Super Mario Galaxy: Predictably, Animated Film is a Global Box Office Hit; Here are the First Figures!

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Despite harsh reviews criticizing its weak plot, shallow characters, and frenetic pacing, the animated film Super Mario Galaxy has secured the biggest global launch of the year, earning $372.5 million worldwide, including $182.4 million internationally, as reported on April 5, 2026. The Nintendo and Illumination Studios film surpasses Amazon MGM Studios’ Project Hail Mary, which grossed $97.2 million globally after its March release. This success follows the Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), which grossed $1.3 billion, establishing the franchise as one of animated cinema’s most profitable. Super Mario Galaxy achieved the biggest global opening as of April 5, 2026, and is the only animated franchise with two titles grossing over $170 million internationally. The film marks the second-biggest international opening for both an Illumination movie and a video game adaptation, after The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Universal Pictures reports that the Super Mario series is the only animated franchise to have recorded two launches above $350 million. Super Mario Galaxy is also the fourth-best opening for a Hollywood animated film, behind Zootopia 2 and Moana 2. The film earned $190.8 million domestically and $372.6 million globally during its first five days.

Distributed in 80 territories, the film performed best at the Mexican box office ($29 million). Mexico was particularly successful, with $6.7 million earned—just shy of The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s record-breaking $5.9 million opening. Other top-performing territories include the UK and Ireland ($19.7 million), Germany ($15 million), and France ($12 million). On its first day, Super Mario Galaxy grossed $68.4 million worldwide, with $33.9 million coming from 78 countries, an increase compared to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which debuted with $66.4 million. Super Mario Galaxy also achieved the biggest domestic opening for any animated film in 2026 as of April 5, raking in $190 million. As reported by Deadline, the Super Mario series is the first animated franchise to have two movies launch with more than $350 million globally. With a budget of $110 million, the film’s profitability is secure, especially considering that premium formats like IMAX contributed $22.2 million, one of the best starts for an American film in that format.

Super Mario Galaxy Film’s Box Office Success with Star Fox Appearance and Amazon MGM’s Project Hail Mary Debut Second

The film shows Princess Rosalina reading to a group of floating, starlike creatures called Lumas, and Star Fox makes an appearance. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios’ Project Hail Mary debuted in second place at the box office with a domestic gross of $30.7 million.

In Case You Missed It

In exciting news from the world of gaming, Ahmed Hassan explores the astounding success of Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie in his recent article published on April 6th. This animated marvel has already broken records and achieved historic milestones within just its first five days of release, raking in over $372.5 million globally. Dive into Ahmed’s comprehensive analysis here Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie Makes History with Brutal $372.5 Million Opening to see why this film is a must-watch for both Mario fans and cinema enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, in our ongoing series profiling legendary game developers, we’re taking a moment to pay tribute to Yoshihisa Kishimoto, the mastermind behind iconic franchises like Double Dragon and Kunio-kun. Sadly, Kishimoto passed away recently at the age of 64. Dive into Jonathan Dubinski’s retrospect on Kishimoto’s career and impact on gaming in his article “Developer Yoshihisa Kishimoto, Creator of Double Dragon Franchise, Passes Away at 64” (published April 6, 2026), found here: Developer Yoshihisa Kishimoto, Creator of Double Dragon Franchise, Passes Away at 64. While we’re discussing quality control in gaming, it’s worth checking out Bruno Pferd’s latest piece for Players For Life. In “Sony Removes Jesus Simulator from PlayStation Store” (published April 6th), Bruno explores Sony’s ongoing campaign against shovelware and highlights their removal of controversial titles like the “Jesus Simulator”. Check it out here Sony Removes Jesus Simulator from PlayStation Store to see how this move contributes to Sony’s larger commitment to safer gaming experiences.