Minecraft Movie TikTok Trend
A viral TikTok trend dubbed the "Chicken Jockey Challenge" has turned screenings of A Minecraft Movie into scenes of chaos, with disruptions reported in theaters across the United States, including a notable incident in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
The trend, fueled by a memorable scene in the film where Jack Black’s character shouts “Chicken Jockey,” has young moviegoers throwing popcorn, drinks, and even ketchup at screens, leading to significant damage and heightened security measures.
At The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs, a Friday night showing descended into disarray, with shattered glass, scattered concessions, and a mess that took theater staff hours to clean.
The chaos prompted police involvement, as theaters nationwide struggle to manage the disruptive behavior tied to the TikTok trend.
The "Chicken Jockey" moment, referencing a rare in-game occurrence from the Minecraft video game where a baby zombie rides a chicken, has become a rallying cry for fans.
Social media posts show audiences erupting in cheers, clapping, and throwing items during the scene, with some even bringing live chickens to amplify the mayhem. One post on X captured the incident, stating:
“A screening of the Minecraft movie got so loud police had to step in and kick several people out of the theater. They were screaming and throwing popcorn during the ‘Chicken Jockey’ scene.”
The trend has spread globally, with similar incidents reported in Melbourne, Australia, where teens doused moviegoers with fire extinguishers and flour, and in the UK, where cinemas have issued warnings and increased monitoring.
UK chain REEL Cinemas stated, “Disruptive behavior, including taking part in TikTok trends, will not be tolerated,” with some theaters adopting a zero-tolerance policy that includes stopping screenings.
Theaters are now implementing stricter measures to curb the chaos. In the US, some have banned unaccompanied minors, while others, like Cinema United, have issued memos advising pre-show announcements and clear consequences for disruptive behavior. Jack Black himself has publicly urged fans to be respectful, emphasizing the need for safe and enjoyable moviegoing experiences
The trend’s impact extends beyond physical disruptions, raising concerns about its effect on vulnerable audiences. Autism charities in the UK have condemned the behavior, noting that loud and unpredictable actions can be distressing for autistic moviegoers. They’ve encouraged parents to seek autism-friendly screenings as an alternative.
Despite the disruptions, some theaters are attempting to channel the enthusiasm constructively. In the UK, Cineworld announced special “Chicken Jockey” screenings where cheering and clapping are encouraged, though throwing items remains strictly prohibited.
As the trend continues to gain traction, theaters are bracing for more challenges, with one employee lamenting, “All of us cannot wait for this movie to be gone.”
The Minecraft Movie chaos underscores the power of social media to amplify fan enthusiasm into disruptive trends, leaving theaters and audiences grappling with the fallout. For now, moviegoers are advised to check theater policies before attending screenings, as the “Chicken Jockey Challenge” shows no signs of slowing down.
Here are the reactions of netizens to the Minecraft Movie TikTok trend.
One X user wrote,
Why is everyone filming the movie? What's wrong with people these days?
Another commented
"WHY ARE PEOPLE EVEN FILMING A VIDEO DURING THE MOVIE....like fucking hell, no wonder people prefer to watch it at home then go to a theatre."
