The big screen version of the hugely successful computer game Minecraft opened at number one on the UK-Ireland box office. Since it opened, it has defied expectation to gross a massive £31 million! The success of the new Warner Bros. film has propelled it up to become the second-highest-grossing videogame adaptation ever in the region. It’s showing strong legs too with solid numbers under its second weekend in theaters. Even with a recent drop in ticket sales, Minecraft remains a powerful draw for audiences, proving its worth in a crowded marketplace.
It’s been less than ten days since that movie was released, and Minecraft has undoubtedly already overtaken it in popularity with moviegoers. That’s how it made a staggering £7.2 million over its second weekend. This places it just behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s £54.9 million gross earlier this year. The film has gone on to outpace every other adaptation. It grossed over Sonic The Hedgehog 2, £27 million and the first Sonic film, £26.4 million.
Strong Opening Weekend and Continued Interest
Minecraft had an amazing premiere session, taking the whole convention by storm with enormous buzz and ticket sales. The news was not good for the film’s box office in terms of its 52% drop-off in its second weekend from its opening. This decrease isn’t unexpected for any movie after their opening weekend. The combined film market is down 45% from last weekend’s high watermark.
Even with this decrease, Minecraft’s total numbers still show a consistent level of interest from audiences. And the film has been hugely successful, taking over £31 million at the UK box office. That jaw-dropping number is 102% more than the same Labor Day weekend last year. These kinds of numbers are a rare sign that there’s real engagement and enthusiasm for the film from deep franchise fans and general moviegoers.
Comparison with Other Videogame Adaptations
Minecraft has made itself a meaningful home at the very top of the scoreboard. It has now overtaken The Super Mario Bros. Movie to become the second-highest-grossing adaptation ever in the UK and Ireland. This is a huge success, especially given the hurdles that typically come with video game to film adaptations.
Minecraft battles The Super Mario Bros. Movie and wins. It has beaten the pants off every other major video game adaptation, including Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and the original Sonic film. This accomplishment speaks to the film’s extensive reach. Warner Bros. What marketing tactics led them to have teens, moms, die-hards, and non-genre audiences eating out of the palm of their hand?
Looking Ahead
As Minecraft continues its theatrical run, industry analysts are keen to observe its future performance and how it might influence upcoming video game adaptations. At its current daily rate, there is opportunity for the film to go even higher and achieve more historic financial success. Those who know the market best say continued success depends on word-of-mouth spreading. Exhibitors think sustained outreach to fans will be the most important factor in keeping the box office rolling.