Families, gamers, and moviegoers came together this weekend to help “A Minecraft Movie” craft its own blockbuster success story.
The highly anticipated film based on the iconic video game smashed expectations at the box office, earning a staggering $163 million in its opening weekend — the biggest debut of 2025 so far, and the largest opening ever for a video game adaptation.
I watched the movie myself Friday afternoon after picking my 8-year-old up from school. We both loved it. Jack Black’s hilarious performance as the expert crafter Steve had us laughing throughout the adventure.
Produced by Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, the PG-rated fantasy comedy was initially projected to bring in $70 to $80 million domestically — but fans had other plans. Fueled by nostalgia for the game, family-friendly appeal, and clever marketing partnerships with brands like McDonald’s and Oreo, “A Minecraft Movie” crushed predictions not only in the U.S. but globally, earning $313 million worldwide.
Directed by Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite”, “Nacho Libre”), the film follows a group of unlikely heroes transported into the pixelated world of Minecraft. While reviews have been mixed, audience turnout proved that when it comes to beloved video game franchises, fans are ready to show up — critics or not.
Industry experts say this success is a much-needed boost for Hollywood and Warner Bros., whose recent theatrical releases have struggled. But the explosive performance of “A Minecraft Movie” shows there’s a winning formula for turning popular video games into box office gold.
For me and my son, it wasn’t just another trip to the movies — it was a fun, laugh-filled adventure we’ll be talking about for a long time. If you want to check it out for yourself, “A Minecraft Movie” is now playing at both the Elks Theatre downtown and at Golden Ticket Cinemas.
