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Blockbuster opening weekend for A Minecraft Movie in Aotearoa
After releasing in cinemas across the world last week, A Minecraft Movie has become the highest-grossing video game to film adaptation in Aotearoa.
The film delivered 126,000 admissions over its Thursday to Sunday opening weekend, with 34% of that audience coming from the 14 to 24 year old demographic.
At the box office, the film earned $2.5 million across its first four days, marking the biggest opening for a video game adaptation ever in New Zealand, and the fourth biggest opening for a PG film of all time, behind only The Lion King, Barbie and Moana 2.
A Minecraft Movie’s global opening also shattered records worldwide, grossing an impressive $301 million (USD).
Blockbluster opening
“A Minecraft Movie has delivered a huge blockbuster opening, with strong momentum set to carry through the Easter school holidays,” says Matt Tremain, Sales Director of Val Morgan Cinema in New Zealand.
“As one of the few IPs that was born alongside Gen Z, Minecraft has become an integral part of their culture and the film’s record-breaking opening weekend demonstrates cinema’s exceptional ability to connect with younger audiences. Our latest research with Kantar shows that Cinema holds the highest advertising equity with this demographic which is why brands should be looking to the channel to connect and build positive perceptions.”
No shortage of titles in 2025
Looking ahead, there is no shortage of titles and strong IP for brands to align with across 2025.
Mission Impossible 8, How To Train Your Dragon and F1 releasing in May and June, are expected to follow in the footsteps of A Minecraft Movie, resonating with both younger generations and family audiences through their franchise and fanbases.
“Along with these highly anticipated releases, July will see the arrival of two huge blockbusters, Jurassic World: Rebirth and Superman, both of which are set to captivate a broad audience, offering brands an opportunity to connect with diverse demographics,” says Tremain.
