Illumination and Universal Pictures' Super Mario Galaxy Movie Becomes First $1 Billion Film of 2026

Universal Pictures, Illumination and Nintendo's The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has become the first film of 2026 to surpass $1 billion at the worldwide box office, reaching the milestone in its 10th weekend of release.

The film debuted at No. 1 globally and held the top spot for three consecutive weekends both worldwide and internationally, emerging as one of the year's biggest theatrical successes.

At the domestic box office, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has grossed $429.6 million, making it the highest grossing film released in 2026 in North America. Internationally, the film has earned $577.5 million, ranking as the highest grossing Motion Picture Association title overseas this year.

The latest blockbuster also pushes the Super Mario film franchise past $2 billion in worldwide ticket sales, making it the ninth biggest animated franchise globally. The milestone gives Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri his third franchise among the top 10 highest grossing animated franchises worldwide.

Worldwide, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie now ranks as the second highest grossing video game adaptation of all time, trailing only The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film also holds the No. 2 position among video game adaptations both domestically and internationally.

In North America, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is only the second Illumination title to surpass $400 million, and stands as the studio's second highest grossing film behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It is also the second highest grossing video game adaptation ever domestically and the second highest grossing animated release in Universal Pictures history, again trailing only The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The film's $1 billion milestone further demonstrates the strength of the partnership between Universal, Illumination and Nintendo.