A Deep Dive into the Industry's Golden Mushroom
27 April, 2023 by
A Deep Dive into the Industry's Golden Mushroom
Soledad Rodriguez



In the extensive landscape of the film industry, only a select few movies can truly be considered timeless masterpieces. Among these, the Super Mario Bros. movie, based on the iconic video game franchise, has achieved something extraordinary. Surpassing expectations at the global box office, the animated family film has now earned an astounding $1.022 billion, making it the first 2023 release to join the prestigious billion-dollar club.


The Super Mario Bros. movie, a collaboration between Illumination, Nintendo, and Universal, has made history as the 10th animated film to cross $1 billion worldwide and the 10th biggest animated film of all time globally, surpassing Despicable Me 2 and Minions: The Rise Of Gru. It is also the third Illumination title to reach the $1 billion milestone.


Over a single weekend, the film added an impressive $68.3 million across 80 overseas markets, bringing its international total to $532.5 million. In Japan alone, the movie grossed a remarkable $14.3 million, setting records for the biggest opening weekend for an animated studio movie and the biggest Universal opening of all time. Super Mario also became the fastest Universal film to reach 1 billion yen in just two days.


In Korea, the film debuted with a strong $5.7 million, and it has received a 96% CGV Egg score. The top five markets to date include Mexico ($73.2 million), the UK ($56.4 million), Germany ($43.9 million), France ($40.8 million), and Australia ($31.1 million). In IMAX, the worldwide gross has reached $45.3 million, making it the third-highest result ever for an animated title.


To date, Super Mario's performance has surpassed numerous comparable films. Excluding the unpredictable China market, it is 12% ahead of Jurassic World, 16% ahead of Frozen II, 27% ahead of Minions, 32% ahead of Beauty and the Beast, 33% ahead of Spider-Man: Far From Home, and 51% above last year's Minions: The Rise of Gru.


As the Super Mario Bros. movie continues to make waves in the film industry, it's worth examining the secret formula behind its success. What are the elements that have contributed to its enduring appeal? Only a closer look will reveal the answers.

            1. The Power of Nostalgia:

            As a beloved video game franchise with decades of history, Super Mario Bros. has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The movie's success can be attributed in part to the powerful nostalgia it evokes for fans who grew up playing the games. By bringing the iconic characters of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser to life on the big screen, the film has succeeded in transporting audiences back to their childhoods, allowing them to relive their fondest memories.

            Super Mario Bros. | NES | Games | Nintendo


            2. The Illumination Formula:

            The Super Mario Bros. movie was brought to life by Illumination, the animation studio behind hits like Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing. Their unique formula, as explored by ComingSoon, relies on creating films that are visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and filled with humor. This approach has proven to be a winning combination for the Super Mario Bros. movie, as it captures the whimsical essence of the games while still delivering an entertaining and heartfelt story.


            Illumination Entertainment Movie list by aaronhardy523 on DeviantArt


            3. Global Appeal:

            One of the key factors contributing to the movie's success is its global appeal. Super Mario Bros. is a franchise that transcends cultural barriers, with fans from all corners of the world. The movie has managed to tap into this international fan base, resulting in impressive box office figures both domestically and internationally. This global appeal also extends to the film's marketing strategy, which has been tailored to resonate with audiences from different cultures and age groups.


            4. Strong Voice Cast:

            The Super Mario Bros. movie boasts an exceptional voice cast that has elevated the film beyond a simple adaptation of a video game. The talented actors behind the iconic characters have infused them with depth and personality, creating a truly engaging cinematic experience. This strong voice cast has undoubtedly contributed to the film's success, as audiences have flocked to theaters to hear their favorite characters come to life.


            Super Mario Bros. Movie Lands Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Seth Rogen -  Variety


            5. A Successful Adaptation:

            Adapting a video game franchise to the big screen is no easy feat, as the transition from interactive gameplay to a passive viewing experience can be challenging. However, the Super Mario Bros. movie has managed to strike the perfect balance between staying true to the original games while still offering a fresh and exciting cinematic experience. By retaining the core elements that made the franchise so beloved, while also introducing new storylines and characters, the film has succeeded in appealing to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.


            The success of the Super Mario Bros. movie is a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise, the talent and vision of Illumination, and the power of nostalgia. By combining these factors, the film has managed to soar to new heights in the movie industry, solidifying its place as a timeless classic. It's a shining example of how, with the right approach, even the most seemingly challenging adaptations can find a home on the silver screen and in the hearts of audiences worldwide.


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            A Deep Dive into the Industry's Golden Mushroom
            Soledad Rodriguez 27 April, 2023
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