In just over a week since its release, the Super Mario Bros. Movie has shattered numerous box office records, including surpassing Frozen 2 to become the highest grossing animated film opening weekend in history. As it heads into its second weekend, the film has already crossed the $500 million mark at the box office, securing its place as the highest grossing video game film of all time, surpassing 2016’s Warcraft which earned $439 million during its entire theatrical run.
The film’s success is evident both domestically and internationally, with Mario grossing $260.3 million in the US and $248.4 million internationally, resulting in a worldwide gross of $508.7 million. This also makes it the highest grossing film of 2023 so far, surpassing the worldwide gross of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania which earned $474.2 million. Mario has also outperformed other recent video game adaptations such as Uncharted, Detective Pikachu, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
One of the key reasons behind Mario’s success is the sheer enjoyment it brings to audiences. The film is a joyful love letter to the Mushroom Kingdom and Nintendo’s rich history, from its breathtaking and colorful animation to its thrilling action and pitch-perfect music. The endless references to Mario’s past make fans feel like kids again, capturing the essence of playing the games that inspired it while delivering a cinematic experience that justifies its modern adaptation. The film’s rewatchability factor is high, with old and new fans alike, spanning multiple generations of gamers, craving for more of Mario’s adventures on the big screen.
The film’s simple yet emotionally resonant story, with themes of brotherhood and perseverance, adds a weighty depth to the adventure, making it a compelling and enjoyable experience that resonates with audiences. Fans are drawn to iconic moments such as Jack Black’s Bowser singing “Peaches” and thrilling sequences like the Mario Kart chase or Princess Peach’s training montage, which demand to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
With its impressive box office performance, the Super Mario Bros. Movie is well on its way to becoming the first billion-dollar film of 2023, and is expected to cross the $600 million mark by the end of the weekend. Considering the film’s $100 million budget, Universal and Nintendo are undoubtedly celebrating this historic success. Mario, Luigi, and the entire Mushroom Kingdom finally have a film worthy of their iconic namesake. While fans eagerly await Mario’s next major milestone, audiences can enjoy the film in theaters now. Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of the nostalgic and action-packed adventure.
