The global box office witnessed a major surge over the Easter weekend as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie delivered a phenomenal opening, earning approximately $372.5 million worldwide. The animated sequel has quickly become the biggest Hollywood debut of 2026 so far, marking a strong return for theatrical releases this year.
In the United States, the film generated around $190.1 million over the extended five-day holiday frame, including $130.9 million during the traditional three-day weekend. International markets also contributed significantly, bringing in an estimated $182.4 million across 80 territories, further solidifying the film’s global success.
The sequel continues the momentum of its predecessor, which had set high benchmarks in 2023. While the earlier film recorded a slightly higher opening, the latest installment still ranks among the top holiday debuts and has achieved one of the biggest openings ever for an animated feature.
The film has also set multiple milestones, including one of the strongest openings for a video game adaptation and a top-tier global debut among animated releases. It reinforces the franchise’s dominance, with both films now ranking among the most successful video game-based movies of all time.
Produced by Universal and Illumination in collaboration with Nintendo, the film expands the storyline with Mario Luigi and Princess Peach embarking on a new intergalactic adventure. The plot introduces fresh characters such as Rosalina and Yoshi while continuing the battle against Bowser and his son.
Meanwhile, other films also performed well during the holiday period. Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, maintained strong momentum in its third week, adding over $30 million domestically and surpassing the $200 million mark in North America. The sci-fi film has emerged as a significant theatrical success.
A24’s The Drama, featuring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, secured the third position at the box office. The film opened to moderate numbers but has generated discussion among audiences for its unique storytelling and performances.
Overall, the Easter weekend proved to be a major boost for cinemas, led by the extraordinary performance of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which continues to dominate globally.
