The film adaptation of the video game Minecraft, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, continues to storm foreign cinemas. Released on April 2, 2025, the film is enjoying significant success in its second week of release, with a minor drop in box office revenue compared to its debut. In the United States, the film lost only 52% of its box office from the previous weekend, grossing an additional $80 million.
Worldwide, Minecraft in Cinema is also performing remarkably well. The film is currently running 40% better than the action-adventure film Jumanji: The Next Level, with total global earnings reaching $550 million. This figure includes $280.9 million from the U.S. and $269.6 million from international markets. The film's success is further highlighted by upcoming releases in Japan and Korea, which could significantly boost its earnings.
Critics, however, have not been kind to the film. Many reviewers expressed disappointment, indicating that they found little of merit in the adaptation. Despite this, the audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among gamers, who have embraced the film's quality and its references to the original game. Fans were so enthusiastic that some theaters reportedly had to call the police due to the overwhelming excitement.
Minecraft in Cinema has become a cultural phenomenon, with its unique storyline revolving around characters who enter a cubic world through a mysterious portal. The film features a group of characters—Garrison, Henry, Natalie, and Don—tasked with surviving and protecting their new environment from hostile creatures like piglins and zombies. Directed by Jared Hess, known for The Last Man on Earth, the film showcases a talented cast, including Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Sebastian Eugene Hansen, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks.
In Russia, the film began showing on April 12, 2025, under the title Edge of the World. The Monitor cinema chain is presenting the film in 2D, inviting viewers to "Welcome to the wonderland born from your imagination!" This tagline has resonated with audiences, further fueling interest in the film.
As of now, Minecraft in Cinema has positioned itself as the second highest-grossing premiere of 2025, surpassing the superhero film Captain America: New World. The current leader remains the Chinese animated film Ne Zha Conquers the Dragon King, which has amassed an impressive $1.8 billion. The success of Minecraft suggests it could follow a similar trajectory, potentially becoming the first blockbuster of 2025 to earn over $1 billion.
The film's strong performance at the box office is reflected in the latest statistics from the U.S. box office for the period between April 11 and April 13, 2025. During this time, Minecraft in Cinema grossed $80.6 million in the U.S., contributing to its total worldwide earnings of $550.5 million. Other films in the top five during this period included Tsar of Tsars with $19.1 million, Novice at $15 million, Under Fire with $8.3 million, and Drop at $7.5 million.
This mixed reception from critics and the enthusiastic response from fans illustrates the often unpredictable nature of film adaptations, especially those based on beloved video games. While critics may have panned Minecraft in Cinema, the film has clearly struck a chord with its target audience, leading to its impressive box office performance and cultural impact.
As the film continues to roll out in theaters worldwide, it remains to be seen whether it can maintain its momentum and reach the coveted $1 billion mark. With its engaging premise and the star power of Black and Momoa, Minecraft in Cinema is poised to become a defining film of 2025, capturing the hearts of gamers and casual viewers alike.
