EDITOR'S NOTE: In a 2025 that, so far, could be charitably described as dismal for the film industry, A Minecraft Movie is an unexpected hit -- and some theaters are taking a hit as well.
Based on the popular video game of the same name, the film has taken in over $550M worldwide since its release on April 4.
It's also set off a controversy, as a TikTok video craze centered on one scene in the film is causing young audiences to erupt in their seats, throwing popcorn and other concession items everywhere.
There was even a live chicken.
To understand this phenomenon, and why the movie is firing up kid moviegoers, we turned to an actual teenager -- one who also wrote about the game for us back in 2022.
Take it away ...
The words “chicken jockey” do not normally cause absolute chaos, food and drinks being thrown across a movie theater, and intervention of police officers, but this April, it has. The enthusiastic chaos from teenagers today has gotten so out of hand that actor Jack Black himself has intervened and asked people to calm down.
Currently, law enforcement is closely monitoring screenings of A Minecraft Movie, thanks to my generation, Gen Z, and its social media.
Why Is A Minecraft Movie a Hit?
This film is incredibly popular for many reasons. Firstly, the memes. Before seeing it in theaters (which is the only way I would recommend seeing it), check out the Minecraft Movie memes first, so when the rambunctious teens surrounding you start applauding and cheering as loud as they can, you will have some idea why.
Due to the obsession over the video game, the A Minecraft Movie has been highly anticipated by today’s youth, and any clips released to the public quickly became memes, remixes, and Shorts.
No mortal can explain why certain phrases and clips from this movie, such as “flint and steel!” gained incredible popularity, but they have. They are all references to the game, which would only further confuse adults who have not played it.
But Is It Good?
Many critics who have reviewed A Minecraft Movie take the movie seriously, which makes it unenjoyable. This is not a movie meant to be taken seriously. In director Jared Hess’ usual style (Nacho Libre, Napoleon Dynamite), it is full of ridiculous, chaotic, shock humor that takes the audience by surprise.
Because this film is so ridiculous, one can ignore the imperfections, such as the mediocre dialogue or the fact that there are too many characters who do not contribute much to the story. (The two together remind me of high school.)
The film follows the protagonist, Henry (Sebastian Hansen), into the Minecraft realm -- accompanied by Black and Jason Momoa, among others -- but I still cannot decide who the main character is. I’m not sure if the writers know, either.
However, if one is correctly not taking the movie too seriously, it doesn't really matter. The film is around an hour and 40 minutes, but barely scratches the surface of the video game. Fans greatly enjoyed the many references included, such as cameos from popular Minecraft YouTubers and a nod to Technoblade, the beloved late Minecraft YouTuber who passed away in 2022, widely recognized as his avatar, a pig wearing a crown (or entire king outfit).
Taking a Shot at Fantasy Quests
While being a hilarious blast to enjoy, A Minecraft Movie pokes fun at the stereotypical characters who partake in fantasy quests and has impressive animation.
Although rated PG, I would not define it as “fun for the whole family,” simply because only Minecraft players would understand it. And if watching in theaters, only teenagers are going to understand why those around them are going insane for a loading bar on the screen.
A Minecraft Movie is a piece of our time and of Gen Z. Although Gen Alpha Minecraft players would also enjoy it, this is a film for the teenager, to be enjoyed with other teenagers in community, at the theater.
Provided one understands the game and viral memes taking social media by storm, they would love A Minecraft Movie and can see it in theaters now.
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
D. Sariego is a teen who really likes gaming.
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