The Super Mario Bros. Movie just pulled off the cinematic equivalent of a flawless speedrun, smashing through box office records while leaving critics in the dust like they were stuck in World 1-1. In just five days, this nostalgic powerhouse raked in $204.6 million domestically and a whopping $378 million globally, officially making it the biggest opening weekend ever for an animated film and a video game adaptation.
But let’s not forget—this wasn’t supposed to happen, at least according to the so-called “experts.” Critics came in with their arms crossed, tossing out lukewarm reviews faster than a Koopa shell on an icy track. So, what happened? The fans showed up. Big time. Let’s break down how Mario and Luigi just wall-jumped over the snobby, uninformed critics and proved that video game movies can be done right.
Critics Were Trapped in the 1993 Mindset – Fans Were Ready for the Upgrade 🔄
Let’s rewind for a second—back in 1993, Hollywood first tried to bring Mario and the gang to the big screen, and let’s be honest… it was a hot mess. Weird cyberpunk vibes, Bob Hoskins questioning his career choices, and a total disregard for what made the games iconic. Critics and audiences both agreed—it was a flop.
Fast forward to 2023, and the difference is night and day. The new movie actually gets what makes Mario so special—bright colors, whimsical worlds, and an unapologetic love for everything Nintendo. The problem? Critics were still stuck in the past, expecting another disaster and approaching the film with the same skepticism they had 30 years ago.
But guess what? Fans knew better. And it shows in the numbers:
- Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 56% (meh 😐)
- Audience Score: 96% (LET’S GO! 🚀)
The massive 40-point gap shows just how out-of-touch critics were with what the audience actually wanted. Fans weren’t looking for some deep, philosophical take on the Mushroom Kingdom—they wanted fun, nostalgia, and adventure, and the movie delivered all of that and more.
AI and Modern Tech Gave Mario the Glow-Up He Deserved 🤖✨
One of the biggest W’s for this movie? Technology finally caught up. Unlike the clunky 90s version, the 2023 film used cutting-edge AI and animation techniques to bring Mario, Luigi, and Bowser to life in ways we’ve only seen in our wildest power-up dreams.
According to producer Chris Meledandri, artificial intelligence played a massive role in helping the animation team capture the essence of the characters while making them more expressive, detailed, and relatable than ever before. From Bowser’s menacing (yet hilarious) facial expressions to Peach’s badass transformation from “damsel” to queen, the visuals were top-tier.
Lesson learned: When you combine modern technology with deep respect for source material, you get a product that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy. Critics might not have caught onto that, but the fans sure did.
Box Office Domination: Hollywood Should Take Notes 💰📈
Let’s talk money. Not only did The Super Mario Bros. Movie become the highest-grossing opening of 2023, but it also crushed records for animated films and video game adaptations, surpassing even Pixar’s Frozen 2 in terms of sheer audience turnout.
Other animated films in recent years have struggled to bring people back to theaters post-pandemic, but Mario swooped in like a blue shell and reminded Hollywood why animation still rules when done right. Studios are now rethinking their entire approach to animation and video game adaptations because, let’s be real, when you make it for the fans, they show up.
Some numbers for perspective:
- Highest animated opening EVER: ✔️
- Biggest video game movie debut: ✔️
- Over $700M potential final gross: Highly likely.
And if you’re wondering how it stacks up against other video game movies… well, it just left Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu eating dust.
Critics Underestimated the Power of Nostalgia + Fandom 🕹️🔥
Let’s be honest—critics just didn’t get it. They saw this movie as just another cash-grab nostalgia play, but what they missed was the genuine love and excitement fans have for Mario.
This franchise isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon spanning multiple generations. Parents who grew up playing Super Mario 64 took their kids who are now obsessed with Mario Kart and Super Mario Odyssey. The love for this universe runs deep, and Hollywood finally tapped into that properly.
While critics were out here nitpicking the plot (it’s a Mario movie, what did you expect? Shakespeare?), fans embraced the fun and the Easter eggs—from the original 8-bit sound effects to the epic Rainbow Road chase.
The Takeaway: The Fans Always Win 🏆
What Hollywood—and critics—should learn from this epic box office W is simple:
- Respect the source material. Fans can smell inauthentic cash grabs a mile away.
- Prioritize fun. Not every movie needs to be an Oscar contender; sometimes people just want an escape.
- Listen to the audience, not just critics. Fans know what they want—give it to them.
And let’s not forget about the success of Air, which dropped the same weekend and raked in $20 million, proving that nostalgia done right (whether it’s Mario or Michael Jordan) sells.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Laughing Now? 😎
At the end of the day, The Super Mario Bros. Movie didn’t just win the weekend; it proved a point. Critics may have tried to downplay its success, but the numbers don’t lie—this film resonated with fans across the world and set a new standard for video game adaptations.
So, if you’re still debating whether to see it, take it from the 96% of fans who are saying “Let’s-a go!” 🎉
Want more proof that Mario dominated the box office? Check out these receipts:
📊 Box Office Mojo: Record-Breaking Weekend
🎥 IGN: Rotten Tomatoes Score Explained
📰 The Verge: Breaking Animation Records
📈 Forbes: Nintendo’s Big Win
Now, let’s just hope Hollywood doesn’t mess up the inevitable sequels.
