Super Mario Galaxy Movie Set to Become 2026's First $1 Billion Movie This Month

2026 is shaping up to be the year the box office finally remembered how to print money. After a few sluggish post-pandemic years, ticket sales are roaring back. And no, this isn’t just about superhero fatigue or a few surprise sleepers – we’re talking about a global box office total of $1.77 billion just in the first quarter, a number we haven’t seen since 2019.

Mario Mania Hits the Stratosphere

But let’s get real: one movie is absolutely dominating. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – yeah, that’s the sequel to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie – blasted past the competition after launching on April 1 (and no, that wasn’t a joke). In just a handful of weeks, it’s already made $900 million worldwide. Do the math and it’s heading straight for that hallowed billion-dollar club, likely by the end of May.

This thing was always going to be big. The first film made $1.36 billion – so, all eyes were on the follow-up. Galaxy might not soar quite that high, but it’s already set the 2026 record for the biggest global opening.

Meet the Cast

• Chris Pratt
• Brie Larson
• Anya Taylor-Joy

So, a very ‘wait, they said yes to this?’ kind of line-up. If you’re a fan of seeing household names voicing mustachioed plumbers and princesses, this movie has you covered.

But Did Anyone Actually Like the Movie?

The critics? Not so much. If you thought last time’s 59% on Rotten Tomatoes was harsh, Galaxy is currently chilling at 42%. Ouch. Reviews casually threw around words like "disposable" and "stultifyingly dull", which is code for: ‘please make it stop’.

Want a more direct take? Here you go, courtesy of one unimpressed reviewer:

"It’s as bland as week-old ramen – but at least it’s colorful."

Here’s the rub: these movies really are critic-proof. The target audience is clearly kids and everyone who has ever spent a childhood stomping turtles. Which explains the audience score: a rock-solid 88% from actual ticket-buyers on Rotten Tomatoes. Let’s face it, if you want cinema verité, Mario’s not your guy.

Who’s Gunning for the Billion-Dollar Club?

Sure, Mario’s got the first head start in the 10-digit race, but will he be the only one cashing in? Not a chance. Here’s what else is barreling down the 2026 pipeline:

• Avengers: Doomsday – This will print money. $1B is basically a given.
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Spidey’s not swinging alone. Expect a storm at the box office late in the year.
• Disney’s Live-Action Moana (July 10) – Dwayne Johnson’s wig is already the stuff of legend, but this thing and its global fanbase could be massive.

2026 is on track to outdo a mediocre 2025 (which ended at $33.6 billion globally). I’m not convinced we’ll hit the pre-pandemic record of $42.5 billion from 2019, but if you’re sick of headlines declaring “the death of movies,” this year is your counter-evidence.

What’s Next for Mario?

Even with some heavy-hitters like Mortal Kombat II and the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian and Grogu landing later this month, Galaxy’s already high score likely secures a third Mario movie. Because if there’s one thing Hollywood loves, it’s a proven money machine.