergenerational resonance.
This release marks the largest domestic opening of 2025 and brings Warner Bros their highest opening since 2023. Minecraft, known as one of the best-selling video games globally with over 300 million copies sold, offers the backdrop of the adventure that follows four misfits pulled into the immersive Overworld.
While many adaptations of video games into films have floundered in the past, some, such as Sonic and The Super Mario Bros Movie, have emerged as significant successes. In the lead-up to the film's debut, Jack Black acknowledged the elevated expectations tied to the beloved franchise, expressing appreciation for its extensive following. "This game has been loved by millions and millions all over the world for years now, and I think this movie is a big deal for a lot of people because now it's generational," he stated.
