The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has officially crossed the $1 billion global box office mark, industry tallies confirm.
Released on April 1, 2026, the Illumination-produced adaptation reached the milestone in its tenth week in theaters, making it the first film of 2026 to surpass $1 billion worldwide.
The project leverages Nintendo's enduring IP and the distribution muscle of Universal Pictures to deliver a high-performing big‑screen entry for the franchise.
Observers have described the milestone as unsurprising given Mario's global recognition and strong fanbase.
Industry analysts note that the combination of Nintendo's brand, Illumination's animation expertise, and Universal's marketing contributed directly to the film's rapid commercial performance.
Beyond the $1 billion mark, the Galaxy Movie's success has elevated the combined Super Mario film series into the top 10 highest-grossing animated franchises.
With two films now grossing a combined $2.30 billion, the Super Mario films sit at number nine on the list of animated series by cumulative box office, ahead of Madagascar and close to Kung Fu Panda.
The ranking of animated franchises by reported cumulative grosses is currently:
- Despicable Me — $5.64B (6 films)
- Shrek — $3.98B (6 films)
- Toy Story — $3.28B (5 films)
- Ice Age — $3.22B (5 films)
- Zootopia — $2.89B (2 films)
- Frozen — $2.73B (2 films)
- Inside Out — $2.56B (2 films)
- Kung Fu Panda — $2.37B (4 films)
- Super Mario films — $2.30B (2 films)
- Madagascar — $2.26B (7 films)
The Galaxy Movie has also registered several other box-office milestones within the category of video game adaptations and animated releases; its commercial performance reinforces the continued viability of gaming IP in theatrical markets.
Nintendo remains the intellectual property owner, while Universal Pictures and Illumination handled production and global distribution.
This box-office achievement will be watched closely by studios and developers alike, as it underscores how established game franchises can translate to major box-office success when paired with experienced animation and distribution partners.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's run marks a significant moment for Nintendo's broader entertainment strategy and for the ongoing relationship between video game properties and mainstream cinema.
Released on April 1, 2026, the Illumination-produced adaptation reached the milestone in its tenth week in theaters, making it the first film of 2026 to surpass $1 billion worldwide.
The project leverages Nintendo's enduring IP and the distribution muscle of Universal Pictures to deliver a high-performing big‑screen entry for the franchise.
Observers have described the milestone as unsurprising given Mario's global recognition and strong fanbase.
Industry analysts note that the combination of Nintendo's brand, Illumination's animation expertise, and Universal's marketing contributed directly to the film's rapid commercial performance.
Beyond the $1 billion mark, the Galaxy Movie's success has elevated the combined Super Mario film series into the top 10 highest-grossing animated franchises.
With two films now grossing a combined $2.30 billion, the Super Mario films sit at number nine on the list of animated series by cumulative box office, ahead of Madagascar and close to Kung Fu Panda.
The ranking of animated franchises by reported cumulative grosses is currently:
- Despicable Me — $5.64B (6 films)
- Shrek — $3.98B (6 films)
- Toy Story — $3.28B (5 films)
- Ice Age — $3.22B (5 films)
- Zootopia — $2.89B (2 films)
- Frozen — $2.73B (2 films)
- Inside Out — $2.56B (2 films)
- Kung Fu Panda — $2.37B (4 films)
- Super Mario films — $2.30B (2 films)
- Madagascar — $2.26B (7 films)
The Galaxy Movie has also registered several other box-office milestones within the category of video game adaptations and animated releases; its commercial performance reinforces the continued viability of gaming IP in theatrical markets.
Nintendo remains the intellectual property owner, while Universal Pictures and Illumination handled production and global distribution.
This box-office achievement will be watched closely by studios and developers alike, as it underscores how established game franchises can translate to major box-office success when paired with experienced animation and distribution partners.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's run marks a significant moment for Nintendo's broader entertainment strategy and for the ongoing relationship between video game properties and mainstream cinema.