The Minecraft movie had a massive opening weekend at the box office — and it didn’t take long for chaos to erupt inside theaters across the country. Reports flooded social media of rowdy audiences throwing popcorn, screaming lines from the movie, and even prompting police intervention at some locations.
While many fans reveled in the wild atmosphere, others said the experience was completely ruined by the pandemonium.
Videos quickly surfaced online showing crowds shouting, filming scenes on their phones, clapping loudly, and in some cases, tossing food and drinks around the theater. One phrase in particular has risen to meme status: “CHICKEN JOCKEY!”
The now-iconic line, delivered by Jack Black (who plays Steve, Minecraft’s beloved playable character), has sent audiences — especially teens — into a frenzy. It’s shouted during a scene where Black’s Steve and Jason Momoa’s character face off against a cuboid chicken ridden by a baby zombie in a boxing ring — a direct nod to the rare “chicken jockey” encounter from the Minecraft video game.
Thanks to a trailer released back in February, many fans were already primed for this moment. And once it hit the big screen, the “Chicken Jockey!” chant exploded, quickly going viral on social media and fueling even louder and more chaotic reactions in theaters.
One viral video from X (formerly Twitter) user @ollie_twt captured the madness: “The people behind me took their shirts off, as well as the ones standing up front. That was by far the loudest theater I’ve ever been in — and it was awesome.”
However, not everyone was thrilled. Theater employees have taken to forums and social media to complain about the added mess from thrown popcorn and spilled drinks. Some venues reportedly even called in police to remove disruptive moviegoers.
And while a significant chunk of the audience seems to be embracing the madness, many moviegoers — especially parents with young children and those unfamiliar with Minecraft lore — have expressed frustration, saying the shouting, clapping, and chaos completely derailed their experience.
It seems the Minecraft movie has built more than just a blockbuster opening — it’s sparked a full-blown cultural phenomenon inside theaters, whether audiences love it or hate it.