A Minecraft Movie, based on the popular video game, has emerged as one of the most significant films of 2025 after topping the US box office and drawing large global audiences, industry analysts say.

The film, which stars Jack Black, has become the highest-grossing movie of the year in the United States and ranks among the top films worldwide. Its success highlights changing patterns in cinema-going since the Covid-19 pandemic, with audiences increasingly seeking shared and interactive viewing experiences.

Although reviews were mixed, the movie performed strongly from its opening weekend, attracting families, young viewers and long-time fans of the game. Many screenings featured lively audience participation, including cheering, shouting familiar lines and recording moments for social media.

The film’s popularity follows a broader trend in Hollywood, where video game adaptations have become major box office draws as superhero films lose dominance. Recent successes include The Super Mario Bros Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog sequels and television series based on popular games.

Cinema owners and industry experts say such interactive screenings have helped revive theatres after years of disruption caused by streaming platforms and pandemic closures. Special participation-friendly shows of A Minecraft Movie have since been officially introduced in several markets.

Observers note that the film’s rapid rise to cult status reflects how social media and smartphones now shape audience behaviour, turning movie-going into a communal event rather than a quiet, individual experience.

With more studios exploring similar releases, analysts expect interactive cinema events to play a growing role in the film industry’s future.

With inputs from BBC