Minecraft Movie Smashes Records with $300M Opening Weekend
Warner Bros.' long-awaited Minecraft Movie is officially a box office hit, bringing in a massive $301 million globally during its opening weekend. Despite mixed reviews from critics — with The Guardian saying it has a “cobbled-together feel” — the PG-rated video game adaptation connected with a wide audience, raking in $157 million in the U.S. alone. That makes it the biggest domestic debut of 2025 and the largest opening for a video game movie ever, overtaking The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, the fantasy comedy tells the story of four misfits pulled into the blocky Overworld of Minecraft. Its success has stunned analysts, especially since projections just a week ago had it making half as much. “It has definitely overperformed all industry projections,” said EntTelligence’s Steve Buck, pointing to a strong interest from families, spring break audiences, and nostalgic young adults. Critics might not be sold, but as FranchiseRe’s David Gross put it, “These pictures are made for moviegoers, not critics.”
The film’s impact is more than just numbers—it’s a much-needed boost for a sluggish 2025 box office. Warner Bros. backed the release with a record-breaking marketing campaign, partnering with over 40 brands to ensure Minecraft was everywhere. “When we make films, we all hope they will connect with the culture,” said Legendary’s Mary Parent. “But when they do, they take on a life of their own. It’s like lighting dynamite.”
