Super Mario Galaxy only needed one day to establish itself as the new juggernaut of animation. Released on April 1, 2026, the film started stronger than its predecessor in American theaters, while triggering a deluge of screenings in France.
This contrasting start compared to the criticism raises questions. The first Super Mario Bros. The Movie had ended its run at around 1.36 billion dollars (nearly 1.25 billion euros). The question is now simple: with a much colder press reception, how far can this sequel push the box office of the Mario license?
Super Mario Galaxy box office: figures that are already panicking the counters
In the United States, Super Mario Galaxy opened to $34 million (around 31 million euros) on Wednesday, the best Wednesday in April in history, ahead of the $31.7 million (nearly 29 million euros) of Super Mario Bros. The Movie in 2023. In France, the film had around 27,000 screenings on April 1, a national record for one day.
Projections call for $128.2 million (around 117 million euros) over three days and $186 million (nearly 170 million euros) over five days in North America, to which would be added 175 million international dollars (around 160 million euros). That is to say a first worldwide weekend around 350 million dollars (nearly 320 million euros), slightly below the 387.8 million dollars (around 350 million euros) of the first film, but above anything released in 2026. To put it in context, crossing 100 million dollars over three days in the United States already places a film in the category of very big releases.
Mixed reviews for Super Mario Galaxy: why the press stops when the public applauds
In terms of scores, the contrast is clear. On Rotten Tomatoesprofessional reviews are around 45%, with a 37 out of 100 on MetacriticWhen Super Mario Bros. The Movie peaked at 59% and 46. Opposite, the public follows: 3.9 out of 5 on Allocinated6 out of 10 on SensCritique, and an A- grade on CinemaScore, this survey carried out at the exit of American theaters.
The specialized press, however, remains cautious. IGN France talks about “The Great Void.” and rates the film 6 out of 10: “Paradoxically filled to the brim and empty at the same time, Super Mario Galaxy (The Movie) gives rhythm to its adventures and knows how to constantly attract the eye, like the eponymous title. By adapting its gravity games and multiplying the video game references to infinity, it proves that it has understood the basic material and offers an object which is closer to a let’s play than to a piece of fiction – it is, in this sense, original, but fascinating once in theaters, that’s for sure.” For his part, Numerama goes down a “90-minute product placement”, “a great commercial, but definitely not a film”. Recurring criticism points to a very thin storyline, an avalanche of winks and an object designed above all to serve the ecosystem Nintendo. The public seems to favor fan service, the fast pace and the pleasure of seeing the Mario universe on the big screen, especially as a family outing.
What future for Mario in the cinema after the success of Super Mario Galaxy?
With this departure, Nintendo And Illumination can envisage a second billion dollars in total worldwide if the theatrical run follows the trajectory of the first film. Beyond the box office, the firm knows that each Mario release boosts sales of games and consoles, as we saw in 2023 with the performance of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or platform games on Switch.
The horizon is already marked: a live action film The Legend of Zelda is planned for 2027, a spin-off Donkey Kong is in the pipeline for 2028, and Jack Blackvoice of Bowser, has hinted that a third Mario movie could arrive in 2029. The storyline of Super Mario Galaxywhich brings together Mario and characters like Fox McCloud, even opens the door to a future feature film like Super Smash Bros..
Should you go see the film despite the mixed reviews? If you are looking for a colorful show, full of references and calibrated for children, Super Mario Galaxy clearly fulfills the mission. Fans of animated cinema that are more demanding in terms of writing, on the other hand, risk staying away from a project seen as a gigantic showcase for the Nintendo universe.