Canada
United States
New Zealand
Australia
Ireland
In a remarkable achievement, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has become the first film of the year to surpass the highly coveted $1 billion mark at the global box office.
The animated video game adaptation, a collaboration between Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo, has garnered $490 million in North America and $532 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to over $1 billion.
This milestone makes it only the fifth film during the pandemic era to join the prestigious billion-dollar club, following the successes of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World Dominion, and Avatar: The Way of Water.
Blockbuster Opening and Enduring Appeal
Since its release on April 5, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has captivated audiences, earning a staggering $204 million in its first five days.
It not only claimed the title of the biggest opening weekend of the year but also secured the second-largest debut ever for an animated film.
The movie’s achievements continue to grow as it now holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing film of 2023, both domestically and globally, as well as the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time.
These records are particularly significant considering the notoriety of the ill-fated 1993 live-action adaptation of Super Mario Bros, which served as a cautionary tale of Hollywood’s struggles in translating video games to the big screen.
An Adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom
In its triumphant return, The Super Mario Bros. Movie features an all-star voice cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black.
The film’s success can be attributed to its appeal to a wide range of audiences, from young children to adults. The strong brand recognition and nostalgia associated with the beloved video game franchise have played a significant role in drawing audiences to theaters.
Additionally, the lack of family-oriented movies leading up to its release provided a unique opportunity for the film to capture the attention of families searching for an entertaining and accessible option.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the movie follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi, the famous Brooklyn-based plumbers.
The duo finds themselves transported into the enchanting Mushroom Kingdom, where they join forces with Princess Peach to thwart the plans of the formidable Bowser and his quest for domination.
A Testament to the Enduring Appeal of Super Mario
The Super Mario Bros. Movie has not only shattered box office records but has also proven that video game adaptations can find success on the silver screen.
Its achievement in reaching the $1 billion milestone reaffirms the enduring popularity of the Super Mario franchise and the power of a well-executed film that resonates with audiences of all ages.
As the film continues its global run, it remains to be seen if it can maintain its momentum and surpass the records set by its predecessors.
For now, The Super Mario Bros. Movie stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic video game and the magic of cinema brought to life in the Mushroom Kingdom.
