Animated blockbuster claims top spot worldwide while delivering South Africa’s biggest opening of the year
Johannesburg, 9 April 2026: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has surged to the top of the South African box office, opening in the number 1 position and delivering the biggest animated debut of the year locally. With a five-day opening weekend gross of R5.7 million, the film has also secured the biggest overall opening of the year to date in South Africa, signalling strong audience demand and immediate momentum.
This powerful local performance mirrors an extraordinary global debut, with the film claiming the number 1 position in both the United States and worldwide. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has quickly established itself as one of the biggest animated releases of the year, drawing audiences across key international markets and reinforcing the enduring strength of the beloved franchise.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNOgqm34Jvs&list=PLAvxaX4Ypya6plTcgopiKytU36LXyBks0&index=3
A global box office phenomenon
Around the world, the film delivered an exceptional opening weekend performance, taking in an estimated $131.7 million across North America over three days, alongside a five-day domestic total of $190.81 million. Globally, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has set a new benchmark as the biggest Motion Picture Association global opening weekend of 2026.
Further cementing its place in box office history, the franchise has achieved a rare milestone as the only animated franchise to have two titles open to more than $350 million globally. The scale of this performance reflects both the cultural impact of the Mario universe and the continued demand for high-quality, event-driven animated storytelling on the big screen.
Franchise fans and new viewers alike have turned out in large numbers to experience the next chapter of Mario’s adventure. This broad appeal across different audience groups has contributed to its rapid rise as a standout performer in the global theatrical landscape. With its powerful global performance and strong local reception, the film has established itself as a must-watch cinema event, that is captivating audiences and driving excitement in cinemas nationwide.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now showing in cinemas across South Africa.