From pixelated pickaxes to Hollywood premieres, Minecraft shaped its world to fit the big screen.

 Released Apr. 5, 2025, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, and director Jared Hess brought the game that so many people love to life. 

After being in development for over 10 years, “A Minecraft Movie” has been highly anticipated, and fans were extremely excited to see their favorite childhood game in a blockbuster format. 

They also cast the film incredibly well, including big-time A-list actors like Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers and Jennifer Coolidge to set the movie up for success. 

Originally, the Minecraft game was released in 2009 by Mojang Studios. It became the best-selling video game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold. 

Fans love its open-world game design and creative freedom, making it a timeless, community-based game that fans of many ages can enjoy. 

In an attempt to capture the essence of the game, the movie is a mix of adventure, comedy and heartfelt friendship. The film follows a teenage girl, played by Emma Myers, and her group of friends, who must save their Overworld from a destructive Ender Dragon. 

Thanks to its compelling story and strong performances, the movie significantly resonated with audiences. 

So far, it has grossed a whopping $816 million worldwide, ranking second for the most successful gaming movie of all time. 

Fans say it perfectly captures the vibe of the game, pulling in multiple generations of fans to the theaters. Older fans appreciated the nostalgic elements, while younger viewers enjoyed the humor and action, making it a massive success at the box office. 

“It was nostalgic for me because I played Minecraft as a kid, but I also loved that it was a movie that everyone can enjoy, even if you haven’t played the game before,” explains Clara Rogers, who saw the movie in theaters. 

One specific impact of this movie was a viral sensation: chicken jockey. In the game, a “chicken jockey” is a baby zombie riding a chicken. 

This hilarious image led fans to show up to screenings in costume, often throwing popcorn during exciting scenes, cheering loudly, and treating the movie like an interactive event. 

The chicken jockey moment and the audience’s reactions perfectly capture the chaotic fun that the Minecraft game is all about. 

Also, the fan-favorite moments boosted ticket sales immensely, drawing more people into theaters and the world of Minecraft itself.

Down the line, “A Minecraft Movie” placed gaming films on the stage as a major player in Hollywood. Video game movies are now seen as serious contenders in the blockbuster market, not just risky experiments.

Not only did it do that, but this film also provided a much-needed jolt to the industry, potentially reviving the theater industry one “chicken jockey” at a time.