The buzz around “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is hard to ignore, especially after its impressive debut at the box office. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film managed to attract a massive audience, pulling in $130.9 million over its opening weekend. This makes it the biggest opening weekend for any Hollywood film this year!
Released by Universal Pictures, the animated sequel hit theaters just in time for spring break and the Easter holiday. Its global earnings reached an astonishing $372.5 million, with $182.4 million coming from 80 international markets. Mexico topped the international box office with $29.1 million, while the U.K. and Ireland contributed $19.7 million.
This sequel has set records as the industry’s biggest debut since “Avatar: Fire and Ash” over Christmas, although it still trails behind the Chinese film “Pegasus 3” for the global record in 2026. Interestingly, the film’s opening was a bit lower than the first installment, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which launched with $204 million domestically in 2023.
Featuring a star-studded lineup of voice actors including Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” was shown in 4,252 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Despite the film’s production budget of around $110 million, it faced a challenge with its Rotten Tomatoes score, which currently stands at a low 40%. However, audiences seemed to love it, giving it a perfect five out of five stars in PostTrak exit polls.
In terms of audience demographics, 61% of ticket buyers were male, but families were more balanced, with slightly more moms (52%) attending with their kids. It’s a testament to the film’s broad appeal, especially among families looking for entertainment during the spring break.
As expected, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” dethroned the Ryan Gosling-led sci-fi film “Project Hail Mary,” which dropped to second place with $29.8 million in its third weekend, totaling $216.3 million domestically. Meanwhile, A24’s new release “The Drama,” starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, came in third with an estimated $14.4 million, generating conversations about its intriguing plot.
In conclusion, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” demonstrates the power of beloved franchises to draw in audiences, regardless of critical reception. Its success reflects the enduring popularity of the Mario franchise and its ability to captivate both new and longtime fans alike.
