The ‘chicken jockey’ trend is turning ‘Minecraft’ screenings into total chaos

If you’re planning to see the new Minecraft movie and haven’t heard of the viral “chicken jockey” trend wreaking havoc in theaters across the country, read on.

The trend gets its name from the block-shaped zombies in the video game Minecraft that occasionally ride chickens—thereby becoming chicken jockeys. In a scene from the new film A Minecraft Movie, based on the popular game, Jack Black’s character Steve at one point screams out, “Chicken jockey!”

The phrase has since become a battle cry for teen-filled audiences to yell at the top of their lungs, flash phone lights, and launch popcorn and drinks at the screen. In one video, a moviegoer perched on another’s shoulders holds up a live chicken as chaos erupts around him.

they brought a live chicken pic.twitter.com/t2FELBbEZt

— 🕐HOURLY🕑 shitpost (@hourly_shitpost) April 9, 2025

According to Entertainment Weekly, some screenings have been so rowdy that police officers were called in to escort audience members out. Other theaters have issued disclaimers at the start of the film, warning against antisocial behavior.

The trend is largely harmless fun—teenage boys being teenage boys—unless you’re the minimum-wage cinema staff tasked with cleaning up the mess.
“Please don’t ruin our theater and the movie experience for other guests just for imaginary internet points. Real employees have to clean up this nonsense,” a Sandy Springs-based movie theater posted on Instagram last week. “Enjoy Minecraft, but not like this.”

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A post shared by The Springs Cinema & Taphouse (@thespringscinema)

In some locations, unaccompanied minors and large groups of teen boys are now banned in an attempt to curb those chasing their five seconds of viral fame.

The movie’s director, Jared Hess, has embraced the trend. “It’s been way too fun. People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that a lot of teenagers are giving right before the movie. It’s so hysterical, man. I’m staying up way too late,” Hess told Entertainment Weekly, adding that he finds it funny that “cops are getting called for popcorn.”

Others, including Jack Black himself, aren’t so amused. During a surprise appearance at a weekend screening, Black warned: “For today’s presentation of A Minecraft Movie, please no throwing popped corn, and also no Lapis Lazuli, and also absolutely no Chicken Jockeys!”

Whether you find it funny or not, the trend has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s impressive box office numbers. After just two weeks in theaters, A Minecraft Movie is already the highest-grossing Hollywood release of 2025, earning $80.6 million during its second weekend.

It Ends With Us told fans to wear their florals, while Barbie turned movie theatres pink. Now, A Minecraft Movie fans can expect to leave the theater dressed head to toe in someone else’s soda and popcorn.

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