Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review (2026): Nintendo Nailed It
I walked into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie worried that it would just be a bigger, noisier version of the first film. Instead, I got a movie that actually understands why people love Super Mario Galaxy specifically. It’s not just “Mario in space.” It’s Mario dealing with scale, wonder, and a cosmic threat that feels personal. Also, the Lumas are adorable and I will fight anyone who disagrees.
By the end, I understood why this became the first billion-dollar movie of 2026. It’s fun, it’s gorgeous, and it respects both kids and the adults who grew up with the games.
Quick Context
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 2026 animated film from Illumination and Nintendo, following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. According to Wikipedia, the film adapts elements from the popular video game, sending Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser into space to stop a new threat to the cosmos. Find more details on IMDb.
The movie is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with Chris Pratt returning as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. The genres are animation, adventure, and family. It’s aimed at kids, but there’s plenty for longtime Nintendo fans.
My First Impression
The opening scene is simple: Mario and Luigi are fixing a pipe in the Mushroom Kingdom at night. Peach shows up. They look at the stars. Then the sky cracks open. That transition from small, cozy moment to cosmic disaster in about 90 seconds tells you everything about the movie’s tone. It knows when to be intimate and when to go huge.
The first Mario movie sometimes felt like it was checking items off a list: here’s the kart race, here’s Donkey Kong, here’s the final boss fight. This one has more breathing room. It lets Mario wander through space environments, solve light puzzles, and actually react to the weirdness around him.
Story and Characters
The plot isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t need to be. A cosmic entity is pulling stars out of the sky, and Mario has to team up with Rosalina and the Lumas to stop it. Bowser shows up, because of course he does, but his role is more complicated than just “kidnap Peach.” There’s a genuinely funny running gag where he keeps trying to propose to Peach while the universe is ending.
Mario himself gets a little more emotional depth this time. The movie keeps coming back to the idea that he’s just a regular guy who keeps saying yes to impossible things. There’s a quiet moment where he looks at a hologram of Brooklyn and admits to Luigi that he doesn’t always feel brave. It’s not groundbreaking character writing, but for a Mario movie, it lands.
Luigi gets more to do too. He has a whole subplot where he has to rescue a group of Lumas who get separated from the ship. It’s silly, but Charlie Day sells the panic so well that it works.
Animation and Action
The animation is the best Illumination has ever produced. The space sequences are genuinely beautiful — nebulas, galaxies, floating islands, gravity-bending platforming sections that look like someone finally translated the game into film language. One chase scene has Mario running across a series of tiny planets, each with its own gravity, and the camera spins with him. It made me dizzy in the best way.
The action is clearer than the first movie too. You can actually follow what’s happening in the big set pieces. The final battle is huge but never confusing. And the soundtrack uses both new compositions and rearranged versions of classic Mario Galaxy music, which basically guarantees goosebumps if you played the games.
Easter Eggs and Fan Service
If you’re a Nintendo fan, this movie is a treasure hunt. I caught references to Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Sunshine, Paper Mario, and even a quick visual nod to Smash Bros. The post-credits scene teases something that made the theater I was in erupt. I won’t spoil it, but longtime fans will lose their minds.
That said, the movie doesn’t rely on the Easter eggs to work. My friend who has never played Mario Galaxy still enjoyed it because the story and characters are accessible enough.
How It Compares to Other Animated Movies
Compared to the first Super Mario Bros. Movie, Galaxy is more confident. It spends less time introducing the world and more time having fun inside it. The emotional beats hit harder, and the action is more creative.
Toy Story 5, which came out the same year, is a better movie overall if you want deep themes about growing up. But Super Mario Galaxy is the better theatrical experience if you just want to have fun. It’s the kind of movie that makes a crowded theater feel like an event.
And if you’re comparing it to other video game adaptations, it’s miles ahead of most. It actually understands the source material instead of just using the brand name.
Who Should Watch This?
This movie is for you if:
- You grew up with Mario games
- You want a family movie that doesn’t bore adults
- You enjoyed the first Mario movie and want more
- You like colorful, creative action sequences
- You want something upbeat and easy to watch
If you hate video game movies on principle, this probably won’t convert you. But if you’re even slightly curious, it’s worth a watch.
Where to Watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
I haven’t seen it on streaming yet, but when it does land, Muvix is the easiest way to watch it on Android. The app works well for animated movies because the colors and motion come through cleanly, and there’s no subscription wall.
If you want to catch up on the first Mario movie too, Muvix has that as well. Both are great for a family movie night.
Similar Movies You Might Like
If Super Mario Galaxy gets you in the mood for more animated fun, try these:
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) — the first one, still worth watching
- Toy Story 5 — 2026 animated hit with more emotional weight
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 — another video game adaptation that got better over time
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day — if you want event-level animation
Check out more movie reviews on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie worth watching?
Yes, absolutely. If you enjoy Mario games, animated adventures, or family movies that respect adult viewers, this is a must-watch. The animation is gorgeous and the storyline balances cosmic stakes with genuine heart. Longtime Nintendo fans will love the Easter eggs, while newcomers can enjoy it as a standalone adventure.
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie a sequel?
Yes, it’s a direct follow-up to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), but adapts the Super Mario Galaxy games rather than continuing the first plot exactly. You don’t need to remember every detail from the first movie — it works as both a sequel and a fresh story. Watching the original enhances a few callbacks, but it’s not required.
Who voices Mario in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
Chris Pratt returns to voice Mario with the same energetic, everyman quality from the first film. Anya Taylor-Joy reprises her role as Princess Peach with warmth and determination. Charlie Day delivers hilarious panic as Luigi, and Jack Black once again steals scenes as Bowser, especially during his proposal running gag. The entire cast elevates the material.
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie good for kids?
Yes, absolutely. The movie is rated for families and suitable for children of all ages. There’s action and mild peril — Bowser’s attacks and cosmic threats create tension — but nothing is too intense for younger viewers. The humor operates on multiple levels, with slapstick for kids and clever references for adults, making it a true family film.
Where can I watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie for free?
Once The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arrives on streaming platforms, you can watch it for free on the Muvix app for Android. Muvix offers a wide selection of animated films with no subscription fees and no hidden charges. The app delivers excellent picture quality, making colorful animated movies look their best on mobile devices.
Do I need to play the games to enjoy the movie?
Not at all — the movie is designed to stand on its own. The story, characters, and humor are fully accessible to anyone regardless of gaming experience. However, if you played Super Mario Galaxy or Super Mario Galaxy 2, you’ll catch many more references, Easter eggs, and visual nods that add an extra layer of enjoyment.
Final Verdict
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie gets a solid 8.5/10 from me. It’s not a masterpiece of cinema, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a joyful, well-crafted adventure that makes you feel like a kid again for 100 minutes. In a year full of serious blockbusters, sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Install Muvix, grab some snacks, and let Mario fly you through space. You’ll have a good time.