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Illumination
Universal Pictures

‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Smashes Box Office Records Worldwide

Nintendo and Illumination's 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' is the No 1. movie in the world with an estimated $372.6 million marking the biggest global opening for a film since Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Super Mario Galaxy

April 06, 2026

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie powered-up to the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office with an estimated three-day cume of $131.7M and an estimated five-day of $190.81M and also takes No. 1 spot internationally with an estimated weekend cume of $182.4M including previews. 

Having received an A‑ CinemaScore and a 90% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has been embraced by Nintendo fans, fans of the first film, as well as new audiences discovering the franchise. The studio anticipates the all‑new, action‑packed chapter will continue to delight four‑quadrant audiences for weeks to come, with no clear competition in the marketplace.

"This extraordinary weekend underscores the amazing partnership between Nintendo and Illumination, and the enduring strength of Mario and his pals. 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' feels bigger and more ambitious, with audiences clearly embracing this next evolution of their world.  Also exciting to note that this is Chris Meledandri’s 16th movie in 16 years, a period of extraordinary success that continues again this summer with another event title."

– Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures

In the run‑up to release, NBCUniversal’s "Legendary February," anchored by the Olympic Games, provided a powerful megaphone for the film. The multifaceted campaign spanned linear and streaming placements throughout the Games, complemented by custom creative featuring Peach and Yoshi taking on new sports—and venturing into new galaxies. Additional high‑impact exposure surrounded marquee cultural moments, including the Super Bowl LX and NBA All‑Star Weekend.

Further amplifying momentum ahead of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, NBC broadcast Nintendo and Illumination’s record‑shattering 2023 hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide. Universal Products & Experiences also launched an all‑newThe Super Mario Galaxy Movie merchandise collection inspired by the ongoing collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination. Plus, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort celebrated The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with limited-time experiences including a Yoshi meet and greet and exclusive themed food and merchandise, in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD from March 10 through April 13. 

Estimates and statistics for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie include: 

Global:

Rolling out in 80 markets around the world along with domestic, globally The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opens as the No. 1 movie world-wide with an estimated $372.6 million becoming:

  • The biggest MPA Global opening weekend of 2026
  • The only animated franchise to have two titles open over $350M globally.
  • The 5th biggest globally opening ever for an animated film and the 4th biggest MPA animated opening of all-time behind only Zootopia 2, Moana 2 and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
  • The 2nd highest global opening for Illumination of all-time behind only The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • The 2nd biggest global opening for a film based on a video game behind only The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
  • The 5th biggest global opening for a Universal film of all-time behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Domestic:

Opening in 4,252 North American theaters, including 3D, IMAX and other premium large format screens, the film has earned $131.7M over three-days and $190.81M over five-days, marking:

  • The biggest 5-Day Domestic Opening since Moana 2
  • The biggest 3-Day Domestic Opening since Wicked: For Good
  • The biggest domestic opening weekend of 2026
  • Will join Shrek, Toy Story and Minions as the only animated franchises to have two titles open to more than $100M for three days at the domestic box office.
  • The 2nd highest 3-day domestic opening weekend for Illumination of all time behind only The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
  • The 3rd biggest 3-day domestic opening for a film based on a video game behind only A Minecraft Movie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
  • The 2nd biggest 3-day animated domestic opening for a Universal film behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

International:  

Rolling out in 80 markets this past weekend, playing across more than 23,500 locations and 54,000 screens The Super Mario Galaxy Movie becomes:

  • The biggest MPA International opening weekend of 2026
  • The only animated franchise to have two titles open over $170M internationally.
  • The 4th biggest international opening ever for an animated film and the 3rd biggest MPA animated opening of all-time behind only Zootopia 2 and Frozen II.
  • The biggest international opening for Illumination of all-time ahead of The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • The biggest international opening for a film based on a video game
  • The 6th biggest international opening for a Universal film of all-time

With a record-breaking launch, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie firmly cements Nintendo and Illumination’s powerhouse partnership as one of the most successful collaborations in modern animation. As Mario, Peach, Yoshi and friends continue their galactic adventure across theaters worldwide, the film is poised to sustain its box office dominance and cultural impact well into the coming weeks. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now playing in theaters everywhere – inviting audiences of all ages to level up and experience the next epic chapter in the beloved Mario universe.

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