After just two weeks in theaters, “A Minecraft Movie” has emerged as the highest-grossing Hollywood release of 2025. The Warner Bros. adaptation of the popular video game maintained its momentum by generating $80.6 million in its second weekend, according to studio estimates. Globally, the film has swiftly surpassed the $550 million mark. Initially doubling expectations with a $300 million debut, the movie continues to draw significant audiences, standing out as a major cinematic event of the year.
Directed by Jared Hess and featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, “A Minecraft Movie” experienced a 50% decline in ticket sales in its second week across the United States and Canada—an impressive retention rate following its substantial opening. Despite receiving criticism from reviewers, with a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and achieving a “B+” CinemaScore from audiences, the film has resonated with viewers who are increasingly flocking to big-budget video game adaptations. As a $150 million co-production between Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, the movie has temporarily revitalized theaters, which have faced a challenging start to the year. Overall ticket sales have doubled compared to the same weekend in 2024, according to Comscore. Although 2025 box office revenues still lag 31% behind 2019’s figures, the gap is closing.
None of the weekend’s new releases, such as Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” Walt Disney Co.’s “The Amateur,” Universal Pictures’ “Drop,” or A24’s “Warfare,” posed any significant competition to “Minecraft.” However, several films still exceeded expectations. “The King of Kings,” an animated depiction of Jesus’ life tailored for Christian audiences, secured second place with $19.1 million from 3,200 theaters. The film, loosely based on a children’s book by Charles Dickens, boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Oscar Isaac, Kenneth Branagh, and Uma Thurman. With an “A+” CinemaScore, it is poised to capitalize on the lead-up to Easter.
Part three of Fathom Entertainment’s TV series, “The Chosen: Last Supper,” also targeted Christian audiences, earning $6.2 million from 2,296 cinemas. “The Amateur,” a 20th Century production featuring Rami Malek as a CIA cryptographer on a quest for revenge, debuted with $15 million domestically and an additional $17.2 million overseas. Critics found the revenge thriller an awkward fit for Malek, who also produced the film. “The Amateur” was produced for a budget of $60 million.
“Warfare,” directed by Alex Garland and inspired by a 2006 mission during the Iraq War, opened with $8.3 million in ticket sales from 2,670 theaters. Co-written and co-directed by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza, the A24 release has been praised for its realistic depiction of combat, having been made on a $20 million budget. Meanwhile, “Drop,” the latest thriller from Blumhouse Productions, debuted with $7.5 million from 3,085 theaters. Directed by Christopher Landon, the film stars Meghann Fahy as a single-mom widow terrorized by mysterious phone messages during a date. The production, which premiered at SXSW, cost under $10 million.
Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office
- “A Minecraft Movie,” $80.6 million.
- “The King of Kings,” $19.1 million.
- “The Amateur,” $15 million.
- “Warfare,” $8.3 million.
- “Drop,” $7.5 million.
- “The Chosen: Last Supper (Part 3),” $6 million.
- “A Working Man,” $3.1 million.
- “Snow White,” $2.8 million.
- “The Woman in the Yard,” $2.1 million.
- “The Chosen: Last Supper (Part 2),” $932,106.
The Evolving Landscape
The success of “A Minecraft Movie” signifies a broader trend of video game adaptations finding a solid footing in Hollywood. This shift could lead to increased investment in similar projects, potentially presenting new opportunities for studios and filmmakers. For consumers, it suggests a growing diversification in blockbuster films, offering fresh themes and narratives beyond traditional genres.
As the film industry navigates a post-pandemic recovery, the resurgence of movie theaters, driven by popular releases like “A Minecraft Movie,” may encourage more frequent cinema visits. This could translate to a more vibrant cultural scene and a boost in local economies, particularly in areas where theaters play a pivotal role in community life.