--- title: "A Minecraft Movie" year: 2025 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/a-minecraft-movie" fi1m_id: "a-minecraft-movie" imdb_id: "tt3566834" tmdb_id: 950387 wikidata_id: "Q40083273" fi1m_score: 52 critics_score: 50 critics_reviews: 15 published: "2026-09-12" updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:51.750894+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # A Minecraft Movie (2025) Directed by Jared Hess · 1h 41m · MPA PG · Family, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure ## Identity A Minecraft Movie - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/a-minecraft-movie - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** a-minecraft-movie - **IMDb ID:** tt3566834 - **TMDB ID:** 950387 - **Wikidata ID:** Q40083273 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3566834/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/950387, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40083273 **Fi1m score: 52** · Critics 50 from 15 reviews *In a sentence:* Jason Momoa in a pink fringed jacket, humiliated by a pig; the film’s best idea, and it has it in the first act > Jared Hess gets some of his own oddness into a hundred minutes of shouting, and Jason Momoa is funnier than anything written for him. But a game about building whatever you like has been turned into a film that builds it for you, and it looks like it. ## Synopsis Garrett (Jason Momoa) is a former arcade champion running a failing games shop in a small Idaho town. Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), a boy who builds things he has been told not to, has just moved there with his older sister Natalie (Emma Myers); Dawn (Danielle Brooks) is the estate agent who found them a house. A glowing cube in Garrett’s shop opens a door into the Overworld, a land where everything is made of blocks, and the four of them fall through it. ## Review Jared Hess, who made [*Napoleon Dynamite*](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite), has been handed a game with no story and asked to find one, and the credits tell you how that went: five names on the screenplay and three on the story. What they arrived at is a portal film. Garrett (Jason Momoa), a former arcade champion who has never got over it, runs a failing games shop in a small Idaho town. Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen) and his older sister Natalie (Emma Myers) have just moved in, and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) is the estate agent who found them the house. A glowing cube in Garrett’s shop opens a door into the Overworld, where everything is a block and where Steve (Jack Black) has been living, building and shouting for years. It lasts 101 minutes and is louder than most things twice its length. Momoa is the reason to stay. Amanda Neale has put him in a pink fringed leather jacket and tight jeans, and he plays Garrett as a man who has looked in a mirror every morning of his adult life and liked what he saw. We laughed, out loud and without much dignity, at his first fight with a piglin: a very large man in fringe, squealing, losing. He is the only actor here who understands that the joke is on him. Jennifer Coolidge’s Vice Principal Marlene gets a strand back in Idaho that has nothing to do with anything, and it is the second-funniest thing in the film for exactly that reason. Black is a different matter. Steve is written as a man who has been alone with cubes too long, and Black plays him at full volume from his first line to his last. He names things as he sees them. He sings, more than once. For a while this is funny because it is so relentless, and then it is only relentless. By the second song we were tired, and then we were annoyed at being tired by something so short, because the same performance at half the pitch would have carried the film. The look is the real problem. Grant Major’s production design has to make a world of cubes into something a camera can move through, and his answer is to round the edges, add fur to the sheep and a wet shine to the lava, so the Overworld is neither the flat grid children know from the game nor a place that looks real. Enrique Chediak lights it brightly and evenly, like a toy shop at noon, and nothing throws a shadow worth the name. The Nether, where Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House) keeps court, is hot pink and orange, and after ten minutes of it we wanted a darker room. James Thomas cuts the fights into short bursts of things flying at the lens, and the geography of them never settles. Mark Mothersbaugh’s score bounces along underneath and stays out of everyone’s way. The film is about making things, and says so often, and it contains one sequence in which somebody builds something and the camera watches it go up. One. A game whose whole appeal is that it hands you the blocks and leaves you to it has become a film that never stops talking. Hess’s earlier comedies, *Napoleon Dynamite* and *Nacho Libre*, were about small-town men with far more confidence than reason. Garrett is one of those, and whenever the film is in Idaho, in the shop or the school corridor, it is recognisably his. Whenever it is in the Overworld it belongs to somebody else. Most critics have split down the middle on it, and so have we: about forty minutes of a Jared Hess film and sixty of a product. Children who know the game will be fine, and the PG is a fair certificate; the violence is slapstick and the frights are brief. Adults may find Momoa worth the ticket. At home you can turn it down, which helps more than it should. *Fi1m score 52, published 12 September 2026.* ## What the critics say The reviews split almost evenly three ways, and the spread is wide. Most critics agree on what works: Jared Hess’s absurdist streak, Jack Black’s full-throttle turn as Steve, and his double act with a self-mocking Jason Momoa, with Jennifer Coolidge picked out more than once for the small-town scenes. The comedy-minded reviews find it a likeable, goofy quest that wisely refuses to take itself seriously. The reservations cluster around the story: a borrowed Jumanji-shaped plot, thin stakes, a muddled second half and a sense that the game’s open-ended, build-anything spirit has been swapped for a generic blockbuster template. Several critics call it closer to an advert than a film. The British press is markedly colder than the American trades: The Times awards it nothing at all and calls it commercial propaganda, and The Independent finds Black desperate rather than funny, a view a few others share once the first act’s laughs run out. ## Straight answers **Is A Minecraft Movie worth watching?** *A Minecraft Movie* is a mixed bag we scored 52: about forty minutes of a Jared Hess comedy and sixty of a loud, brightly lit product. Children who know the game will be fine, and Jason Momoa, squealing and losing in a pink fringed jacket, is funnier than anything written for him. Adults should expect a great deal of shouting. **How long is A Minecraft Movie, and what is it rated?** *A Minecraft Movie* runs 1h 41m and is rated PG by the MPA in the US. It is a family and fantasy film. **Where can I watch A Minecraft Movie in the US?** *A Minecraft Movie* is not on any streaming or rental service in the US at the moment. It is available in 1 other country; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How does A Minecraft Movie compare to Napoleon Dynamite?** [*Napoleon Dynamite*](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite) is the better film, and the more consistent one: its small-town losers are the whole point, where in *A Minecraft Movie* Garrett's failed-champion strand is the warm-up before the blocks arrive. The earlier film wanders but stays in one recognisable voice; the newer one is only Hess's whenever it is in Idaho. Anyone who liked Momoa's Garrett should go back to Jon Heder's Napoleon. **What should I watch after A Minecraft Movie?** After *A Minecraft Movie*, try [*Napoleon Dynamite*](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite) (2004, Fi1m 74): Hess’s first film, where the small-town losers were the whole point, not the warm-up. Then [*The Lego Movie*](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie) (2014, Fi1m 83): The toy adaptation that worked out how to make building things the actual plot; and [*Wreck-It Ralph*](https://film.one/film/wreck-it-ralph) (2012, Fi1m 70): An arcade film with jokes for the parents and a villain worth fearing. ### Reviews we read (19) - **Los Angeles Times**, Amy Nicholson (80/100, inferred): Hess infuses the adaptation with his signature absurdist humor and touchstones like tater tots and competitive dorks, delivering a solid, goofy comedy anchored by Jack Black's committed performance. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-04-02/a-minecraft-movie-review-jack-black-jared-hess-jason-momoa-jennifer-coolidge) - **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (70/100, inferred): Hess brings genial camp and absurdist flair to this weightless quest comedy, with the standout chemistry between Jack Black and a self-skewering Jason Momoa making it likably goofy despite thin stakes. [Read](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/a-minecraft-movie-review-jason-momoa-jack-black-1236352502/) - **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico (65/100, inferred): The film rises above typical video-game adaptations thanks to flashes of quirky personality from director Jared Hess, though it falls short of its potential with muddled plotting in the second half. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-minecraft-movie-review-2025) - **Total Film**, Neil Smith (3/5): The critic praises Jared Hess's indie sensibilities and Jack Black's energetic star turn for elevating the adaptation into an entertaining fantasy adventure. Some elements like special effects and female roles are weaker, but it succeeds overall as a playful, irreverent caper. [Read](https://gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/a-minecraft-movie-review) - **The AV Club**, Jacob Oller (C-): The film jams together too many familiar plots and clichés into a chaotic, erratic mix that feels like a first in-game creation rather than tapping the game's imaginative flexibility. It offers occasional flashes of Hess-style surrealism and fun from Jack Black and Jason Momoa, but buries them under generic blockbuster obligations. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/a-minecraft-movie-review) - **The Independent**, Clarisse Loughrey (2/5): The critic finds the film an underwhelming and flawed adaptation that fails to capture the spirit of the game. Jack Black's performance as Steve comes across as desperate and clownish, while the story offers little creativity or reinvention. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/minecraft-movie-review-jack-black-cast-release-date-b2726057.html) - **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (40/100, inferred): The movie is overly conventional and promotional, unlikely to entertain even children, but fans of Hess may appreciate its nods to his distinctive cinematic universe of quirky, personal details. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/a-minecraft-movie-is-a-tale-of-two-cinematic-universes) - **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (2/5): The placid, open-ended charm of the video game source material is nowhere to be found in this grindingly generic brand extension. The film fails to turn the game's creativity into an engaging feature-length plot. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/minecraft-movie-review/) - **Empire**, Dan Jolin (30/100, inferred): The critic calls it a hyperactive hot-pink mess that revels in its failure to elevate the source material. It is loud and energetic but lacks story, character depth, or meaningful engagement with the Minecraft world. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/a-minecraft-movie/) - **The Times**, Kevin Maher (0/5): The film is an unapologetic cranium-crusher and piece of dire propaganda for the bestselling video game, with ugly cash-grabbing designs and a lumpen splodge of commercial propaganda directed by Jared Hess. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/minecraft-movie-review-jason-momoa-jack-black-vb7rw322d) - **Sight and Sound**: The critic praises the film's fanciful adaptation that builds imaginative worlds and delivers cross-generational joy through adventure and humor. They highlight its clever use of the game's sandbox nature and nostalgic elements as a strength for family audiences. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/minecraft-movie-videogame-block-buster-has-moments-cross-generational-joy) - **The Guardian**: The film offers full-throttle star turns from Jack Black and Jennifer Coolidge that raise laughs but are undermined by perfunctory plotting. It is an enjoyable if hectic experience overall. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/02/a-minecraft-movie-review-jack-black-jennifer-coolidge) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye: The critic finds the film disappointing and mindnumbing for failing to spark imagination or experimental play in the spirit of the game, despite its IP origins. It succeeds visually for novices in showing the Overworld's potential and championing childlike wonder, but lacks stakes, tone, and character development. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/a-minecraft-movie-review-jason-momoa-jack-black-1236179043/) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri: The critic praises the film as a funny, lively comic delight that captures the game's playful vibe through the chemistry of Jack Black and Jason Momoa. It succeeds as a silly, light-footed quest comedy thanks to the director's tongue-in-cheek approach. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/jack-black-and-jason-momoa-make-a-minecraft-movie-a-delight.html) - **Deadline**, Dessi Gomez (75/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's embrace of creativity and the strong performances by Jack Black and Jason Momoa, noting it has heart and effective visual effects despite niche humor. They single out the message of nurturing creativity in young Henry and the bromance between the leads. [Read](https://deadline.com/2025/04/a-minecraft-movie-review-jack-black-jason-momoa-1236359588/) - **/Film**, Witney Seibold (7/10): The critic views the film as a broad, slapstick farce that wisely avoids taking itself or the source material too seriously. Jack Black is singled out for praise as the perfect Steve in a quirky, fun adaptation that echoes the director's earlier indie comedies. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1826697/a-minecraft-movie-review/) - **Collider**, Nate Richard (5/10): The critic views the film as a disposable family movie that will please young audiences but feels stale and unremarkable to adults. They single out the first act's laughs and the silly performances by Jason Momoa and Jennifer Coolidge for praise, while complaining that Jack Black's performance grows tiresome and the emotional elements feel half-baked. [Read](https://collider.com/a-minecraft-movie-review/) - **The Wrap** (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the film offers no surprises, aimed squarely at fans with fan service and slapstick, enjoyable for them but formulaic with unremarkable CGI integration and over-the-top Black performance; praises some charming elements like Coolidge and small-town scenes. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/minecraft-movie-review-jason-momoa-jack-black/) - **NME**, Ali Shutler (2/5): The critic notes moments of surreal brilliance and gorgeous visuals embracing the game's quirky culture, including a Technoblade tribute and fun subplots, but finds the film far too safe overall. It feels more like an advert for the game than a celebration of creativity, with a basic Jumanji-style plot that lacks innovation despite the premise. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/minecraft-movie-review-jack-black-jason-momoa-3851625) ## Details - **Director:** Jared Hess - **Director:** Jared Hess - **Screenplay:** Chris Galletta, Gavin James, Neil Widener, Hubbel Palmer, Chris Bowman - **Story:** Hubbel Palmer, Chris Bowman, Allison Schroeder - **Cinematography:** Enrique Chediak - **Editor:** James Thomas - **Music:** Mark Mothersbaugh - **Production design:** Grant Major - **Costume design:** Amanda Neale - **Producer:** Roy Lee, Mary Parent, Vu Bui - **Cast:** Jason Momoa as Garrett; Jack Black as Steve; Sebastian Eugene Hansen as Henry; Emma Myers as Natalie; Danielle Brooks as Dawn; Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene; Rachel House as Malgosha (voice); Allan Henry as Malgosha (Creature Performer) - **Runtime:** 1h 41m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG - **Release (the US):** 4 April 2025 - **Genres:** Family, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure - **Budget:** $150 million - **Box office:** $960 million ## Where to watch in the US Not streaming, renting or buying in the US at the last check. Also available in: GB. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Golden Joystick Awards − Best Game Adaptation 2025: Golden Joystick Awards − Best Game Adaptation (nominated) - Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2025: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated) - The Game Awards − Best Adaptation 2025: The Game Awards − Best Adaptation (nominated) ## If you liked this - *Napoleon Dynamite* (2004), Fi1m 74: Hess’s first film, where the small-town losers were the whole point, not the warm-up. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite.md) - *The Lego Movie* (2014), Fi1m 83: The toy adaptation that worked out how to make building things the actual plot. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie.md) - *Tron* (1982): People fall into a computer and the world inside has a look of its own. - *Wreck-It Ralph* (2012), Fi1m 70: An arcade film with jokes for the parents and a villain worth fearing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wreck-it-ralph.md) - *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: Proof that a loud family comedy can be kind, careful and properly funny at once. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/a-minecraft-movie