The Super Mario Bros. Movie has grossed an impressive $204.6 million in its first five days in North American theaters, including $146.4 million over the weekend. The film has broken records for video game adaptations and animated films, making it the biggest opening of 2023 and the second biggest three-day domestic animated opening, behind Finding Dory. Although reviews were mixed, audiences were more favorable, giving the film an A CinemaScore. The PG-rated movie is an origin story of Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi, who fall into a pipe and come out in another world full of Nintendo’s most famous characters. The partnership between Nintendo and Illumination has been praised, as the animation shop has made over $5 billion from its 13 films. The film's global success is a testament to how important outside of the home activities are for families, especially during a time when many people are seeking entertainment outside of their homes.
In contrast, Ben Affleck’s Air, about the origins of Nike’s Air Jordan and how the corporation signed Michael Jordan, also debuted in 3,507 theaters Wednesday. The film, which marks Amazon Studios first global theatrical release, has grossed an estimated $20.2 million since opening Wednesday in North America, with $14.5 million coming from the weekend to give it a fourth place start. The movie, which is rated R, was a bit of adult-targeted counter programming to the Super Mario Bros. movie. Reviews were glowing for the film, which debuted as a surprise screening at the South by Southwest Film Festival last month, helping to bolster buzz.
John Wick Chapter 4 made $14.6 million in its third weekend, bringing its total grosses to $147.1 million, while Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves placed third with $14.5 million in its second weekend. Scream VI rounded out the top 5 with $3.3 million. In limited release, Kelly Reichardt’s art-centric Showing Up, with Michelle Williams and Hong Chau, also bowed on four screens, grossing $66,932.
Overall, this weekend was a home stretch heading into the summer movie season, and it was a perfect scenario for theaters. It's a sign that it's game on for movie theaters when many people thought it was game over.