The much-anticipated Minecraft Movie has made a significant impact at the box office, earning an estimated $300 million (£233 million) worldwide during its opening weekend. This impressive feat comes despite the film receiving lukewarm reviews from critics, who have largely described it as lacking the charm of the beloved video game it is based on.

After facing several delays, the film finally premiered on Friday, and it quickly surpassed its reported production budget of $150 million. According to EntTelligence, a data analysis firm, nearly half of the film's global earnings originated from North America, underscoring its appeal to audiences in the region.

Despite the disappointing critical reception, which saw The Telegraph awarding it only two stars and the Guardian giving it a mere one star, families flocked to theaters, demonstrating the film's broad appeal. The Telegraph criticized the movie for lacking the essence of the game, stating that its charm was “nowhere to be found,” while the Guardian condemned its production as having a “cobbled-together feel.”

Steve Buck, the chief strategy officer at EntTelligence, noted that the film had exceeded all industry projections and experienced a significant increase in ticket sales just before its release. He highlighted that the film resonated with diverse audiences, with around a quarter of viewers being under the age of 13 and over half identifying as male. “When dads like a family film, that's a good thing,” Buck remarked, emphasizing the film's appeal to various demographics.

Furthermore, it has achieved the title of the largest domestic opening of 2025 and represents Warner Bros' largest opening since 2023, marking a significant milestone for the studio. Minecraft stands as one of the best-selling video games in history, boasting over 300 million copies sold worldwide, according to data from Statista.

The film follows the adventures of four misfit characters who are unexpectedly transported through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, the starting point for players in the game. The narrative aims to capture the essence of the game while appealing to a wide audience.

Historically, adaptations of video games into films have been hit-or-miss, with many resulting in commercial failures. However, successes like Sonic the Hedgehog and The Super Mario Bros Movie demonstrate that there is potential for profitable adaptations. In press materials released prior to the film’s debut, director Rob McElhenney acknowledged the immense pressure to meet fans’ expectations. “This game has been loved by millions for years, and I think this movie is a big deal for many, especially since it now appeals to a new generation,” he stated.