In an unprecedented turn of events, the live-action A Minecraft Movie has redefined the box office landscape, crushing records and delivering one of the most impressive domestic and global openings in recent history. Directed by Jared Hess, this long-awaited adaptation of the best-selling video game has not only dominated the U.S. box office, but also made an indelible mark on global cinema, with staggering earnings that have left even seasoned industry veterans in awe.
Unstoppable Domestic Performance
This past weekend, A Minecraft Movie racked up an astonishing $157 million in ticket sales, marking the biggest domestic opening of 2025, and the largest opening for any film based on a video game to date. It eclipsed the previous record set by Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, which grossed $146.3 million in its opening weekend. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that it was part of a broader surge in box office activity, which had been somewhat subdued in the early part of the year.
For Warner Bros. and Legendary, A Minecraft Movie’s success is a historic triumph. With a total of $163 million in the U.S. and Canada, plus a staggering $150.7 million internationally, the movie grossed $313.7 million globally in its opening weekend alone. This performance not only set a new record for Warner Bros., but also signaled the resurgence of blockbuster filmmaking in a time when industry insiders were uncertain about moviegoer enthusiasm.
Breaking Multiple Milestones
The numbers speak for themselves. A Minecraft Movie achieved several milestones that would be the envy of any filmmaker. The movie had the largest Friday-to-Sunday opening since Deadpool and Wolverine in 2024, surpassing even Captain America: Brave New World’s $88.8 million debut earlier this year. Warner Bros. also set new records for its biggest-ever Saturday and Sunday grosses, with $60 million and $46.3 million, respectively. Remarkably, the movie didn’t see the typical drop-off on Saturday—rather, it experienced a 4% increase, making it the only film in box office history to open above $50 million and see such a rise in its second day.
Star Power
The star-studded cast also played a significant role in the film’s success. Jason Momoa, known for his roles in Aquaman and Dune, had his biggest domestic opening as a lead, surpassing his previous best with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). Meanwhile, Jack Black, whose voice work in Super Mario Bros. Movie was loved by audiences, has now achieved his own personal box office milestone, scoring his largest domestic opening ever. This powerhouse duo helped push A Minecraft Movie to a massive success that seems to have only just begun. In addition to Danielle Brooks‘ Dawn who also showcases star power!
An International Hit
International audiences embraced A Minecraft Movie with just as much enthusiasm. It topped the box office in 38 markets, including Spain, the UK, Australia, Brazil, and all Nordic countries. In fact, the film became Jack Black’s biggest live-action opening in Latin America and marked his largest debut globally in over 30 markets. Jason Momoa, too, had a record-breaking international performance, with A Minecraft Movie becoming his biggest-ever opening in 25 markets.
Europe also responded favorably to the film, delivering the largest opening of 2025 thus far and the second-largest opening for a video game adaptation—only behind Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film also made history in Poland, achieving the biggest industry opening of all time in the region, and in countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, and Ukraine, where it saw record-breaking performances for Warner Bros.
An Industry Game-Changer
In terms of global influence, A Minecraft Movie has made a huge splash. It now holds the record for the largest global opening for a Warner Bros.-Legendary co-production, surpassing The Dark Knight Rises and Jurassic World. With a global haul of $313.7 million, it ranks as one of the biggest box office successes in recent history. More importantly, it has firmly established the movie as a genre-defining event that is poised to set new benchmarks for video game adaptations moving forward.
Why This Matters
At a time when the film industry has faced challenges with fluctuating box office returns and competition from streaming platforms, A Minecraft Movie’s performance signals that audiences are still eager for the cinematic experience—especially when it taps into beloved franchises and iconic cultural phenomena. This success showcases the continuing power of both video game adaptations and franchise filmmaking, which remains a driving force in modern Hollywood.
As the movie continues to dominate theaters, one can’t help but wonder if A Minecraft Movie will herald a new era for video game adaptations—one that proves that even the most unlikely of sources can generate epic cinematic magic.
In a time of uncertainty, A Minecraft Movie has not only broken records but has reaffirmed the enduring power of storytelling and the unbreakable bond between audiences and their favorite virtual worlds. The movie’s success is a testament to the power of creative adaptation and the endless possibilities within the world of video games. This is just the beginning for what could be one of the most influential franchises in the years to come. Stay tuned to see just how high this block-busting phenomenon will climb.
