‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Rockets to $372.6 Million Global Opening, Setting 2026 Records
The film’s launch was bolstered by NBCUniversal’s “Legendary February” campaign, which used the Olympic Games as a primary platform for promotion.
RMN Stars Movies Desk
New Delhi | April 7, 2026
HOLLYWOOD – Nintendo and Illumination have once again dominated the global box office as ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ debuted at No. 1 worldwide, earning an estimated $372.6 million. This massive launch marks the biggest global opening for a film since Avatar: Fire and Ash and secures its place as the largest MPA global opening weekend of 2026.
Domestic and International Dominance
In North America, the film powered up to a $131.7 million three-day opening across 4,252 theaters. When accounting for its five-day start, the domestic cume reached $190.81 million, making it the biggest five-day domestic opening since Moana 2.
Internationally, the film saw similar success, rolling out in 80 markets and earning $182.4 million. It now holds the record for the biggest international opening for a film based on a video game. The movie played across more than 54,000 screens globally, proving the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise on a world stage.
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Record-Breaking Statistics
The film’s performance has placed it among the elite in animation history:
- It is the 5th biggest global opening ever for an animated film.
- It joins Shrek, Toy Story, and Minions as the only animated franchises to have two titles open to more than $100 million domestically over three days.
- It is the only animated franchise to have two titles open with over $350 million globally.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Beyond the numbers, the film has been a hit with viewers, earning an “A-” CinemaScore and a 90% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures, attributed the success to the “extraordinary partnership between Nintendo and Illumination,” stating that audiences are clearly embracing the “next evolution” of the Mario world. The film also features new star power, with Brie Larson joining the cast as the voice of Rosalina.
A Multifaceted Marketing Blitz
The film’s launch was bolstered by NBCUniversal’s “Legendary February” campaign, which used the Olympic Games as a primary platform for promotion. Additional high-impact exposure occurred during Super Bowl LX and NBA All-Star Weekend. Universal Studios theme parks also supported the release with limited-time experiences in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, including Yoshi meet-and-greets and exclusive themed merchandise.
As the film continues its galactic adventure in theaters, industry analysts expect it to maintain its dominance for weeks to come, given the lack of immediate competition in the marketplace.
Note: RMN Stars News Service cannot independently verify the box office figures.
