The Super Mario Bros. Movie ((Universal Pictures) image

Erik Gruenwedel

April 10, 2023

Imax Corporation April 10 announced that Illumination/Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie delivered the highest animated opening weekend of all time at the global box office with $21.6 million. The film scored the biggest IMAX opening ever for an animated film in North America with $16.6 million, and the company’s top animated debut in 22 international markets around the world.

“2023 has now yielded our best opening ever for an animated film, sports movie, and local language release — demonstrating the strong diversification of our slate and soaring demand for the Imax Experience across all audiences,” CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement.

Internationally, Super Mario Bros. achieved the animated title record in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and every single Imax market across Latin America, including Brazil and Mexico. Additionally, the film was the biggest Imax opening weekend of all time in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Curacao.

“Illumination and Universal did an excellent job launching this new franchise, building on the great momentum we’re seeing at the global box office as a very promising summer blockbuster season approaches,” Gelfond said.