If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you know that the blocky world of Mojang has finally hit the big screen. People are obsessed. The buzz around Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa’s "Garrett the Garbage Man" has been impossible to avoid. But now that the initial theatrical rush has settled, the question on everyone’s mind is pretty simple: is the Minecraft movie on TV yet?
Honestly, the answer is a bit of a "yes and no" situation depending on what you mean by "TV." If you’re looking to flip through your local cable channels and stumble across it between commercial breaks, you’re probably going to be waiting a while. However, if you have a smart TV and the right apps, you can actually watch it right now.
The Short Answer: Where to Find It
Since its massive theatrical debut on April 4, 2025, A Minecraft Movie has followed the standard Warner Bros. "windowing" strategy. It didn't stay exclusive to cinemas for very long. By mid-May of last year, it hit digital storefronts. By June 20, 2025, it officially landed on Max (formerly HBO Max).
So, if you want to watch it on your television today, January 18, 2026, your best bet is opening the Max app. It’s been sitting there for months, and it’s still one of the most-streamed movies on the platform.
Will it ever be on "Normal" TV?
Traditional broadcast television (like ABC, NBC, or even cable giants like TBS) usually takes about two to three years to land a major blockbuster after its theatrical run. We’re currently in early 2026. This means we are likely still a year away from seeing A Minecraft Movie pop up as a "Saturday Night Movie" on a basic cable network.
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Warner Bros. Discovery usually keeps their big hits exclusive to Max for as long as possible to drive subscriptions. They want you in their ecosystem.
Streaming Platforms and Digital Rentals
If you don't have a Max subscription, don't sweat it. You've got plenty of other ways to get the Overworld onto your screen. You can basically treat your TV like a digital VCR.
- Prime Video: You can rent it for about $9.99 or buy it permanently for $19.99.
- Apple TV: Similar pricing to Amazon. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, this is usually the smoothest 4K experience.
- Google Play & YouTube: Great for Android-based smart TVs or Chromecasts.
- Vudu (Fandango at Home): Often has bundles if you're looking to buy the movie alongside other gaming-related flicks.
There was a lot of talk about a Netflix release. Currently, in early 2026, rumors suggest that while Warner Bros. has been licensing some older titles to Netflix, the Minecraft movie is likely staying put on Max for the foreseeable future. If it does hit Netflix, it probably won't be until the hype for the sequel starts ramping up closer to 2027.
Is the Minecraft Movie on TV via Cable or Satellite?
For the folks who still love a linear TV experience, there is one specific "channel" to watch. Because this is a Warner Bros. film, it occasionally airs on the HBO linear cable channels.
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If you pay for HBO through your cable provider (like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV), check the guide for the main HBO channel or HBO Family. They tend to rotate their big hits on weekend afternoons. It’s not "free" TV—you still need that premium subscription—but it’s the closest thing to a traditional television broadcast you’ll find right now.
Why Everyone is Looking for It
Let’s be real: this movie was a polarizing beast. Critics weren't exactly kind, giving it a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. But the fans? They didn't care. It grossed nearly $960 million.
The "Chicken Jockey" meme basically took over TikTok for three months straight. Parents are looking for it on TV because their kids want to watch it for the 50th time. It’s become the new Frozen or Encanto in terms of rewatchability.
The Physical Media Option
Interestingly, a lot of people are going back to basics. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions released in late June 2025. If you have a physical disc player connected to your TV, this is actually the highest quality way to watch. No buffering. No low-bitrate artifacts in the dark scenes of the Nether. Plus, the "Bonus X-Ray Edition" on some digital platforms and the Blu-ray special features have some cool behind-the-scenes stuff with Jack Black that you won't see on a standard TV broadcast.
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Common Misconceptions About the TV Release
One thing that trips people up is the confusion between the movie and the various Minecraft animated shows.
- Netflix has a separate Minecraft animated series in development. Don't confuse the live-action movie with the upcoming show.
- YouTube is not the movie. You'll see "Full Movie" titles on YouTube that are actually just clickbait or gameplay footage. Don't fall for it.
- The sequel isn't here yet. Some "TV listings" might mention Minecraft 2, but that isn't scheduled for theaters until July 23, 2027.
What to do Next
If you're ready to sit down and watch right now, here is the most direct path to get the movie on your screen:
Check your Max app first. It’s included in the standard subscription. If you’re not a subscriber, look for a "Max" add-on through Hulu or Prime Video, which often has a one-week free trial for new users.
If you prefer to own your content without a monthly fee, head to Amazon or Apple TV and grab the digital 4K version. It’s a one-time cost, and you won't have to worry about which streaming service has the rights next month. For those holding out for a totally free broadcast on regular network TV, you’ll want to set a calendar reminder for 2027—it’s going to be a long wait.