The Super Mario Brothers Movie animated feature recently shattered the record for the strongest opening ever for an animated film, pulling in 377 million dollars in just five days and confirming its status as a historic debut. The production carried a budget of 100 million dollars. It also set the pace for 2023 with the best opening, and it sits near the top among Illumination’s releases, second only to The Incredibles sequel in US earnings for animated features.
As of April 9, the film had accumulated 204 million dollars from US audiences and 173 million dollars worldwide, underscoring its broad international appeal. The project is a collaboration between Illumination, Nintendo, and Universal Pictures, bringing to life a world that fans know from the beloved video game franchise. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenik present the adventures of the plumber brothers Mario and Luigi, who stumble upon a portal that leads to an underground city. There, the heroes must rescue Princess Peach from captivity and take on Bowser, the villain who stands in their way. The voice cast includes Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key, and a talented ensemble that brings the iconic characters to vivid life.
The film’s success is mirrored by its reception, which highlighted its vibrant animation, brisk pacing, and faithful nods to the source material while expanding the universe for both longtime fans and newcomers. Audiences were drawn to the bright color palette, the humorous banter between the brothers, and the film’s willingness to introduce playful reinterpretations of familiar locations from the games. Critics noted the steady rhythm of the adventure, the charming performances of the lead voice actors, and the movie’s ability to balance homage with fresh storytelling. In addition to its box office triumph, the production team emphasized a collaborative process that blended Nintendo’s storied character lore with Illumination’s signature animation style, all under Universal’s distribution umbrella. The result is a cinematic experience that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, appealing to families and older fans alike, while maintaining a pace that keeps younger viewers engaged from first frame to final scene.
Beyond the spectacle, the movie sparked a broader conversation about how classic video game franchises transition to the big screen. Viewers praised the way the narrative honors Mario and Luigi’s origins while offering new challenges and moments of camaraderie that translate well to a wide audience. The project also underscored the importance of cross-media collaboration in today’s entertainment landscape, where a storied gaming property can be adapted with an eye toward storytelling, humor, and visual spectacle. As the film continues to perform at the box office and resonate with audiences, it demonstrates the enduring cultural footprint of the Super Mario universe and its capacity to attract audiences across generations, regions, and platforms. The creative team’s commitment to staying true to the spirit of the games while delivering a cinematic experience that stands on its own has solidified the movie’s place in contemporary animated cinema, inviting fans to revisit the mushroom kingdom in new and exciting ways.