The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ★★★★

Released: 1 April 2026

Director: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic

Starring: Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Brie Larson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jack Black, Donald Glover, Benny Safdie, Glen Powell

When The Super Mario Bros Movie was released in 2023, the combined minds of animation studio Illumination and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto achieved a box office triumph. Banishing the demons of the poorly received 1993 live-action adaptation, it became the highest-grossing film based on a video game, and the first such feature to earn over $1bn at the global box office. Its success sparked an interest in additional Nintendo-related games, such as the forthcoming Legend of Zelda adaptation, and naturally,  a sequel to the 2023 film was inevitable.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie sees the gang – Mario (Chris Pratt), his brother Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) – race across the galaxy with new companion Yoshi (Donald Glover) to rescue Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) from Bowser Jr (Benny Safdie), the estranged son of Bowser (Jack Black).

The 2023 film established the franchise’s family-friendly tone while highlighting Nintendo’s iconic elements that resonated with audiences, young and old. Whether it be the chaos of a Mario Kart race or recognisable sounds from its various Mario-related games, directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic crafted a faithful adaptation of its world. But for its sequel, the returning directors deliver a brand new adventure with confidence in their direction and execution.

Horvath and Jelenic level up here to form a vivid visual homage to Mario’s legacy with heightened, more daring animation through fast chases, creative fights and dazzling flight sequences that take the characters across the galaxy. It offers a brilliantly vibrant canvas yet doesn’t stray away from its franchise’s nostalgic side, as scenes and in-jokes consistently remind audiences why Mario is the key player in Nintendo’s gaming history. These stem from references that date back as early as the hero’s humble origins as the ‘jumpman’ in the Donkey Kong NES game to the platform game scenes and power-ups inspired by the Super Mario games. This is sure to appease long-time fans who are looking for the trip down memory lane, but the sequel offers something more than just nostalgia. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie capitalises on newfound emotional connections among the characters, which open up possibilities for future development. This approach is smartly supported by the new characters, as the sequel allows each of them (and their voice actor) to shine. Whether it is Rosalina or the ever-hungry Yoshi, the directors and screenwriter Matthew Fogel firmly integrate them into the cinematic franchise through well-timed comedy and fast-paced action, with hints that the franchise can extend past the Mario universe. 

The roster of new characters slightly dampens the camaraderie among the existing cast. Mario and Peach’s ‘will-they, won’t-they’ romance is pushed aside to accommodate the new additions. Thankfully, this creative decision doesn’t diminish the movie. Instead, they shine as two distinct heroes with awesome action sequences. Peach excels as the badass queen in a dizzying casino fight scene as she seeks to rescue Rosalina, leaving Mario to contend with the never-ending chaos across the Mushroom Kingdom. Meanwhile, Bowser’s attempts at reform, stemming from being a pint-sized prisoner after the events of the first film, see his mercurial nature fluctuate from comically sentimental to uncommonly supportive. This change in demeanour will keep audiences guessing as to the villain’s true allegiances, but he slowly becomes a bold presence in the third act, especially in the presence of his ruthless son.

Stemming from comical to confident, the range of different characters allows the cast to enthusiastically perform their roles. Pratt, Taylor-Joy, Day and Black remain steady in their roles, but notable standouts include Safdie, who joyfully leans into Bowser Jr’s evilness, and Glen Powell, who seems to be revisiting his Top Gun: Maverick role as cocky pilot (and Star Fox series protagonist) Fox McCloud.

Overall, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie surpasses its predecessor by refining its tonal balance between nostalgia and entertainment. A fun-filled adventure in a dazzling display of colour and depth that showcases the franchise’s potential, Mario fans will not only be delighted with what’s on screen, but also be excited for what’s to come.