The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Becomes First Film of 2026 to Cross $1 Billion at Global Box Office

Historic Milestone for Nintendo and Illumination

It's official — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has just become the first film of 2026 to break the $1 billion mark at the global box office. After ten weekends in theaters, the animated sequel from Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo has powered through to reach this massive milestone, proving that Mario's star power is far from fading.

The film crossed the billion-dollar threshold over the June 7-8 weekend, adding another impressive chapter to the Super Mario franchise's box office legacy. With this achievement, The Super Mario franchise now boasts over $2 billion in total box office revenue across both films — a testament to the enduring appeal of gaming's most iconic plumber.

How Does It Compare to the Original?

While The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a massive success, it's tracking slightly behind its 2023 predecessor, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which ultimately earned $1.36 billion worldwide. That film was a cultural phenomenon, opening to record-breaking numbers and becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.

Still, crossing the billion-dollar mark puts Galaxy in elite company. In 2026, where the box office has been unpredictable and competitive, being the first film to hit this milestone is no small feat. The movie has faced stiff competition from indie horror hits like Backrooms and Obsession, as well as franchise heavyweights like The Mandalorian and Grogu and The Devil Wears Prada 2.

What's Driving the Success?

Several factors have contributed to the film's box office dominance:

• Brand Recognition: Mario is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, transcending generations of gamers and families.
• Strong Word-of-Mouth: Audiences have praised the film's humor, animation quality, and nostalgic nods to the beloved Super Mario Galaxy video games.
• Family Appeal: Animated films with universal appeal tend to have long theatrical runs, and Galaxy has been a consistent choice for family outings.
• International Markets: The film has performed exceptionally well in major markets like Japan, Europe, and Latin America, where Nintendo's fanbase is massive.

What's Next for the Franchise?

With two billion-dollar films under its belt, the future of the Super Mario cinematic universe looks incredibly bright. Rumors are already swirling about potential spin-offs, including a Luigi's Mansion movie and a Princess Peach standalone film. Given the franchise's momentum, it's likely that Universal and Nintendo are already planning the next chapter in Mario's big-screen adventures.

For now, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues its theatrical run and is expected to add more to its impressive total in the coming weeks. Whether it can catch up to the original's $1.36 billion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mario has once again proven he's the king of the box office.