The recent success of the film adaptation of a beloved brick-building video game has taken the US box office by storm, showcasing a vibrant future for cinema. While Oppenheimer offers a thought-provoking narrative featuring Cillian Murphy as the creator of the atom bomb, the A Minecraft Movie brings a whimsical twist to the screen with Jack Black leading the charge in a musical number about “lava chicken.” Both films have achieved remarkable milestones, each nearing the billion mark globally. Currently, A Minecraft Movie stands as the highest-grossing film in the US for 2025 and ranks fourth worldwide, while Oppenheimer secured the third spot in 2023.
These films not only reflect a shift in audience engagement since the Covid-19 pandemic but also highlight the evolving landscape of cinematic storytelling. The cultural impact of A Minecraft Movie is particularly noteworthy, positioning it as a pivotal release of the year. Its success was anticipated, given the trend of video game adaptations dominating the box office. In 2024, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 emerged as the tenth highest-grossing film, while The Super Mario Bros Movie claimed the second spot in 2023, just ahead of Oppenheimer. The lucrative performance of Five Nights at Freddy’s has already led to a sequel, and upcoming releases like Mortal Kombat 2 and Street Fighter promise to keep the momentum going. With superhero films losing their previous dominance, video games have become Hollywood’s new treasure trove of intellectual property.
The rowdiness it caused
Despite its cultural significance, Minecraft was not initially seen as a prime candidate for a cinematic adaptation. The game, known for its pixelated block world, challenges players to mine resources and construct their own creations. Entrusting this unique concept to Jared Hess, director of quirky comedies like Napoleon Dynamite, raised eyebrows regarding its potential to outperform established franchises like Mission: Impossible and Jurassic World. Initial reviews reflected skepticism, with A Minecraft Movie receiving a mere 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics described it as a “garish, headache-inducing… lumpen splodge of commercial propaganda,” as noted in a one-star review by Kevin Maher in the Times.
However, audience reactions told a different story. The film exceeded expectations during its opening weekend in April, captivating both children and adults alike. Steve Buck, chief strategy officer at EntTelligence, remarked, “When dads like a family film, that’s a good thing.” What set this screening apart was the audience’s active participation. Fans of the game, energized by the trailers and Black’s exuberant delivery, engaged with the film in a way reminiscent of cult classics. They shouted out lines, tossed popcorn, and embraced the lively atmosphere as if attending a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when a green-skinned zombie child, riding a hen that resembled a duck, prompted Black to exclaim, “Chicken jockey!” This scene ignited a frenzy among Minecraft enthusiasts, with some even bringing live chickens to their screenings. Reports surfaced of police being called to manage the excitement at certain US showings, underscoring the film’s unexpected ability to foster a rowdy yet joyful communal experience.
