Late last year, ahead of Wicked’s theatrical release, movie theaters issued a reminder to fans to not sing along to the music in a regular screening. Instead, they’d have the opportunity to attend special “singalong” screenings where all the theatre kids could obnoxiously belt out “Defying Gravity” amongst friends. When A Minecraft Movie came out this past weekend, a lot of kids brought that same energy to their screenings. My husband and kids went to a showing and said that there was so much enthusiasm during their screening that people were cheering and calling out famous lines as they were said. They had a blast.
Apparently, thanks to social media, some of these trends are getting a bit out of hand, where some viewers have gone as far as to throw popcorn and other things in excitement. It’s actually prompted some movie theaters to warn audiences that things like excessive noise, disruptive behavior, and TikToking while viewing can get them thrown out of the theater.
Warner Bros. and Legendary’s “A Minecraft Movie” is causing such a sensation among young moviegoers that one Cineworld theater in Oxfordshire is warning its patrons not to get disruptive or they will be removed from the venue without a refund, BBC News reports. Videos of “Minecraft” moviegoers getting rowdy inside the theater have gone viral on social media, sparking a trend that encourages viewers to clap, shout, throw popcorn and more during pivotal moments of the movie (including Jack Black proclaiming “I am Steve” and yelling “chicken jockey!”).
The notice at the Cineworld reads: “Any form of anti-social behavior, especially anything that may disturb other guests such as loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated. Anyone who is found to be acting in this manner will be removed from the screening and not entitled to a refund.”
Other movie theaters are issuing similar warnings. A spokesperson for England’s REEL cinema said in a statement (via People): “To ensure everyone has the best possible cinema experience, we’re increasing our monitoring of screens during performances. Disruptive behavior, including taking part in TikTok trends, before, during, or after a screening will not be tolerated. Anyone causing disruption will be asked to leave, and where necessary, the police will be called.”
The Glasgow Times noted that a local Cineworld put out the following notice: “We’ve been informed of reports of an online trend that includes making excessive noise during ‘A Minecraft Movie.’ We would like to remind everyone to please be respectful to those around them by not making noise nor being on their phones during any movie. Failure to do so may result in ejection from the cinema.”
Starring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers and Sebastian Hansen, “A Minecraft Movie” is based on the popular video game of the same name from Mojang Studios. The film became an instant blockbuster for Warner Bros., grossing $162 million in its domestic debut and a massive $313 million worldwide to become the biggest video game movie opener in history.
As reported by Variety, embattled Warner Bros. film bosses Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy celebrated the success of “A Minecraft Movie” in a company-wide memo that read: “The largest domestic opening weekend of 2025, the biggest since July, and Warner Bros.’ largest opening weekend since 2023. This is truly a world-class achievement! This is what happens when we believe in the power of our creativity, each other, and the strength of great storytelling.”
Obviously, throwing things, shouting in a disruptive manner, and making TikTok videos while watching a movie is not okay behavior. Do not do that. Do not let your kids do that. That said, and this may be controversial, but I feel like when you go to a movie that is primarily made for kids, you need to adjust your expectations a little bit. Kids do not get a lot of movies aimed at them in theaters, especially in a post-pandemic world. They’re also balls of energy and excitement. I think there can be a balance between teaching them how to behave in a movie theater and letting them enjoy themselves while watching a silly movie with fellow fans that are in on the jokes. It’s a movie about Minecraft; it’s not The Brutalist.
Oh, and the other day, I mentioned that I promised to take my kids to see the movie again on Tuesday evening and I’d let y’all know how it went. It didn’t! They’d spent the night at their grandparents (they’re off from school) and got home so exhausted that they asked to see it another night instead. We’re going on vacation next week, so I probably won’t get to take them for their second viewing until after Easter. I’m actually kinda bummed that I likely won’t get to experience that same level of passion by that point. One of my favorite movie-going experiences was seeing Snakes on a Plane on opening night. I love it when it’s a fun movie with a fun crowd.