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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)
April 28, 2026
By Bessy ADUT
Personal Review
I heard there were some harsh criticisms and bad reviews about this movie. I personally grew up playing Super Mario on my Game Boy and at Atari salons, so I’ve always had a soft spot for Mario and Princess Peach. That nostalgia definitely shaped how I experienced this film.
First, it’s important to be clear about what this movie is. This is a kids' movie. It’s not trying to be a deeply layered, emotionally complex animated film that speaks equally to adults in the way some other animations have managed to do. If you go in expecting that level of depth, you’re likely going to be disappointed.
However, taken on its own terms, it’s a perfectly fine, entertaining, fun, action-packed popcorn movie. I took the child in me to see it, and I had fun. If I had a kid, I would absolutely take them too.
I also liked seeing strong female characters who fight for themselves and each other. That aspect added something meaningful to the film’s energy, especially in a story that is otherwise very fast-paced and action-driven.
Filmmaker Perspective
From a filmmaking standpoint, the film leans heavily into spectacle over structure. The pacing is fast, sometimes overly so, and the narrative feels crowded with multiple characters and storylines competing for attention. Emotional beats are introduced but not always given enough time to land, which weakens their overall impact.
At the same time, there is a clear understanding of tone. The film commits to being energetic, colorful, and accessible. It prioritizes entertainment value, which it delivers consistently, even if it sacrifices depth along the way.
Concept and Inspiration
The film draws strong inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, expanding the Mario universe into a cosmic setting. This shift allows for more imaginative environments and higher stakes, building on the foundation established by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Voice Cast
The returning voice cast includes Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser.
New additions include Brie Larson as Rosalina and Donald Glover as Yoshi, expanding the universe with recognizable voices.
Story Overview
The plot follows Mario, Luigi, and their friends as they venture into space to rescue Rosalina and stop Bowser and Bowser Jr. from unleashing a universe-threatening weapon. Along the way, the film introduces new allies, intergalactic settings, and multiple parallel storylines.
While ambitious, the story often feels overloaded, with several arcs that are not fully developed.
Animation and Visuals
One of the film’s strongest elements is its animation. Produced by Illumination, the visuals are vibrant, detailed, and constantly in motion. The space setting allows for creative world-building, making the film visually engaging from start to finish.
Box Office Performance
Despite mixed to negative critical reception, the film has been a massive commercial success, grossing over $800 million worldwide. It stands as one of the biggest releases of 2026, proving the enduring popularity of the Mario franchise.
Critical Reception
Critics were divided, with many praising the visuals and energy while criticizing the lack of narrative depth and cohesion. Audience reactions, however, have been more positive, especially among families and fans of the games.
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