Minecraft Movie Outshines Super Mario Bros. with Record-Breaking Domestic Box Office Debut for Video Game Adaptation

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, the film raked in an impressive $157 million in North America, outpacing The Super Mario Bros. Movie's $146 million opening weekend in April 2023. Internationally, A Minecraft Movie added another $144 million, bringing its global opening weekend total to a staggering $301 million. With a production cost of $150 million before marketing, the film is already showing signs of profitability for Warner Bros.

Based on 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 release, Minecraft has introduced movie tie-in DLC.

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 touch, particularly in the film's first half. For those who have seen the movie, IGN offers an in-depth 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 is facing a challenging start, with global earnings reaching only $168.4 million ($77.5 million domestic and $90.9 million international). Given its hefty $250 million production budget, the film's chances of a Mufasa: The Lion King-style comeback appear slim.