The animated sequel has officially joined Hollywood’s most exclusive club. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide, cementing its status as one of 2026’s biggest hits and, more importantly, proving that the Mario franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
The Super Mario Galaxy has crossed $1 billion globally, showcasing the franchise's unprecedented success in animated films.
Building on the momentum of its predecessor, 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which became the first video game adaptation ever to surpass $1 billion globally, the franchise has now achieved a rare back-to-back milestone. As a result, it joins a small group of Hollywood properties that have delivered consecutive billion-dollar animated successes.
Meanwhile, the sequel significantly expanded the universe, introducing beloved Nintendo characters such as Rosalina while also diving deeper into the cosmic “galaxy” storyline that captivated audiences worldwide. In turn, this ambitious world-building strategy translated into strong repeat viewings and sustained international interest.
On the financial side, the film—made on a reported $100 million budget—appears poised for substantial profitability. Consequently, it marks another major win for Nintendo as the company continues strengthening its footprint in Hollywood storytelling.
At the same time, Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me and Minions, further reinforces its dominance in family animation with yet another global phenomenon.
Ultimately, the film’s success underscores a broader industry shift: video game adaptations are no longer considered box office gambles. Instead, they have become reliable, franchise-building tentpoles capable of delivering both critical momentum and massive commercial returns.
