The much-anticipated Minecraft movie has emerged as a significant box office triumph, raking in an estimated $300 million (£233 million) globally during its opening weekend. This film, based on the immensely popular video game, finally premiered on Friday after a series of delays.
Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, the film’s earnings have already surpassed its production budget of $150 million.
Strong North American performance
Half of the film’s global earnings were generated in North America, as reported by EntTelligence. This impressive box office performance comes despite predominantly lukewarm reviews from critics. The Telegraph rated the film two stars, expressing that the charm of the original video game was “nowhere to be found,” while The Guardian was even less forgiving, awarding it just one star and commenting on its “cobbled-together feel.”
Nonetheless, these reviews have not deterred families from flocking to theaters. Steve Buck, the chief strategy officer at EntTelligence, remarked, “It has definitely overperformed all industry projections,” noting a surge in late ticket sales. He highlighted that the film resonated across various audience demographics, with approximately a quarter of the viewers being under the age of 13, and more than half identifying as male. “When dads like a family film, that’s a good thing,” he added, emphasizing the film’s broad appeal.
A promising beginning for the franchise
With its opening weekend figures, the Minecraft movie has secured the title of the largest domestic opening of 2025 and represents the most substantial debut for Warner Bros. since 2023. Minecraft remains one of the best-selling video games in history, with sales exceeding 300 million copies, according to Statista.
The narrative follows four misfits who are unexpectedly transported through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, the initial setting for all players in Minecraft. Despite a troubled history of video game adaptations struggling at the box office, successful examples like Sonic the Hedgehog and The Super Mario Bros. Movie have shown that there is potential for success.
“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,” said Black, acknowledging the pressure to satisfy fans of the beloved franchise.