The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, released on April 1, 2026, has become the first film to surpass $1 billion at the 2026 box office. This collaboration between Illumination, Nintendo, and Universal reached this milestone in its tenth weekend. It is the top-grossing film of the year, exceeding Michael Jackson’s biopic “Michael,” which grossed $888 million, and “Project Hail Mary” with $679 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
Besides its impressive earnings, this film ranks as the second-highest-grossing video game-based movie worldwide and domestically, following “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Its predecessor set a high standard by earning $1.3 billion globally, marking it as the top-grossing video game adaptation and the first to cross the billion-dollar threshold.
Together, both Mario films have elevated The Super Mario franchise, making it one of the most profitable in the industry. With combined revenues of $2 billion, it has already surpassed the seven-film “Madagascar” series, which totaled $2.26 billion. The Super Mario franchise is now Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri’s third to feature in the top ten list of animated franchises since 2007.
Biggest Animated Franchises of All Time
Here’s a look at the top ten highest-grossing animated franchises by total box office revenue:
- Despicable Me: $5.64 billion (6 films)
- Shrek: $3.98 billion (6 films)
- Toy Story: $3.28 billion (5 films)
- Ice Age: $3.22 billion (5 films)
- Zootopia: $2.89 billion (2 films)
- Frozen: $2.73 billion (2 films)
- Inside Out: $2.56 billion (2 films)
- Kung Fu Panda: $2.37 billion (4 films)
- Super Mario films: $2.30 billion (2 films)
- Madagascar: $2.26 billion (7 films)
Universal is having a strong year in 2026, with anticipated releases such as Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi drama “Disclosure Day” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which is expected to reach $1 billion. The ongoing partnership with Illumination will continue with “Minions & Monsters,” set for a July 1, 2026 release. A third “Super Mario Bros” movie is already in discussion, potentially arriving around 2028.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2026
Here’s how the top-grossing films of 2026 currently stand:
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: $1,000,028,930
- Michael: $888,066,424
- Project Hail Mary: $679,728,026
- The Devil Wears Prada 2: $663,570,934
- Pegasus 3: $656,459,523
- Hoppers: $372,010,783
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu: $293,622,349
- Wuthering Heights: $241,601,072
- Obsession: $224,795,930
- Blades of the Guardians: $215,363,913
‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Cast
The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario and Charlie Day as Luigi. Reprising their roles are Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Jack Black as Bowser. The full cast includes:
- Chris Pratt — Mario
- Anya Taylor-Joy — Princess Peach
- Charlie Day — Luigi
- Jack Black — Bowser
- Keegan-Michael Key — Toad
- Brie Larson — Rosalina
- Donald Glover — Yoshi
- Benny Safdie — Bowser Jr.
- Glen Powell — Fox McCloud
- Issa Rae — Honey Queen
- Luis Guzmán — Wart
- Kevin Michael Richardson — Kamek
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