The box office landscape just got a major shake-up as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues its unstoppable run. The animated sci-fi sequel has now surpassed Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3 in global earnings, crossing the $897 million mark and leaving the 2007 threequel's $896 million total in the dust. This milestone cements the Mario sequel as 2026's highest-grossing film so far, and it's showing no signs of slowing down.
The film's latest weekend saw it drop to third place domestically for the first time since its April 3 debut, but that's hardly a cause for concern. With a modest 41% decline—its smallest yet—the movie added another $12 million in North America, plus strong overseas numbers. The competition was fierce, including the debut of The Devil Wears Prada 2, which opened to over $75 million domestically and $150 million internationally, and Ryan Gosling's sci-fi hit Project Hail Mary. Yet Mario and friends held their ground, proving that video game adaptations can dominate the big screen.
This box office victory is particularly sweet for fans of the franchise, as it marks another notch in the belt for the Super Mario series. The sequel to 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been on a tear since its release, and overtaking a beloved (if divisive) superhero film like Spider-Man 3 is no small feat. Tobey Maguire's final solo outing as Spider-Man, directed by Sam Raimi, earned $896 million globally despite mixed reviews—a testament to the character's enduring popularity. Now, Mario's cosmic adventure has edged past that total, and it's eyeing even bigger targets.
For those keeping score, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now the year's top earner, and it's on track to become 2026's first billion-dollar hit. As we reported in our earlier analysis, the film's blend of nostalgia and fresh sci-fi elements has resonated with audiences worldwide. The question isn't if it will hit $1 billion, but when.
Meanwhile, the superhero genre isn't going quietly. Tom Holland's Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026, bringing together a star-studded cast including Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, and Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle. That film aims to wash away the bad taste left by a disappointing 2025 for the MCU, and it's sure to reignite the box office wars. For a deeper dive into the best Marvel movie final battles, check out our ranked list.
The success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie also highlights the growing power of video game adaptations in Hollywood. With a strong opening weekend and sustained legs, it's proving that audiences crave more than just superheroes. The film's sci-fi angle—taking Mario and friends into outer space—has been a particular draw, offering a fresh take on the beloved franchise. It's a reminder that even in a crowded market, a well-executed concept can break through.
As the summer blockbuster season heats up, all eyes will be on whether Mario can maintain its momentum. With Project Hail Mary also performing well—as noted in our coverage—and legacy sequels like The Devil Wears Prada 2 drawing crowds, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for movies. For now, Mario reigns supreme, and Spider-Man 3 is just another milestone in its rearview mirror.
