Move over, superheroes, video game movies are taking over the big screen like it’s their final boss fight. With billions (yes, billions) being raked in at the box office, it’s safe to say gaming adaptations have finally hit their stride. And just in time for the newest pixel-powered powerhouse to make its move: Minecraft: The Movie. So, let’s hit pause on our games for a sec and check out the heavy-hitter video game movies that have dominated theaters and see how our favorite blocky builder stacks up.
The Mario Effect: $1.36 Billion in Power-Ups
Let’s be real: Nobody expected the Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) to absolutely obliterate the box office as it did on April 5, 2023. A billion-dollar animated romp through the Mushroom Kingdom? Nintendo and Illumination really said, “Let ’s-a go,” and never looked back, creating a new standard for video game movies. With an epic $1.36 billion global haul, Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser (sorry, not sorry, Jack Black carried) made gaming movie history and set a pretty terrifying benchmark for every movie after it.
Sonic Speeds In
Our chili-dog-loving blue blur is no slouch either. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) ran laps around expectations with a solid $405 million worldwide. And Sonic 3 (2024)? It crushed it with roughly $491 million and cemented Sega’s golden boy as a certified cinematic speedster. When you give the people Idris Elba as Knuckles, they will show up. Just sayin’.
The OGs Still Hold Strong
While the recent titles are blasting through records like it’s a Smash Bros. final, let’s not forget the video game movies:
- Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019): $450M (Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu? 10/10 casting chaos.)
- Warcraft (2016): $439M (Still polarizing, still powerful.)
- Rampage (2018): $428M (The Rock, Giant monsters- enough said.)
- Uncharted (2022): $407M (Tom Holland gave it his all and looked good doing it.)
Say Hello to Minecraft: The Movie
Now here comes the wildcard, Minecraft: The Movie. You heard right. It’s real. It dropped this weekend, April 4, 2025, and despite the fact that the internet couldn’t decide whether it was excited or terrified, it’s looking like a mega-hit already.
Jack Black (again, man’s busy) and Jason Momoa star in this blocky adventure based on one of the most iconic games ever. And the numbers? Oh, they’re juicy. It’s on track for a $130–150 million opening weekend globally. That’s the second-highest debut for a Western film this year, and it’s in the video game movies category! Guess the pixel gang is doing something right.
But… Is It Actually Good?
Eh. Depends on who you ask. Minecraft: The Movie is currently sitting at a 52% on Rotten Tomatoes (ouch), and the reviews are split harder than cobblestone under a diamond pickaxe. But here’s the deal: fans don’t seem to care. This one’s for the kids, the families, the casual gamers who just want to see creepers explode on the big screen. And honestly? That’s enough.
Critics might not be impressed, but the weekend + nostalgia + the Minecraft name = instant crowd-puller. Plus, Jack Black’s probably singing. That alone is worth a ticket.
Final Thoughts
Video game movies have come a long way from their cringe-inducing origins (honestly, it wasn’t that bad!). What used to be a punchline has now become a goldmine, and studios are finally treating game franchises with the love (and budget) they deserve.
With Minecraft: The Movie stacking up big numbers and a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie already on the horizon, we’re just getting started in the video game movie world! Whether you love the chaos, the characters, or just want to hear Jack Black yell “NOOOO” again, one thing’s for sure:
Video game movies are thriving. We can’t wait to see what producers have in store for us next!
