Universal’s 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' blasted to the top of the U.K. and Ireland box office with a $19.8 million opening weekend.

Universal’s 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' blasted to the top of the U.K. and Ireland box office with a $19.8 million opening weekend.

As expected, Nintendo and Illumination's The Super Mario Galaxy Movie dominated the box office upon its debut. Here are five reasons for its success.

Universal’s 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' blasted into first place at the China box office during the April 3–5 weekend, earning $8.3 million.

Universal’s 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' blasted into first place at the China box office during the April 3–5 weekend, earning $8.3 million.

HOLLYWOOD - Thanks to the enduring appeal of family films and a multi-generational love for the Nintendo video game, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” became a four-quadrant smash. This also marks the second-biggest domestic launch of all time for Illumination, the animation empire founded by Chris Meledandri. The prolific producer, whose company has an exclusive partnership with Universal, has fielded such kid-friendly hits as “Despicable Me” and “Minions” franchise, “Sing” and “The Secret Life of Pets.” Second place on the domestic charts went to “Project Hail Mary.” So far, the space adventure starring Ryan Gosling has earned an impressive $420.7 million globally. Disney’s animated Pixar comedy “Hoppers” landed at No. 4.

Nintendo and Illumination's sequel has beaten the record of the first film from 2023.