The brand new adaptation film, “A Minecraft Movie” premiered in theaters April 4, 2025 depicting the story of the original Minecraft game. 

The movie has already become a hit, grossing over $550 million globally in its opening weekend, securing its place as the second-highest-grossing film to date, following “Sinners” which grossed $48 million as the number one grossing film. 

Directed by Jared Hess, known for his work on “Napoleon Dynamite”, the film offers a chaotic adventure that resonates with both long-time fans of the game and new viewers.  

“If you know the game it’s referencing I would recommend you to watch it, it’s also definitely more of a comedy movie than anything else,” Julia Potashnik, sophomore Minecraft fan, said. 

Throughout the comedy film there were many renowned actors, even down to the credits where Matt Berry, actor, comedian and writer, played different roles, such as the voice of the villager. 

“My favorite part was probably during the credits when one of my favorite actors voiced the villager in a scene,” Potashnik said. 

The plot follows four misfits—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (played by Jason Momoa), Henry (played by Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (played by Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) who are unexpectedly transported to the “Overworld”, a Minecraft themed universe. The group teams up with the well known character Steve (Jack Black) to navigate this new world and find their way back home. 

“I thought Jack Black and Jason Mamoa starring in the movie was a really funny combo I didn’t think I needed to see together but it ended up working out pretty cool,” Potashnik said. 

Momoa delivers his performance as Garrett, a washed-up ‘80s video game player and champion, bringing a comical presence to the character. Black’s portrayal of Steve shows his signature comedic timing and approach to roles. 

The film leads the cast members through their journey in the “Overworld,” (a mystical world where anything can be built if you can imagine it) adding an entertaining layer to the film.  

“Jack Black and Jason Mamoa worked really well together and I would definitely recommend going to see it,” Jaxon Nocella, sophomore Minecraft fan, said. 

“A Minecraft Movie” embraces the game’s distinctive Minecraft block aesthetic, blending it with live-action elements to create a unique cinematic experience. The film’s plot and chaotic pacing encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the game itself. 

“The movie, in my personal opinion, doesn’t compare to the game. The movie seemed more like it was just talking about parts of the game instead of being a movie about the game,” Potashnik said. 

The film’s success can also be attributed to its appeal to younger audiences, particularly Gen Z who have embraced the film’s meme-worthy moments. Audience reactions, including outbursts and even the bringing of live chickens to screenings, have further fueled the film’s viral popularity. Since the first showing, viewers have posted viral clips of the iconic “chicken jockey” phrase. 

“It was nice to see a movie made about a game my friends and I played together for a long time,” Potashnik said. 

With a blend of elements to create the hit comedy adaptation, some scenes were simulations of scenarios which could play out in the Minecraft game itself. 

“My favorite part was Steve revealing himself to the rest of the characters. I don’t think they should’ve done anything different, I think the movie definitely did the game justice and portrayed it well,” Nocella said. 

“A Minecraft Movie” offers a blend of humor, heart and chaos, making it a standout film in the realm of video game adaptations. With the ability to capture the essence of the Minecraft universe while delivering an engaging and entertaining story, many viewers recommend the film. 

“I’d say the hype was worth it, as someone who has played a lot of this game in the past it was really fun to watch it on the screen. My friends and I went and we had a good time laughing in the theatre,” Potashnik said.