After just two weeks in theaters, “A Minecraft Movie” has taken the box office by storm, becoming the highest-grossing Hollywood release of 2025. The Warner Bros. video game adaptation has exceeded all expectations, raking in a whopping $80.6 million in ticket sales during its second weekend, according to studio estimates on Sunday. This incredible success has propelled the film’s global earnings past the $550 million mark.
Directed by Jared Hess and featuring powerhouse actors Jack Black and Jason Momoa, “A Minecraft Movie” has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a blockbuster hit. Despite facing critical backlash (with a 46% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and receiving mixed audience scores (a “B+” CinemaScore), the film has resonated with moviegoers, particularly those drawn to big-budget video game adaptations.
The $150 million co-production between Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment has not only shattered box office records but has also breathed new life into the industry following a lackluster start to the year. Overall ticket sales for the weekend were double that of the same period in 2024, marking a significant turnaround for theaters. Prior to the release of “A Minecraft Movie,” box office revenues were lagging behind 2019 figures by 11%, but have now nearly matched them. (Although 2025 grosses still fall short of 2019’s by 31%, according to Comscore.)
Second Weekend Standouts
While “A Minecraft Movie” continued its reign at the top, the weekend’s new releases failed to dethrone the video game adaptation. Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” an animated retelling of Jesus’ life tailored for Christian audiences, secured the second spot with $19.1 million across 3,200 theaters. Featuring a star-studded voice cast including Oscar Isaac, Kenneth Branagh, and Uma Thurman, the film received an impressive “A+” CinemaScore, positioning it well for the upcoming Easter holiday.
On another front, 20th Century’s “The Amateur,” starring Rami Malek as a CIA cryptographer seeking vengeance for his wife’s murder, debuted with $15 million domestically and an additional $17.2 million internationally. Despite critics labeling the film as an awkward vehicle for Malek, who also produced the production, “The Amateur” managed to make a splash at the box office, boasting a $60 million budget.
Cinematic Variety
Further diversifying the weekend’s offerings, A24’s “Warfare” by director Alex Garland explored the realities of combat through a gripping narrative inspired by an Iraq War veteran’s experiences. With a modest budget of around $20 million, the film garnered critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of warfare, resonating with audiences seeking a deeper cinematic experience.
Meanwhile, Blumhouse Productions’ “Drop” delved into the suspense genre, following a single mother widow (played by Meghann Fahy) on a terrifying first date. Premiering at SXSW and costing less than $10 million to produce, the film kept audiences on the edge of their seats with its mysterious plot and chilling messages received by the protagonist.
As the film industry continues to evolve with diverse offerings and unexpected successes like “A Minecraft Movie,” audiences can anticipate more thrilling releases in the coming months. The box office landscape is constantly changing, driven by the creativity and innovation of filmmakers and studios alike, ensuring that there is always something for everyone at the movies.
