Super Mario Galaxy Movie breaks box office record with $372.5 million opening
Nintendo's animated sequel claims Universal's fifth-biggest opening ever, making Super Mario the only franchise with two $350+ million debuts. Despite mixed critic reviews, audiences loved it with 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has smashed box office records with a $372.5 million global opening weekend, making Nintendo's franchise the first animated series to achieve two $350+ million openings. As reported by Video Games Chronicle, the sequel fell just short of its predecessor's $387.8 million but still delivered the biggest worldwide opening of 2024.
Key Takeaways
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned $372.5 million globally in its opening weekend.
- It's the first animated franchise to have two films open above $350 million worldwide.
- The film has a 42% critics score but 89% public score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Universal called it their fifth-biggest global opening weekend in 113 years.
- The movie cost $110 million to produce and released on 1 April 2024.
What makes this opening weekend historic
According to Deadline, the $372.5 million global haul represents Universal's fifth-biggest opening weekend in the studio's 113-year history. The film also claimed Illumination's second-biggest global opening ever, trailing only behind the original Super Mario Bros Movie.
Domestically, the sequel earned $190 million over its five-day opening period, placing it fourth on the all-time list behind Moana 2, the original Super Mario Bros Movie, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
This performance cements Super Mario as the only animated franchise to achieve two separate $350+ million global openings — a milestone that even Disney's biggest hits haven't managed twice.
From a Super Mario Galaxy Movie box office perspective, this kind of repeat-opening strength is the clearest signal that the franchise has become a true four-quadrant event brand, not just a one-off nostalgia spike.
Critics vs audiences: the divide continues
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie currently sits at 42% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences have awarded it an 89% score. This mirrors the pattern from the first film, though both scores dropped slightly from the original's 59% critics and 95% public ratings.
Video Games Chronicle's review summed up the split perfectly: 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an action-packed visual spectacle with a loveable cast of characters and endless surprises for diehard fans.' However, they noted that 'largely, the same issues from the first movie remain — notably, a threadbare plot and rocket-powered pacing leaving characters disappointingly undeveloped.'
The review concludes that 'Nintendo diehards and families are likely to have a stellar time,' which the box office numbers certainly support.
Having watched the first Super Mario Bros Movie in a packed cinema, the audience reaction (especially to fan-service moments) helps explain why the crowd score can stay sky-high even when critics focus on story structure.
Production details and cast expansion
Universal and Illumination invested $110 million in the sequel, released on 1 April 2024. The film expanded the Mario universe with new characters, including Glen Powell as Fox McCloud and Donald Glover voicing Yoshi.
The success has already sparked discussion about future projects, with Charlie Day expressing interest in a Luigi's Mansion spinoff following the Galaxy film's reception.
Industry speculation suggests this performance virtually guarantees the third Super Mario film hinted for 2029, though Universal hasn't made official announcements beyond confirming the franchise's continued development.
Where to watch in UAE
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is currently playing in UAE cinemas. Check local theatre listings for showtimes and booking availability. The film is expected to arrive on streaming platforms later in 2024, though specific UAE release dates haven't been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did The Super Mario Galaxy Movie make on its opening weekend?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie grossed $372.5 million globally in its five-day opening weekend, making it the biggest worldwide opening of 2024 so far.
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie a sequel to The Super Mario Bros Movie?
Yes, it's the second film in the animated Super Mario franchise, following the success of The Super Mario Bros Movie which earned $387.8 million in its opening weekend.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
The film has a critics score of 42% and a public score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, showing a divide between professional reviewers and general audiences.
Where can I watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in UAE?
The film is currently playing in UAE cinemas. Check local theatre listings for showtimes and booking information. Streaming availability will be announced later.
Will there be a third Super Mario movie?
While not officially confirmed, the box office success of both films and industry speculation strongly suggest a third Super Mario movie is likely, with hints pointing to a 2029 release.
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