The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already soaring to new heights.
Following the overwhelming success of the initial film adaptation of Nintendo’s flagship video game series in 2023, Chris Pratt and Charlie Day are back to voice Mario and Luigi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. They are joined by familiar characters as well as some thrilling new faces familiar to gamers.
According to a report by Deadline, the collaboration between Illumination, Nintendo, and Universal, titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is taking the 2026 box office by storm. It boasts the strongest opening weekend and five-day stretch of any movie this year. As of now, it has achieved the highest-grossing Monday of the year in the U.S. with $16.8 million, reaching a grand total of $207.6 million just six days post-release.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ranks fourth for the highest-grossing Mondays in April, surpassed only by Avengers: Endgame ($36.8 million), Avengers: Infinity War ($24.7 million), and just slightly ahead of F7 ($14 million). Meanwhile, The Super Mario Bros. Movie still holds the record for the second-best opening weekend for an animated film at $92.3 million, trailing behind Inside Out 2 which garnered $101.2 million.
Despite mixed reviews, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has received a 42% rating on the Tomatometer and an 89% audience score on the Popcornmeter, as per Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the animation quality, although some found it irritating. Jordan Williams from ScreenRant described the film as “fast-paced, overstuffed, and lacking in depth.” This reception mirrors that of the 2023 movie, which earned a 59% critic rating and a 95% audience score. Despite the critical feedback, both films have excelled at the box office, with the 2023 adaptation grossing over $1.3 billion globally.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has significant potential to surpass its predecessor, especially with its impressive voice cast, including Pratt, Day, Brie Larson, Benny Safdie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Glen Powell, Donald Glover, Issa Rae, Luis Guzman, and Keegan-Michael Key. With such a stellar lineup and the backing of Nintendo’s most iconic gaming franchise, the film is well-positioned to dominate the box office for several weeks ahead.
Although there’s no confirmed date for the digital release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, you can currently catch this animated adventure in cinemas.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
