Minecraft Movie Surpasses Super Mario Bros. with Record Video Game Film Debut

The Minecraft Movie has shattered box office records, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie to claim the title of the biggest domestic debut for a video game adaptation. Starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, who also featured in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, this Xbox game adaptation raked in an impressive $157 million in North American theaters alone. This figure eclipses The Super Mario Bros. Movie's domestic opening of $146 million in April 2023, although the latter still holds the record as the highest-grossing video game adaptation overall.

Internationally, A Minecraft Movie added another $144 million, bringing its global opening weekend total to a staggering $301 million. With a production budget of $150 million before marketing, the film is already on track to be profitable for Warner Bros.

Adapted from Mojang's Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time, A Minecraft Movie taps into the enduring popularity of the Microsoft-owned sandbox game. To further capitalize on the film's success, movie tie-in DLC has been released, enhancing the gaming experience for fans.

IGN's review of A Minecraft Movie awarded it a 6/10, praising director Jared Hess for infusing the kid-friendly adventure with a unique and humorous comic flair, especially in the film's more subdued first half. If you've seen the movie, don't miss IGN's detailed explanation of A Minecraft Movie's ending and post-credits scene, featuring insights from director Jared Hess and Minecraft's Torfi Frans Ólafsson.

In contrast, Disney's live-action Snow White has faced a disappointing opening weekend, with global earnings reaching only $168.4 million ($77.5 million domestic and $90.9 million international). Given its hefty $250 million production budget, a miraculous recovery akin to Mufasa: The Lion King seems unlikely.