In the early 2010’s, Minecraft became one of the biggest uprising video games. Gen Z quickly developed the skills of exploring the survival and creative strategies throughout the game. As children, most of the Gen Z held a connection with the video game and, because of that, looked forward to seeing their favorite characters like Steve or Alex in the movie. Nowadays, Minecraft has around 204.4 million users per month and is increasing in users through many versions and platforms, always evolving and creating a new aspect of the game.
However, the nostalgia of the original minecraft days will always be remembered.
On the fourth of April 2025, the Minecraft movie was released to the public. The main character Steve, was played by Jack Black. Almost immediately, the Minecraft movie reached media attention because of Gen Z fans. The producers of Minecraft promoted the movie towards the Gen Z age group because of the cultural phenomenon of growing up with the video game.
Movie theaters were filled with crowds and sold out tickets. Some fans raged with excitement, vandalizing and damaging auditoriums during the movie, while others felt disappointment and other negative reactions towards the style and originality of the Minecraft Movie.
Playing survival mode and running away from the creepers and skeletons, Isaiah Norman (11) was a part of the Gen Z kids who grew up playing Minecraft since 2016 and also attended the movie. Norman had a positive experience watching the Minecraft movie and walked out of the theater satisfied.
“I loved the Minecraft movie. I thought it was great. I loved Jack Black in it. I think he did a really good job. I do wish I got to see the Ender Dragon and stuff though, other than that I loved it.” Norman said.
Although Norman had a positive reaction to the movie some people like, Xander Young (11) had a negative experience with the movie.
Young has been playing Minecraft since his childhood. Young personally enjoys having the ability to express his creativity and build anything he puts his mind to. However, his love for the video game was not expressed when exiting the movie theater.
“I thought that the movie was not bad but it was not great. I feel like I would change the way they did Steve at the end where he decides to come back to the real world. Just stay in Minecraft.” Young said.
The public view of the Minecraft movie may depend on your personal experience at the movie theater. While some audiences had peaceful interactions in the auditorium, other attendees had a rowdier experience.
“During the one scene where Steve says ‘Chicken Jockey’ my friend threw an $11 large popcorn bucket half way through the theater, it collided with the back of this guy’s chair and went off like a giant grenade. It went everywhere.” Young said.
Overall, there are many mixed emotions about the Minecraft movie as a whole. From positive to negative reviews, the movie is truly based on personal preferences. Bringing out the details from the video game to real life, the Minecraft movie captures the global phenomenon in a whole new version.
