Minecraft Movie Hits $500M, Memes Push Towards $1B

Warner Bros.' A Minecraft Movie has sprinted past the $500 million worldwide box office milestone, showcasing its phenomenal success at the theaters.

Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black, this video game adaptation has continued to pull in staggering numbers during its second weekend, inching closer to the coveted $1 billion mark. Its domestic earnings have reached $278,864,857, while international audiences have contributed $273,800,000, culminating in a worldwide total of $552,664,857, according to Box Office Mojo.

The anticipation and reception of A Minecraft Movie were uncertain until just before its release, when fans began to embrace certain lines from the trailers, particularly those delivered by Jack Black's character, Steve. Memorable quotes like “I... am Steve,” “Flint and Steel,” and “Chicken Jockey” spread rapidly across social media, contributing to its viral status. Despite a critical score of 6/10, the film's meme appeal has undeniably propelled its box office performance.

The film's theatrical run has been nothing short of groundbreaking. From its opening weekend, moviegoers transformed into fervent fans, sparking a frenzy in theaters. The internet is now filled with videos capturing the electrifying atmosphere, with audiences reacting to pivotal moments by shouting, tossing popcorn, and even bringing a real-life chicken to screenings. The excitement has been so intense that Jack Black himself stepped in to help one theater prepare for the chaos.

With its latest box office figures, A Minecraft Movie has surpassed other notable video game adaptations such as Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, and Uncharted. However, it still trails behind Nintendo and Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which concluded its run with a global total exceeding $1.36 billion, as reported by Box Office Mojo.

Although A Minecraft Movie has a significant gap to close to overtake the record set by the 2023 Mario film, it has already exceeded its opening weekend expectations. If the current momentum persists, it's only a matter of time before Minecraft claims the top spot among video game movies.