‘A Minecraft Movie’ Shatters Video Game Adaptation Records with $301 Million Global Opening

‘A Minecraft Movie’ has absolutely crushed expectations, pulling in a staggering $301 million worldwide during its opening weekend and setting a new high score for video game adaptations at the box office.

With a domestic haul of $157 million, the film has now claimed the crown for the biggest opening weekend ever for a video game adaptation, easily surpassing the previous record set by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which debuted with $146.4 million back in 2023.

Internationally, Minecraft brought in $144 million across 75 markets, securing the second-largest global opening for a video game movie—just behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s worldwide record. And with releases in Japan and South Korea still to come, those numbers could climb even higher.

Box office analysts are calling this performance “unprecedented”. Compared to other major adaptations, A Minecraft Movie is tracking:

• 228% ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• 61% above Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
• 60% higher than the recent Sonic the Hedgehog 3
• Just 14% behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie in overlapping international markets

The film also broke the preview night record for video game films, pulling in $10.55 million on Thursday—beating out Five Nights at Freddy’s ($10.3 million).

With a launch across 4,263 U.S. theaters, it now holds the record for widest domestic release ever for a video game adaptation, topping Detective Pikachu’s 4,248.

This record-breaking debut rides on the back of Minecraft’s enduring popularity. Since its release in 2011, the game has sold over 300 million copies, making it one of the best-selling titles of all time. Microsoft’s $2.5 billion acquisition of Mojang in 2014 now looks like a bargain in hindsight, as that massive player base has clearly translated into theater ticket sales.

A star-studded cast—including Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Jennifer Coolidge—has also helped the film appeal beyond just hardcore gamers, pulling in families and casual moviegoers alike. With a reported $150 million production budget, the film already recouped its cost within the first three days.

Industry insiders believe this explosive success could kickstart a new wave of “high-budget” video game adaptations. Sony is already leaning in with projects like Astro Bot, and has seen hits with Helldivers 2 and an upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. Supercell has teased a possible film featuring its Clash of Clans Barbarian King, and while Epic Games recently shut down Fortnite movie rumors, fans are still holding out hope.

Despite some early reports of pirated copies circulating online, the movie’s theatrical performance remains a massive win for Warner Bros. and Legendary. It also gives a much-needed jolt to the 2025 box office, which had been underwhelming until now.