The critics shrugged. The kids cheered. And Nintendo's bank account is doing backflips.

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" has blasted off to a stratospheric $373 million worldwide in its opening five days, according to the New York Times, making it one of the biggest launches of 2026 despite reviews that ranged from tepid to dismissive. The animated sequel proves what Hollywood keeps learning the hard way: when you've got a franchise with multi-generational appeal and characters burned into the cultural consciousness, critical acclaim is nice but hardly necessary.

"Kids love the movie," a box office analyst told the Times, which might be the most succinct explanation for why review aggregator scores don't always predict commercial success. The film follows Mario and Luigi on an intergalactic adventure that apparently delivers exactly what its target demographic wants—colorful worlds, familiar characters, and enough nostalgic Easter eggs to keep parents engaged while their children demand repeat viewings.

The numbers represent a vindication of sorts for Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment's approach to adapting gaming properties. After the surprise success of the first Mario film, studios are increasingly willing to bet big on IP with built-in audiences, even if the resulting products prioritize fan service over artistic innovation.

For context, a $373 million opening puts "Super Mario Galaxy" in rarefied air—the kind of debut weekend typically reserved for Marvel tentpoles and Star Wars sequels. It's a reminder that in the modern box office landscape, established IP can generate event-movie fever regardless of what critics think. When you're competing with streaming services and shrinking theatrical windows, sometimes the safest bet is a mustachioed plumber who's been jumping on turtles since 1985.

The film's success also suggests that gaming adaptations have finally cracked the code after decades of misfires. By leaning into the source material's tone and aesthetic rather than attempting gritty reimaginings, studios are finding that authenticity—even of the cartoonish variety—resonates with audiences.

Critics can debate the film's artistic merits. Meanwhile, Mario keeps collecting coins.