A Minecraft movie’ digs into box office glory with record-breaking $157M U.S. debut

Warner Bros. Pictures has struck box office gold with A Minecraft Movie, which opened to a staggering $157 million in its first three days in North America—marking a historic milestone for video game adaptations.

The live-action reimagining of Mojang Studios’ globally loved sandbox video game has not only surpassed expectations but also smashed several records. Directed by Jared Hess, the film now holds the crown for the biggest opening weekend for a video game-based movie, overtaking 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which launched with $146.4 million.

That’s not all—the film also lands as:

The biggest three-day domestic debut since Deadpool & Wolverine (July 2024),

The third-highest April opening ever, just behind Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War, and

The fifth-biggest PG-rated opening in history, edging out Inside Out 2 ($154.1 million).

Domestic Opening Weekend Breakdown:

Friday: $58 million (including $10.6M from Thursday previews)

Saturday: $60 million (+3.4% from Friday)

Sunday: $39 million

Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks, the film follows four unlikely heroes who are transported into a pixelated world where survival depends on creativity and collaboration. Teaming up with a legendary builder named Steve, the group embarks on a series of high-stakes missions to find their way home.

After a decade in development, with various directors and scripts coming and going since 2014, A Minecraft Movie finally came to life in early 2024. Filmed in stunning New Zealand locations, the movie’s breathtaking visuals were crafted by powerhouse VFX teams including Weta FX and Sony Pictures Imageworks, while the score was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, best known for The LEGO Movie.

Audience and critic praise has focused heavily on the film’s visual spectacle and emotional resonance, applauding its appeal to both nostalgic gamers and new audiences.

Global Performance:

The film has already raked in $301 million globally, more than doubling its $150 million production budget, and currently sits as 2025’s fourth-highest-grossing movie.

With little competition in theaters and strong word-of-mouth, A Minecraft Movie is expected to build even further on its momentum in the weeks ahead.

In short? It’s not just breaking blocks—it’s breaking records.