Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie opens with 1.6 billion yen in Japan and divides opinions

The animated film Super Mario Galaxy: Filme premiered on Japão between April 23 and 25 and grossed around 1.6 billion yen. The number places the production as one of the main premieres of the year in the country, although it is below the performance of the first film in the franchise.

Universal Pictures and Illumination brought the sequel that expands the universe of the most famous plumber in games. Lançado worldwide on April 1st, the film has already accumulated more than 830 million dollars in global box office. No Japão, the arrival took place on April 24th and generated queues at cinemas with entire families.

Japanese Estreia lags behind predecessor

The box office opening of 1.601 billion yen in the first week represents a solid start. Mesmo thus, the value was below the approximately 1.8 billion yen registered by Super Mario Bros.: Filme at its opening in 2023. Competitor Detetive Conan: Anjo Caído from Estrada led handily by registering around 3.5 billion yen in the same period.

Especialistas point out that the Golden Week holiday should boost the numbers even further. Projeções indicate potential to surpass 10 billion yen in Japanese total. The film has been at the top of the local rankings since its premiere and benefits from the strength of the Nintendo brand among family audiences.

Recepção criticism sparks debate

International Críticos highlighted the fast pace and sequences that explore classic mechanics from games in the Galaxy series. Muitos praised the colorful animation and faithful references to the original titles.

On the other hand, several outlets highlighted a weak plot and limited character development. The narrative was described as incomplete by some analysts, which generated mixed reviews. No Rotten Tomatoes, the score among critics was around 40%, while the public approved it with more than 90%.

• Dynamic Ritmo and true-to-game action scenes
• Animação vibrant with easter eggs for fans
• Forte family appeal with accessible humor
• Trilha sound reminiscent of classic games
• Balanced Duração of about 98 minutes

Público approves family experience

Relatos sessions at Japão show rooms full of parents, children and groups of friends. Constant Risadas and smiles at the end of the exhibitions marked the first sessions. Muitos viewers left commenting that the film fulfills the role of light entertainment for all ages.

A more skeptical view emerges in analyzes that see the production as a promotional piece for Nintendo. Ainda thus, the trading result shows that the strategy works. The film has already become Hollywood’s biggest success in 2026 to date, with global revenue approaching US$830 million.

Estratégia from Nintendo and Illumination

The film follows the line of its predecessor by prioritizing visual entertainment and nostalgia. The production cost around 110 million dollars and features original English dubbing and adapted versions. No Brasil and Estados Unidos, debuted on April 1st.

Universal confirmed that the project seeks to expand the Mario universe to new generations. Personagens like Mario, Luigi and Peach get new space adventures inspired by the Super Mario Galaxy games. The positive reception from the public suggests that the objective of attracting families has been achieved.

Impacto beyond the big screen

Success should influence sales of games and franchise products. Especialistas note that the first film boosted interest in Nintendo titles. Desta instead, focusing on elements from Galaxy may renew curiosity for these classic games.

Japanese Cinemas registered good movement during the opening weekend. The performance confirms the enduring strength of the Mario brand, which transcends generations and markets.