The much-anticipated “Super Mario Bros. Movie” has broken records with a global opening of $377 million. The film, which stars Chris Pratt and Charlie Day as the iconic Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi, respectively, has earned $204.6 million in North America alone in its first five days, with $146.4 million of that coming in over the weekend.
The movie’s impressive box office haul has shattered records for both video game adaptations and animated films, surpassing previous record-holders “Warcraft” and “Frozen 2,” respectively. The film’s global total also makes it the biggest opening of 2023, as well as the second-biggest three-day domestic animated opening.
Despite the film’s success at the box office, critics have given the film mixed reviews, with a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, audiences have given the film an A CinemaScore, suggesting that the film has resonated well with moviegoers.
In addition to Pratt and Day, the “Super Mario Bros. Movie” also stars Jack Black and Anya Taylor-Joy. The film, which is rated PG, follows Mario and Luigi as they venture into a new world to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser.
The success of the “Super Mario Bros. Movie” has been seen as a positive sign for the movie theater industry, which has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film’s impressive box office haul suggests that audiences are eager to return to theaters to see big-budget blockbusters on the big screen.
In other box office news, “Air,” starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, was released in theaters and grossed an estimated $20.2 million since opening on Wednesday in North America. $14.5 million of that came in over the weekend, giving the film a fourth-place start.
Meanwhile, “John Wick: Chapter 4” came in second place with $14.6 million in its third weekend, while “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” placed third with $14.5 million in its second weekend.
In limited release, Kelly Reichardt‘s “Showing Up” grossed $66,932 on four screens. The film has been praised by critics for its understated performances and intimate storytelling.
Overall, the box office performance of the “Super Mario Bros. Movie” suggests that audiences are ready to return to theaters to see big-budget blockbusters. As the summer movie season approaches, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues and if other big-budget films can replicate the success of “Super Mario Bros. Movie” at the box office.
