Fears gardaí could be called to Minecraft screenings in cinemas amid TikTok trend

A viral Tiktok trend has taken over the cinema world as Jack Black stars in new Minecraft movie which has hit screens across the country, and has brought chaos along with it!

Cineworld, believe it or not, has allocated a special day, on April 13, which will allow people to "clap, cheer and shout" during the screening of Minecraft, but they still warn what type of behaviour won't be tolerated. 

This has followed an uproar of chaos during Minecraft screenings in cinemas, particularly in the UK, where major disruption is caused with screaming, shouting, spilled drinks, and popcorn flung everywhere during one particular scene.

There has even been incidents in the UK where police were called due to disruptive behaviour.

In a recent article it said, "A cinema has issued a notice to Minecraft movie customers and warned 'the police will be called' over disruptive behaviour caused by a new viral TikTok trend."

The TikTok trend, known as "Chicken Jockey" is explained by Sheknows.com. as the writer explained her trip to watch the movie with her three boys.

The writer said she finally understood the "Chicken Jockey!" reference when "suddenly, here it comes: a baby zombie riding a chicken. And right along with Steve, it seemed like the entire theater — including my kids — erupted in a raucous shout of “CHICKEN JOCKEY!” The pieces fell into place, and I laughed right along with them, finally understanding what they’d meant."

She continued to explain that "in the past few days there have been a ton of “chicken jockey” moments going viral on TikTok and X, and they’re showing a lot more than people clapping. Kids (well, presumably kids) jumping out of their seats, things being thrown (popcorn! slushies!), and — in at least one instance — cops coming to escort people out for their unruly behavior."

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Ritz Multiplex in Co. Tyrone had to release a statement online in regards to the disruptive behaviour which said, "We are saddened and disappointed that we have had to make a post like this, but no-one should have to tolerate such behaviour. We want everyone to enjoy their cinema experience. Please respect our cinema, our customers, and our staff."

This has since received criticism among cinema go-ers hoping to see the Minecraft film.

On the other end, Cineworld who has allocated a special day allowing cinema go-ers to take part in part of the trend, has received a lot of mixed comments from social media users.

Some are delighted with the allocated day for "Chicken Jockey" behaviour, others told Cineworld to "stop encouraging this!"

Minecraft fans! ⛏ Want a screening where clapping, cheering, and shouting I AM STEVE is absolutely encouraged?

Join our Chicken Jockey 4DX screenings of #AMinecraftMovie on April 13.

Have fun, but don't go full Creeper. No throwing, no mess, and no filming the screen!… pic.twitter.com/u5M6XiH1p0

— Cineworld (@cineworld) April 8, 2025

One person commented, "hopefully it is being monitored by staff on the "normal" screenings. I dont want to bring my child to a screaming annoying screening where you can't actually enjoy the film because people want to join in on a pointless TikTok trend."

Another person said, "Glad to see this. Although I get the throwing popcorn and stuff is over the top it’s nice to see people enjoying a film. Hell if you let tone deaf people sing out loud through Wicked people should be allowed to clap etc.".