Super Mario Galaxy Movie Surpasses $1 Billion at the Box Office

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has hit a significant milestone, reaching over $1 billion in global box office earnings just 10 weeks into its theatrical run. While it doesn’t quite match the success of its predecessor, the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned $1.36 billion worldwide, it still stands as the highest-grossing film of 2026.

This billion-dollar achievement isn’t surprising for those who tracked the film’s box office performance. It raked in $190.1 million in the U.S. during its first five days back in April. However, there were moments in recent weeks when its path to a billion seemed uncertain.

The success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie all but ensures a third installment in the Super Mario film series. Nintendo and Illumination have an untitled project slated for 2028, which could potentially be a direct sequel. Given the film’s broader appeal, featuring characters like Star Fox’s Fox McCloud and Pikmin, there’s a chance that the next project could explore spinoffs or standalone films centered on other characters.

The box office success indicates that audiences are enjoying the film, though it received a mixed response from critics. The original Super Mario Bros. Movie holds a 59% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Galaxy has a lower rating of 49%.

“Like its predecessor, Galaxy is packed with references to Mario games spanning the last 40 years, relying on nostalgia and stunning visuals to support a rather thin plot,” we noted in our review. “The sequel feels even less cohesive, pulling in references from across the Nintendo IP library to bridge the gaps in its storyline.”

Looking ahead, Nintendo’s next theatrical venture will be a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, set to premiere on April 30, 2027. Directed by Wes Ball, the film features Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie became available for digital purchase on May 19, with 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions set to release on June 16.