In its ninth weekend, the animated sequel Super Mario Galaxy Movie has officially crossed $1 billion at the box office, the first 2026 theatrical release to reach that milestone. Released April 1, the film follows Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad as they
When the lights dimmed on April 1. audiences stepped into a very specific kind of universe: one built on Mario. outer space. and a new round of trouble with Bowser Jr. Now. after its ninth weekend in theaters. Super Mario Galaxy Movie has hit a box office milestone that few films reach—and it did it fast enough to be the first 2026 theatrical release to cross $1 billion.
The animated sequel has officially crossed the $1 billion mark in it’s ninth weekend at the box office. It was released in theaters on April 1st, and it’s now landed among the top 10 highest-grossing animated franchises worldwide.
The franchise’s power wasn’t exactly unknown. The first movie in the franchise hit $1.36 billion at the box office back in 2023. and is one of the highest grossing animated movies of all time. After Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s release. the sequel also broke box office records when it opened to a global sum of $372 million—setting the stage for this latest leap.
As attention turns to whether other 2026 releases can follow, one big name sits close to the same summit. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael is on track to reach $1 billion; after seven weekends, it’s nearing $900 million. The film could reach the billion mark after its Japan release this coming weekend, on June 12th.
Toy Story 5 is another title that could join the club. While it hasn’t been released yet, the past two films in the franchise have passed the $1 billion mark. Toy Story 5 debuts in theaters on June 19th.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie story centers on iconic characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as they travel to outer space to combat Bowser Jr.
The voice cast keeps the franchise’s core energy while expanding the roster. Returning stars include Chris Pratt as Mario. Charlie Day as Luigi. Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach. Jack Black as Bowser. and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad. New cast members include Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. Donald Glover as Yoshi. Glen Powell as Fox McCloud. and Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina.
With the sequel now sitting above $1 billion after nine weekends, the question for theaters is simple: can the momentum of this year’s biggest animated hits keep pulling in the same kind of scale—or will Michael, Toy Story 5, and whatever comes next force the $1 billion race to look even tougher?
Super Mario Galaxy Movie box office $1 billion milestone animated sequel Universal Pictures Nintendo Illumination 2026 theatrical release Michael Jackson biopic Michael Toy Story 5