“A Minecraft Movie” has taken the box office by storm, exceeding expectations with a $301 million global debut, marking a major victory for both Hollywood and theater owners. Released over the weekend, the film has already become the second-highest grossing movie of 2025, behind Disney and Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, which has earned $410 million after eight weeks in theaters. However, “Minecraft” is poised to soon surpass this figure, securing its position at the top.
The success of the PG action comedy from Warner Bros. and Legendary is a huge relief to the industry, particularly amid a slow start to the year. The film not only delivered impressive domestic numbers but also made history by securing the second-largest international opening for a video game adaptation, trailing only behind Universal and Illumination’s Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed $377 million globally in 2023.
Directed by Jared Hess, the story of “A Minecraft Movie” follows four misfits who are transported into a pixelated, cubic world—a setting inspired by the immensely popular video game Minecraft, which has been a global phenomenon since its release in 2011. With a cast led by Jack Black and Jason Momoa, the movie has garnered attention from fans and newcomers alike, particularly through social media buzz and strong word-of-mouth.
The film grossed a remarkable $144 million internationally, playing across 40,300 screens in 68 territories, with the largest international markets being the United Kingdom ($19.9 million), China ($14.5 million), Mexico ($11.2 million), and Germany ($10.6 million). Notably, Minecraft has found considerable success in China, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation in the country in the past five years, surpassing hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Uncharted, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
In the U.S. and Canada, the film earned $157 million, easily surpassing pre-release projections, which had estimated an opening of around $65 million internationally and $70-$80 million domestically. The film’s success is a significant boost for Warner Bros., with the $150 million movie performing far beyond expectations.
Industry analysts, including senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian, attribute the film’s triumph to a perfect release timing and its PG-rating, which appeals to a wide family audience. “This has been a pivotal weekend for the industry that sets the stage for a massive comeback for movie theaters,” said Dergarabedian, referring to the broader impact of the film’s success on the theater business.
Looking ahead, the success of “A Minecraft Movie” comes as a much-needed relief after a string of disappointing releases in 2025, including Captain America: Brave New World, Snow White, Mickey 17, and The Alto Knights. With summer blockbuster season just around the corner, including anticipated releases like Thunderbolts, Superman, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and Lilo & Stitch, the movie industry hopes this box office success will help reverse the downward trend in ticket sales.
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