Despite a slew of lukewarm reviews, the Minecraft Movie has captivated audiences, raking in an impressive $300 million globally during its debut weekend, signaling a strong response from fans and families alike.
Minecraft Movie Becomes a Box Office Hit Despite Mixed Critiques
Minecraft Movie Becomes a Box Office Hit Despite Mixed Critiques
An adaptation of the beloved video game earns $300 million worldwide on its opening weekend.
Warner Bros' adaptation of the iconic Minecraft video game hit theaters on Friday, overcoming delays to achieve significant box office success, with estimates showing earnings of $300 million (£233 million) in its opening weekend. The film features an impressive lineup, including Hollywood stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, and has exceeded its production budget of $150 million.
EntTelligence reports that nearly half of the revenues stemmed from North America, with industry experts noting that the film performed better than forecasted. "It has definitely overperformed all industry projections," states Steve Buck, chief strategy officer at EntTelligence, citing a late surge in ticket sales. The film attracted a diverse audience, with approximately 25% of attendees being under 13 and a majority being male.
Even with its financial triumph, the film has faced disappointing reviews from critics. The Telegraph rated it two stars, lamenting that the game's charm was “nowhere to be found,” while the Guardian only gave it one star, describing a “cobbled-together feel.” Nonetheless, the turnout at theaters suggests that these critiques have not deterred family audiences from attending.
It's noteworthy that the Minecraft franchise is among the best-selling video games globally, with over 300 million copies sold according to Statista. The film's storyline revolves around four unlikely heroes who are transported through a mystical portal into the Overworld—the game's starting point.
Previous adaptations of video games have struggled to achieve similar success, but films like Sonic the Hedgehog and The Super Mario Bros Movie have proven that some franchises can break the mold. Actor Jack Black acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the adaptation, stating, "This game has been loved by millions and millions all over the world for years now... and I think this movie is a big deal for a lot of people, because now it's generational."
As the film's box office success continues to grow, it remains to be seen how it will fare in the long run amid upcoming competition, including Gladiators and The Banksy Story that are set to premiere this week.
