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Arts & Culture
07 April 2025

A Minecraft Movie Breaks Box Office Records Amid Chaos

Despite its box office success, disruptive behavior plagues screenings of the new film.

A Minecraft Movie hit theaters over the weekend of April 5-6, 2025, and is already a success at the box office. The film, which stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa, is a family-friendly comedy that brings the beloved video game to life. In addition to its box office triumph, fans are excited about the limited edition steelbook of the film, which is now available for preorder.

The limited edition steelbook is priced at $37.99 and features a vibrant design showcasing various Minecraft mobs, items, and animals. Inside, fans will find high-resolution images of Creepers, along with both a 4K disc and a Blu-ray disc, complete with special features. The preorder option also includes Amazon's preorder price guarantee, allowing customers to benefit from any price drops before the release date.

For those interested in more standard options, both Blu-ray and DVD copies are also available for preorder. The Blu-ray edition, priced slightly lower than the steelbook, still includes special features and a digital copy of the film. The DVD edition, however, is the most affordable option at just $20 but lacks the steelbook case and any additional features.

While the film has garnered attention for its box office performance, it has also sparked a wave of disruptive behavior in theaters, particularly in the UK. A cinema in Fareham issued a warning after screenings of A Minecraft Movie were plagued by chaos, with loud shouting, food being thrown, and viewers jumping out of their seats. This disruptive trend appears to be fueled by a TikTok challenge that encourages audiences to engage with the film in unconventional ways.

Despite a lukewarm reception from critics, the movie is expected to take in $140 million (£109 million) domestically during its opening weekend, along with an additional $100 million (£78 million) from international markets. Footage shared on social media captures the uproar, showing young audiences laughing and enjoying the chaos, while some cinema staff have expressed their frustration at the disruption.

In one notable incident, police were called to a cinema in the US to manage the unruly crowd. REEL cinema in Fareham has since announced that anyone causing disruption will be asked to leave, and police may be involved if necessary. Cineworld on Glasgow’s Renfrew Street has also issued similar warnings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful environment.

One scene that has particularly resonated with audiences features a boxing match against a cuboid Minecraft chicken, a moment that has sparked chants of “CHICKEN JOCKEY” from viewers. Many attendees have shared their experiences on social media, noting the excitement in the theater when Jack Black references Minecraft items, leading to spontaneous applause and cheers.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some cinema employees have taken to TikTok to implore viewers to respect the theater environment, reminding them that their disruptive actions make it challenging for staff to do their jobs. One employee remarked, “by throwing water, popcorn and all that onto people, y’all are making our jobs harder.”

The juxtaposition of the film's success with the chaos in theaters underscores the cultural phenomenon that Minecraft represents, particularly among younger audiences. As fans eagerly await their limited edition steelbook and continue to support the film, cinema operators are left to navigate the challenges posed by this new wave of interactive movie-going experiences.

In summary, A Minecraft Movie has not only captured the hearts of fans but also ignited a lively debate about theater etiquette in the age of social media. As the film continues to break box office records, it remains to be seen how cinemas will adapt to the evolving dynamics of movie-watching in a world increasingly influenced by digital trends.