Super Mario Movie Smashes $1 Billion Globally

The biggest opening for an animated film since Frozen II

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has taken the box office by storm, earning an estimated $490 million in the United States on Sunday, April 30, according to Box Office Mojo and The Numbers websites. The film opened in over 60 markets worldwide and in the United States on April 5, earning roughly $40 million, topping the U.S. weekend box office again.

But that's not all. Based on Nintendo's popular video game franchise, the movie has earned over $1 billion worldwide, making it the first film to hit the billion mark this year. It's the 10th animated film to reach $1 billion worldwide, according to Deadline, and is thus the #10 highest-grossing animated film worldwide. It is also the most prominent animated film worldwide since 2019 and the fourth biggest film worldwide since 2019.

The film is experiencing more success internationally than in the United States, as it has also made waves in Japan. Deadline reported on Sunday that the film earned the equivalent of $14.3 million in its opening weekend in Japan, making it the largest opening ever "for an animated studio movie." The movie's success in Japan is particularly notable, as several anime films such as Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train has earned more in their Japanese opening.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie's success at the box office has shattered several records. Its estimated US$370 million worldwide opening is the highest-earning opening for an animated film in history. The film is also the biggest opening for a video game adaptation. The movie's popularity has been attributed to its strong marketing, which emphasized its faithfulness to the video game franchise and its nostalgic appeal to fans, old and new. The movie features an all-star ensemble including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black and is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.

Overall, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has exceeded expectations and cemented its place in box office history. Its success bodes well for future video game adaptations and animated films, and fans eagerly anticipate the iconic plumber's and his friends' next adventure.