Washington Township, NJ — A New Jersey movie theater has banned unaccompanied minors from screenings of A Minecraft Movie following a series of disturbances tied to a viral TikTok trend.
The Township Theatre, located in Washington Township, recently updated its screening policy after a group of unsupervised boys caused disruptions during a showing on April 5, 2025. According to reports, the group engaged in vandalism and loud behavior that disturbed other moviegoers.
The source of the chaos? A viral TikTok trend revolving around a specific moment in the film featuring a “chicken jockey”—a rare baby zombie riding a chicken in the Minecraft universe. The scene, which includes a dramatic announcement by Jack Black’s character, has inspired audience members—particularly younger fans—to cheer, shout, and even throw popcorn in celebration.
Videos posted on TikTok show large groups of children reacting wildly to the “chicken jockey” scene, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a concert than a traditional movie screening.
Theater Responds to Chaos
In response, the Township Theatre has introduced a temporary restriction: all minors must now be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult if they wish to attend A Minecraft Movie. The theater confirmed that the rule was implemented for the safety and comfort of all patrons.
“Unfortunately, due to recent incidents during Minecraft screenings, we are requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding,” the theater posted on its official Facebook page.
Viral Scene Causes International Disruptions
This issue isn’t isolated to New Jersey. The viral “chicken jockey” scene has sparked similar behavior in other theaters across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Cineworld in Witney and the Radway cinema in Sidmouth, UK, both issued stern warnings to patrons threatening ejection without refund for disruptive conduct. Theater staff described some screenings as “uncontrollable,” with some venues forced to pause or cancel showings altogether.
According to The Guardian, several cinemas have had to call in security or police when audiences became too unruly.
Minecraft Movie’s Massive Success
Despite the disturbances, A Minecraft Movie has been a box-office hit. The film, featuring stars like Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge, has already raked in approximately $314 million globally during its opening weekend.
The film’s popularity, especially among younger fans, has made it a cultural event. However, its success has been somewhat overshadowed by the disruptive audience behavior fueled by social media trends.
Concerns Over Social Media Influence
Experts and parents alike are now questioning the influence platforms like TikTok have on young audiences. While trends can foster community and excitement, they can also result in inappropriate public behavior, particularly when participants are minors without supervision.
“There’s a difference between enjoying a moment and turning a cinema into a playground,” said Dr. Amanda Klein, a media behavior specialist. “When social media encourages people to go viral at the expense of others’ enjoyment, it becomes a public concern.”
What Parents Should Know
Parents planning to take their children to see A Minecraft Movie should check their local theater’s policies. Many cinemas are now updating their guidelines to address potential disruptions. It’s advisable to attend screenings at quieter times and to accompany children, especially if they’re under the age of 14.
In addition, theaters may rely on support from local law enforcement in extreme cases. For general information on public behavior regulations in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey State Police Website.
Balancing Fandom and Respect
Ultimately, the “chicken jockey” trend highlights a growing challenge: balancing enthusiastic fan participation with respectful public conduct.
As theaters grapple with the implications of viral content, they are working to create policies that allow everyone—kids and adults alike—to enjoy the magic of cinema in a safe and respectful environment.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
