The cinematic release of Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie It has confirmed what many suspected: Nintendo's plumber isn't just still going strong in video games, he's also a smash hit on the big screen. The animated sequel has opened with unusual force, achieving figures that very few productions manage to reach in their first few days in theaters.
Although some critics received the film with reservations, noting a simple story and a very fast pace, The public has responded massivelyThe queues at cinemas in Spain, Europe and Latin America have translated into a veritable flood of revenue, consolidating the Mario franchise as one of the most powerful in current animated cinema.
A worldwide premiere that approaches $373 million
In its global release, the film has garnered around 372,5-372,6 million dollars in just five days, automatically positioning itself as the biggest world premiere of 2026 to date. This figure includes both the North American market and more than 80 international territories, where interest in the character and its universe remains extremely high.
In United States, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie has raised around $190 million in its first five days, which places it among the best historical openings in that period. Only major recent productions like moana 2, own The Super Mario Bros. movie Some action blockbusters have achieved comparable figures, making it very clear that Mario plays in the big leagues of the box office.
Internationally, the film has garnered some 182,4 million thanks to a massive distribution that has covered around 23.500 complexes and more than 54.000 screensThis rollout makes the launch the biggest international Hollywood release so far this year, with a particularly strong presence in Europe and Latin America, where the saga already had a very solid fan base.
If these figures are compared with those of its predecessor, the 2023 film, the result is striking: the first installment opened with around 387,8 million in the same period, so the sequel has come very close to the bar set then, despite extremely high expectations and a very competitive context of premieres.
With this start, the Mario franchise becomes the only animated saga with two films that gross over $350 million worldwideFurthermore, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie ranks among the highest-grossing animated releases of all time and sets the record. Illumination's second-best global debut, only behind The Super Mario Bros. movie.
All-time records for Universal and Illumination
The studio also has reason to celebrate. For Universal Pictures, the release of Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie stands between His five best World Cup debuts in historyIn terms of global opening, the film ranks as the fifth biggest release in the studio's more than one hundred years of history, reinforcing the alliance between Universal, Nintendo and Illumination.
Within Illumination, the production company responsible for sagas such as Gru: Despicable Me o The minionsThis new galactic adventure for Mario involves the second best start in its catalogOnly the first Super Mario movie had managed to surpass the figures that the sequel is now achieving at its launch, which puts the franchise at the top of commercial animated cinema.
This performance is not limited to a specific territory. The production has been described as one of the MPA's biggest international releases (Motion Picture Association) in recent years, achieving the best worldwide debut for a film backed by the association since the release of Avatar: Fire & AshIn the overall ranking, the film is placed on par with recent phenomena and only behind such massive titles as Spider-Man: No Way Home, Avengers: Endgame o Inside Out 2.
The distributor has taken full advantage of the character's popularity, with simultaneous presence in approximately 80 markets and strategies adapted to each region. In some key territories like China, the premiere has been concentrated in an initial three-day window, somewhat shorter than the five days the 2023 film had, a change that has not prevented the anticipation from translating into good figures.
Furthermore, the film's strong box office performance has had an impact beyond the studios involved in its production. The AMC theater chain, one of the world's largest exhibitors, has seen its Shares rose by about 13%. After the opening weekend, partly driven by the success of Super Mario Galaxy, which has revitalized attendance at theaters along with other titles currently showing.
Europe and Spain: outstanding box office results
Performance in Europe is proving particularly strong. Countries such as United Kingdom and Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Spain They have responded strongly to the launch, with several animated opening records that reinforce the weight of the European market for this type of production.
In the specific case of Germany, the film has made its mark the biggest animated premiere of all time in the country and, moreover, the best opening in Universal's history in that territory. With some $3,8 million on its first dayIt has easily surpassed the previous film, which stood at around 2,8 million in the same time frame.
The United Kingdom and Ireland have also posted remarkable figures, with some $4,3 million at launchwhile France is close behind with 2,9 millionItaly joins the list with approximately 1,5 million on its premiere, consolidating a European landscape in which the film stands out in practically every market where it has arrived.
Austria, with some $700.000and other countries in the region have reinforced this trend, placing Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie as one of the strongest titles of the season in the region. Its release in some territories, such as Poland and certain Eastern European markets, is still staggered, so the numbers may continue to grow in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, some key markets have not yet released the film, such as Japan or South KoreaThese are places where the Mario franchise typically draws large audiences. Adding these countries to the global total could sustain the film's box office performance in the medium term, especially if word-of-mouth remains positive among fans.
Spain: Universal's best opening ever
In Spain, the impact has been especially noticeable. Since its release in cinemas, April 1, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie It has topped the national box office, breaking records and marking a milestone for the distributor. In its first long weekend alone (five days), the film has surpassed 9,5 millones de euros, convirtiéndose en el Universal Pictures' best opening in our country.
In terms of viewers, the film has gathered more than 1,29 million people in Spanish cinemas in those first few days, with nearly 622.000 attendees concentrated on the weekendThese figures translate into a market share that is around 52%which means that, out of every two tickets sold during those days, one was to see Mario's new adventure.
The first day of release in Spain already showed clear signs that we were witnessing a phenomenon. The initial box office takings, around 3 million, he assumed second best one-day opening for an animated film in the history of our country and the third best daily premiere overall, second only to major hits like Twilight y Inside out 2.
The comparison with the 2023 film is also revealing. That first installment reached some $2,2 million on its first day In Spain, while the sequel has significantly improved that figure. In terms of cumulative box office, the new film has achieved the best opening in Spain so far in 2026, establishing itself as one of the major events of the season for cinemas.
The response from the Spanish public demonstrates that The Mario brand continues to enjoy enormous popularity. Among families, young audiences, and those nostalgic for Nintendo consoles, the combination of humor, action, and video game references has managed to fill theaters in major cities and smaller towns alike—something that doesn't always happen with animated productions.
Latin America and other key markets: Mexico leads the way
Beyond Europe, Latin America has become one of the pillars of success of Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie. Mexico, in particular, has played a leading role, establishing itself as one of the strongest international markets for the launch.
In its first few days in theaters, the film has grossed around [amount missing] in Mexico 29,1 million, spread across more than 5.100 screensThis figure makes it the most important premiere of the year in the country and one of the most outstanding releases in recent history for an MPA production. Within the global ranking, it is the fourth most powerful premiere in Mexico, only behind phenomena such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, Avengers: Endgame e Inside Out 2.
If we analyze the first day of screenings, the data is also striking. On that initial day, the film reached approximately 6,7 million, which made her Universal's biggest opening in history in Mexico and in the second biggest animated debut registered in the country. The 2023 film had grossed around 5,9 million on its first day, so the sequel has managed to go one step further.
Other territories in the region reinforce this trend. In Central AmericaFor example, the film has registered around 1,8 million at its premiere, being the second best throw in history in the zone, second only to Avengers: EndgameAgain, the 2023 film had achieved somewhat lower figures, around 1,3 million, so the evolution is clearly positive.
Countries like Colombia They have also contributed relevant results, with some 1,1 million at the start, while in Australia approximately $700.000 on the first day. Taken together, these markets consolidate the global nature of the phenomenon and show that interest in Mario is not limited to a specific geographical area.
Mixed reviews, a devoted audience, and a franchise in top form
The contrast between critical reception and audience response has been one of the most discussed aspects since the review embargo was lifted. On reference websites, the film has garnered around a 42% critical approval ratingThis fact reflects quite divided opinions among specialists, who in many cases point to flaws in the plot and a limited development of the characters.
However, the general public's perception is very different. Viewers' ratings hover around a 89% approvalConfirming that those who go to see it find what they expect: a lighthearted, colorful adventure full of nods to the Nintendo universe. The gap between critics and audiences was already evident with the 2023 film, and it's repeating itself with this sequel.
Some reviews, especially the harshest ones, painted a picture close to disaster before the premiere, but the reality at the box office has been different. Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie It has proven to be a hit with fans, to the point of quickly becoming the third highest-grossing film of the year In its early days, it outperformed other animated productions on the bill.
In more nuanced analyses, the film is described as a a fun but simple ideaWith a frenetic pace that sacrifices narrative depth in favor of action and visual spectacle, this isn't a problem for many viewers, especially those looking for straightforward, family-friendly entertainment, as long as it's accompanied by popcorn and a good atmosphere in the theater.
This audience success has direct repercussions for the future of the franchise. The sequel features two post-credits scenes which have already generated theories about possible new characters and storylines, with names like Wario and Waluigi circulating among fan speculation. So far, the filmmakers haven't confirmed anything, but the box office results reinforce the idea that Mario's cinematic universe has a long way to go..
Production, distribution and future trajectory
From an industrial point of view, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie This represents the consolidation of a collaboration that already bore fruit in 2023. The film is produced by Chris Meledandri (Illumination) and Shigeru Miyamoto (Nintendo), with joint funding between Universal Pictures and Nintendo itself, and global distribution through Universal.
On the creative side, the project maintains Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic as directors, returning to the Mario universe after the first installment. The screenplay is once again written by Matthew Fogel, while the soundtrack is once again by Brian Tyler, which integrates classic video game themes with new compositions adapted to the cinematic tone.
Before its release, the film had already generated anticipation thanks to its final trailerA special website and confirmation of its runtime, as well as the reveal of the post-credits scenes, were all part of the announcement. These elements, combined with a strong marketing campaign and the momentum generated by the 2023 film, ensured that the release was highly anticipated by audiences weeks before its theatrical release.
Regarding the commercial trajectory, there are still important markets yet to be fully incorporated into the global figures. Japan, Korea, Israel and PolandAmong other things, they have staggered releases or slightly later dates, which could prolong the film's good run at the box office if word of mouth continues and school holidays work in its favor.
Looking ahead, the film is also guaranteed a significant presence in the domestic market. Details have already been released. four physical editions on DVD and Blu-raydesigned for collectors and those who prefer to enjoy the film at home with bonus features. Furthermore, there is speculation about the streaming platform where the sequel could land once its run in theaters is over, although for now the details of that window remain officially unconfirmed.
This whole scenario leaves Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie In a very comfortable position: the combination of a recognizable brand, a big-budget production and a carefully planned global release has resulted in a commercial phenomenon that reinforces the studios' commitment to video game adaptations and animated franchises with the potential to build long-term universes.
With the current figures on the table, Mario's new galactic adventure is solidifying its position as one of the great recent cinematic successesEspecially in markets like Spain and the rest of Europe, where it has achieved record-breaking box office numbers for Universal and Illumination. Despite mixed reviews from critics, audiences have once again responded with restrained but consistent enthusiasm, filling theaters and confirming that the Nintendo character still has an unparalleled appeal when it comes to drawing moviegoers.
