Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review 

[Nintendo and Illumination, 2026]

By: Amber Wallis 

Super Mario Galaxy, a 3d platformer game, was released by Nintendo in 2007. This game features iconic characters such as Mario and Rosalina, who try to save the galaxy from Bowser’s rule. Super Mario Galaxy is known for its complex puzzles, imaginative world-building, and impactful soundtrack. The movie adaptation had high expectations as a sequel as well as its expansion of the Mario universe on screen. This review contains spoilers for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie as well as the game. 

Promotion for Super Mario Galaxy began with the game’s release on Nintendo Switch on October 2, 2025, as part of the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. The release contained the first and second parts of the game. This adaptation would attract a larger audience of players, as the game was more accessible on the Switch than the Wii. Throughout these months, teasers of the movie would be released on YouTube, including short clips and interviews with cast members. The short videos built excitement for fan favorite characters such as Yoshi and Rosalina, who were not featured in the first Super Mario Bros movie. Actors such as Brie Larson, Chris Pratt, Jack Black, and Donald Glover brought wide appeal for the film, and their performances introduced new characters that had a large impact on Mario’s journey. 

The Super Mario Galaxy movie stood out for its character features, nostalgic soundtrack, and visually stunning graphics, but lacked plot depth. Over 80 characters were featured in the film, and because of this, there was less structure and cohesiveness to the main storyline. One of the highly anticipated characters was Bowser Jr., who played a significant role in Bowser’s history and dreams of conquering the world. His addition opened an unexplored side of Bowser and revealed Bowser’s desire to connect with his son. These character additions provided unique easter eggs for players and illustrated their significance in the broader Mario Universe. 

Super Mario Galaxy’s soundtrack merges Nintendo’s classic electronic beat with softer melodies, making it more emotionally resonant to players. Many of these songs were featured in the movie, such as “Rosalina in the Observatory,” “Battlerock Galaxy,” and “Gusty Garden Galaxy.” The soundtrack was composed by Brian Tyler, who also created soundtracks for the Super Mario Bros Movie, Now You See Me, and more films. I enjoyed hearing these songs since they embodied the game’s core components and created a nostalgic experience in the movie. In the game, songs varied with the region that the player was exploring. There were many locational references to the game, as well as references to mechanics such as Mario’s spin attack. Also, the film highlights Bowser Jr. making a game level for Mario and Princess Peach, and this illustrates the diversity in visuals and their connections to Nintendo games. The introduction of these elements kept the movie tied closely to the game, but also provided opportunities for the storyline to diverge from the game’s standard. For example, in Super Mario Galaxy, the use of transportation is very direct: just use Launch Stars. These catapult players into space with a directed trajectory. However, in the movie, Launch Stars were only used by Princess Peach, and other characters relied on technology such as spaceships to explore the universe. This choice allowed for less redundancy and created unique introductions of characters, such as Fox McCloud, from Nintendo’s Star Fox Series. The Super Mario Galaxy movie introduced many aspects that expanded the movie’s world-building and provided many immersive aspects that connect the film to the game. 

[Nintendo and Illumination, 2026] 

Another driving motive of the movie is the character’s connections to family. The movie introduced deeper connections with Bowser and his son, as well as Rosalina’s connection to Peach. This grew the continuity in the story plot; however, Peach’s connection to Rosalina was never mentioned in any of the games. In fact, in the game, Rosalina had a brother. The movie doesn’t expand on Rosalina’s history, which was a main driving component in the game, and only focuses on the moments with Peach. When watching the movie, I was expecting more of Rosalina’s background, since the game focused on her journey as the Watcher of the Stars. The movie also referenced her storybook, which highlights her journey into space and how she adopted the Lumas, small star-like creatures. I enjoyed how Rosalina and Peach’s story focused on separation, as it has been a main theme throughout the Super Mario Movies. In the first movie, Luigi becomes separated from Mario, and in the second movie, Bowser Jr. and Bowser are separated. This variety demonstrates the complex relationship between characters and illustrates the emotional depth and importance of unity. 

[Universal Pictures, 2026] 

On the other hand, Mario’s connection with Luigi isn’t focused on compared to the first movie. The movie doesn’t explore any new developments in their characters besides Mario hoping to impress Princess Peach. However, Mario and Luigi’s compassion is demonstrated by their first interactions with Yoshi, as they find him hidden in a warp pipe. Luigi is still characterized as a timid person, but since the last movie, he has grown to be more adventurous. He also acts as a bridge between Bowser and Mario, softening their rivalry and deepening their understanding of each other despite their differences. I enjoyed how diverse this film was in its themes and connections, and it was fun to watch because of its connection to the games. 

Critics gave this film a 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, while fans reviewed it as 89%. Audiences online claimed that critics have expected too much from a Mario movie, and that it was supposed to be a fun movie for kids. The cinematography of the movie was one of the key features, and the deep graphics made it visually engaging, immersing viewers despite its weak plot. The first movie got a 59% critic review and a 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel didn’t meet the expectations set by the first film; however, it was entertaining to watch. Overall, the Super Mario Galaxy movie provides an enriching experience for those immersed in the Mario universe and game; however, it may not appeal as strongly to general audiences.