“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” released by Illumination, Nintendo, and Universal on April 1, 2026, has become the first film of the year to surpass $1 billion at the box office. By its tenth weekend in theaters, it became the highest-grossing film of 2026, earning over $100 million more than its closest competitor, the “Michael” biopic, which stands at $888 million. “Project Hail Mary” follows with $679 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
This film is also the second-highest-earning movie based on a video game, second only to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The 2023 predecessor generated $1.3 billion worldwide, holding the title for the highest-grossing video game adaptation and being the first to reach a billion-dollar milestone.
Together, these films have significantly boosted “The Super Mario” franchise. Their combined earnings of $2 billion rank them ninth among the world’s top ten animated franchises, surpassing the “Madagascar” series, which generated $2.26 billion over seven films. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri now boasts three franchises in this top tier since founding the company in 2007.
Biggest Animated Franchises of All Time
Here’s a list of the highest-grossing animated film franchises globally, ordered 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 – $2.30 billion (2 films)
- Madagascar – $2.26 billion (7 films)
Universal has had a prosperous year in 2026. The company plans two more major releases: Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi drama “Disclosure Day” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” with expectations for the latter to reach a billion dollars. Universal also continues its collaboration with Illumination on “Minions & Monsters,” set to release on July 1, 2026. A third “Super Mario Bros” film is likely by 2028.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2026
Below are the top-grossing films in 2026, led by “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” at over $1 billion in global earnings:
- “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 ensemble cast of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” includes Chris Pratt and Charlie Day as Mario and Luigi. Returning members include Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Jack Black as Bowser. Here is a complete list:
- 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