The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opened in theaters on April 1, 2026, and I took my daughter Nikki and my 10-year-old grandson Ben to see the very first showing. Here is everything families need to know about the film, why you should see it at least twice, and how it connects to Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando.
Last Updated: April 2026 | Verified on opening day at Universal Cinemark at CityWalk, April 1, 2026
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Good for Families?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 1 hour 38 minute, PG-rated animated adventure that works beautifully for kids, parents, and grandparents alike. Produced by Illumination and Nintendo with a $110 million budget, the sequel to 2023’s $1.36 billion blockbuster takes Mario and friends on a space adventure packed with action, humor, and Nintendo Easter eggs spanning 40 years of gaming history.
We played hooky with Ben and pulled him out of school so we could see the very first showing on opening day. Favorite Grampy Travels was invited by Universal Parks and Resorts to attend the first showing at Universal Cinemark at CityWalk in Orlando. What better place to watch a Mario movie than right at Universal Orlando Resort on opening day?
Ben was laughing out loud from the very first scene. Nikki, who is the founder and CEO of Favorite Grampy Travels, grew up playing the original Super Mario Bros. on her Nintendo console with her brothers back in the day. For her, this movie was pure nostalgia mixed with pure joy. For Ben, who was 7 when the first movie came out in 2023, it was non-stop excitement.
That is three generations of our family sitting in the same theater row, all having the time of our lives for completely different reasons. That is the kind of memory that makes pulling your kid out of school totally worth it.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at a Glance
| Detail | Information | Family Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | April 1, 2026 | In theaters now |
| Runtime | 1 hour 38 minutes | Great length for younger kids |
| Rating | PG | Mild cartoon action and peril |
| Formats | Standard, RealD 3D, IMAX | We saw it in standard and loved it |
| Ticket Price Range | Approximately $12 to $25 | Varies by format and location |
| Best Ages | 4 and up | Easter eggs appeal to all ages |
| Post-Credits Scenes | Yes, 2 scenes | Stay through the very end |
| Theme Park Tie-In | Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe | Open now in Orlando |
| Where We Saw It | Universal Cinemark at CityWalk | First showing, invited by Universal |
Swipe left to see all columns on mobile.
What Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie About?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach on an intergalactic adventure to rescue Princess Rosalina from Bowser Jr. Based on the beloved 2007 Nintendo Wii video game Super Mario Galaxy, the story takes the whole crew out of the Mushroom Kingdom and into the stars.
In this sequel, Bowser has been captured and shrunk down after the events of the first film. His son, Bowser Jr., hatches a plan to kidnap the powerful Rosalina and use her magic to free his father and conquer the galaxy. Mario and the gang team up with new friends, including the adorable Yoshi and a surprise space pilot, to save the day.
On top of that, the movie dives into the relationship between Rosalina and Princess Peach in a way that gives the story real heart. Without giving too much away, there is a family connection between the two princesses that had Nikki squeezing Ben’s arm in the theater.
Who Voices the Characters in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
Chris Pratt returns as Mario, with Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. New cast members include Brie Larson as Rosalina, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr., Donald Glover as Yoshi, and Glen Powell in a surprise role that Nintendo fans will love.
In fact, the voice cast is stacked with talent. Keegan-Michael Key comes back as Toad, and the chemistry between all the voice actors keeps the energy up through all 98 minutes of the film. Brian Tyler returns to compose the score with a 70-piece orchestra, weaving in musical themes from the Super Mario Galaxy games.
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Safe for Young Kids?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is rated PG for mild action and some cartoon peril. Families can expect cartoon violence, some bullying themes, and thematic peril, all balanced by strong messages of teamwork and perseverance.
For context, the content is similar to the first movie. There are no scary scenes that would frighten most kids ages 4 and up. Ben is 10 and was completely locked in the entire time, but I have seen families with kids as young as 5 enjoying it just fine.
That said, the space adventure scenes move fast with lots of action. The 1 hour 38 minute runtime is short enough that even younger kids should not get restless. If your child handled the first Mario movie, this one is the same level. We love how this movie includes strong themes about family, forgiveness, and what it means to be there for the people you love.
Should You Stay After the Credits of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
Absolutely stay through the entire credits of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, because there are 2 bonus scenes you do not want to miss. One appears mid-credits and one comes at the very end after the final frame.
I will keep this spoiler-free since the movie just opened. What I will say is that both scenes tease exciting things to come for the Nintendo movie universe. One involves a character you already know doing something unexpected. The other drops a beloved princess into the story who has been missing from the big screen until now.
Best of all, the credits themselves are beautiful. They are styled after classic Paper Mario artwork and are worth watching on their own. Ben sat through every second without complaining, which tells you everything you need to know about a 10-year-old’s attention span.
Why Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie a Multigenerational Experience?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie works across generations because Nintendo has been part of family life for over 40 years. My daughter Nikki played the original Super Mario Bros. on her Nintendo console with her brothers when she was a kid. Now she is the founder and CEO of Favorite Grampy Travels, an award-winning travel agency specializing in Universal vacations, and she is watching her own son Ben fall in love with the same characters she grew up with.
For parents who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, this movie is packed with Easter eggs from games like Super Mario 64, Super Mario World, and Super Mario Galaxy. According to Game Informer, the film includes references spanning the full history of the Mario franchise across four decades.
Even better, you do not need to be a gamer to enjoy it. The story is simple and heartfelt. Bowser’s relationship with his son Bowser Jr. has some surprisingly sweet moments about fatherhood. Ben did not catch all the Easter eggs, but he loved every minute. Nikki was nudging me during scenes she recognized from her childhood gaming sessions. I was sitting between them grinning ear to ear.
That is three generations in one theater row, and that is exactly what a great family movie should deliver.
Why You Should See This Movie at Least Twice
I am going to go ahead and say it. Favorite Grampy recommends you see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at least twice. Here is why.
The first time through, you are following the story. You are watching your kids react. You are taking in the stunning animation and the space adventure. But the movie moves so fast that you will miss things. According to Game Informer, the film contains references to Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and dozens of other games in rapid-fire sequences.
On your second viewing, you catch the details. You spot the Easter eggs in the backgrounds and take notice the musical callbacks in Brian Tyler’s score. You appreciate the Bowser and Bowser Jr. father-son dynamic more deeply. Ben is already asking when we can go again, and honestly, so am I.
In addition, seeing it a second time with different family members or friends gives more people the chance to experience opening-week energy. A packed theater full of kids cheering and laughing makes the movie better.
How Does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Connect to Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe?
Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, and it brings the exact world you see on screen to real life. The land features Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country, with rides, dining, and interactive experiences straight from the games.
Walking through the green warp pipe portal and into Super Nintendo World is like stepping directly into the game. I have been to Epic Universe, and I can tell you the immersion is unlike anything else in Orlando. You feel like you are part of the game. The colors, the sounds, the music, even the Goombas walking around and the Piranha Plants swaying on the paths make you feel like you just pressed start on a life-size Nintendo console.
As a result, seeing The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and then visiting Super Nintendo World is the ultimate 1-2 punch for any Nintendo-loving family. Your kids will watch the movie, fall in love with the characters, and then walk right into their world.
What Rides and Attractions Are at Super Nintendo World?
Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe features 3 major rides and interactive experiences across 2 themed areas. In Super Mario Land, families can ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a groundbreaking attraction that uses augmented reality and projection mapping. Yoshi’s Adventure is a gentler ride perfect for younger kids, offering scenic views of the Mushroom Kingdom as you search for hidden eggs.
In addition, Donkey Kong Country features Mine-Cart Madness, a thrilling family coaster where you launch, jump, and barrel-blast through the jungle. Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown is an interactive dark ride experience. All of these attractions connect directly to the characters your kids just watched on screen.
Beyond the rides, families can eat at Toadstool Cafe, grab snacks at Yoshi’s Snack Island, and shop for Mario gear at the 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors. According to Universal’s official details, the land was developed in partnership between Universal Creative and Nintendo.
How Much Does It Cost to See the Movie and Visit Super Nintendo World?
A family of four can see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie for approximately $50 to $100 depending on the format and location. Standard tickets run around $12 to $15 per person, while IMAX screenings cost approximately $20 to $25 each. We saw it in standard format at Universal Cinemark at CityWalk and the picture and sound were fantastic.
For the theme park side, single-day Epic Universe tickets start at approximately $139 for adults and $134 for children ages 3 to 9 in 2026. Multi-day tickets with Epic Universe access offer better per-day value, starting at around $78 per person per day for 5-day packages. Power-Up Bands are $45 each.
Here is why working with a Favorite Grampy Travels advisor matters. Our advisors can bundle your Epic Universe tickets with hotel stays at properties like the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which is located inside the park itself. We are Universal U-Preferred Platinum travel agents, which means we know the best ticket combinations and can find package savings that a family of four would miss booking on their own.
What Mario Activities Can Your Family Enjoy at Home?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie experience does not have to end when you leave the theater. There are several official activities and products that keep the Mario excitement going at home, especially for younger kids.
Official Activity Kit Download
Get the free downloadable Super Mario Galaxy Activity Kit for families. This includes printable coloring pages, mazes, and games featuring characters from the film. It is completely free and perfect for a rainy afternoon or a long car ride to the theme park.
McDonald’s Happy Meal Tie-In
McDonald’s launched a Super Mario Galaxy Movie Happy Meal on March 26, 2026, about a week before the film hit theaters. The collection includes 12 collectible character keychains featuring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Rosalina, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Yoshi, Birdo, a Luma, Fire Mario, and Frog Luigi. Each keychain clips to a backpack or keys. According to GameSpot, the Happy Meal boxes come in 3 designs featuring Mario, Princess Peach, and Yoshi.
Official Storybooks and Activity Books
Random House Books for Young Readers has released a line of official Super Mario Galaxy Movie books for 2026. These include early reader books for younger kids, an activity book with puzzles and games, and storybooks that expand on key movie moments. They make great gifts for kids who loved the film and want to keep exploring the characters at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Appropriate for a 5-Year-Old?
I would say yes for most 5-year-olds. The movie is rated PG with mild cartoon action and themes of teamwork. There are no truly scary moments, and the runtime of 1 hour 38 minutes is manageable for younger viewers. If your child handled the first Super Mario Bros. Movie or similar animated films, they will be fine with this one. My grandson Ben first saw the original at age 7, and kids even younger than that were in our theater enjoying every minute.
Do You Need to See the First Mario Movie Before Watching This One?
It helps but it is not required. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie picks up after the events of the first film, but the story stands on its own. New characters like Rosalina, Yoshi, and Bowser Jr. are introduced fresh. That said, watching the first movie helps your kids understand why Bowser is locked up and why Mario is a hero. The original is streaming on Peacock right now, so it is easy to catch up.
How Many Post-Credits Scenes Does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Have?
There are exactly 2 post-credits scenes. The first appears mid-credits and the second comes at the very end after the final frame. Both scenes tease future Nintendo movies, so do not leave early. The credits themselves are styled after classic Paper Mario and are genuinely fun to watch on their own.
Can You Visit Super Nintendo World After Seeing the Movie?
Absolutely. Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando has been open since May 22, 2025. The land features rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, and Mine-Cart Madness. Single-day Epic Universe tickets start at approximately $139 for adults, but this price changes by day. A Favorite Grampy Travels advisor can help you plan a vacation package that includes the park, hotels, and dining.
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Available in IMAX?
Yes, the movie is available in standard, RealD 3D, and IMAX formats at theaters nationwide. We saw it at Universal Cinemark at CityWalk and the experience was wonderful. The space adventure scenes would look spectacular in any format. Standard showings typically cost $12 to $15 per person, while IMAX runs $20 to $25.
Let a Favorite Grampy Travels Advisor Plan Your Super Nintendo World Vacation
If The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has your family fired up about all things Nintendo, let me tell you something. Seeing the movie is just the appetizer. The main course is walking through that green warp pipe and into Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.
Favorite Grampy Travels is an award-winning travel agency with approximately 80 concierge travel advisors who specialize in Universal vacations for families. My daughter Nikki Hendrix founded this agency because she believed families deserve expert guidance when planning expensive, once-in-a-lifetime trips. We hold Universal U-Preferred Platinum status, which means our advisors know every inch of Epic Universe.
Our advisors handle everything: tickets, hotel bookings, dining reservations, and custom touring plans tailored to your family’s ages and interests. We charge a personalized planning fee based on the complexity of your trip, and I can tell you from experience that the peace of mind is worth every penny.
Request a complimentary consultation from Favorite Grampy Travels by calling (866) 846-3141 or clicking here, and let one of our advisors turn your family’s movie night into a full-blown vacation. Or meet our team of expert travel advisors and find the perfect match for your trip.
