🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Release year: 2023
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (260K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 59%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two Italian plumbers accidentally discover a secret world and end up saving a princess from a lovesick turtle-dragon… who sings.
🍿 The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Bowser’s Conquest and the Brothers’ Ambition
The film opens with Bowser leading his Koopa army in a devastating attack on an ice kingdom inhabited by penguins, seeking the powerful Super Star. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, Mario and Luigi are struggling to establish their plumbing business. Mocked by their former boss, Spike, the brothers see an opportunity to prove themselves when a major pipe bursts in the city.

A Journey Through the Pipes
Venturing underground to fix the burst pipe, Mario and Luigi stumble upon a warp pipe system, which unexpectedly transports them to different worlds. The brothers are separated: Luigi ends up in the perilous Dark Lands, while Mario lands in the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom. This sets the stage for their individual journeys and the challenges they must overcome.

Mario’s Quest in the Mushroom Kingdom
In the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario meets Toad, who guides him to Princess Peach. Peach, aware of Bowser’s threat, is preparing to defend her kingdom. To earn her trust and assistance in finding Luigi, Mario must prove his worth through a challenging obstacle course. His determination convinces Peach to enlist his aid, and they set off to seek the support of the Kong army.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mario (Chris Pratt): A determined Brooklyn plumber who journeys to the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue his brother and save the world.
- Luigi (Charlie Day): Mario’s easily frightened but supportive brother, who gets captured and must be rescued.
- Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy): The strong and capable ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, who allies with Mario to fight Bowser.
- Bowser (Jack Black): The ruthless and power-hungry Koopa king who seeks to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom and marry Princess Peach.
- Toad (Keegan-Michael Key): A loyal and enthusiastic Mushroom Kingdom resident who guides and assists Mario on his quest.
- Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen): The powerful leader from the Kong Kingdom who initially opposes Mario but later becomes an ally.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bowser: “I’m gonna be the king of the world!” – Bowser declares his ambition after obtaining the Super Star, foreshadowing his plans for domination.
- Lumalee: “In an insane world, it is the sane who are called crazy.” – Lumalee, the small star imprisoned with Luigi, reflects on the grim reality of their situation with a dark sense of humor.
- Mario: “Let’s-a go!” – Mario’s iconic catchphrase as he and Luigi embark on their plumbing adventure.
- Bowser: “Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches. I love you! Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches. I love you!” – Bowser expresses his love for Princess Peach in a memorable and comedic musical number.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $100,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $574,934,330
- Worldwide Gross: $1,360,847,665
💥 The Super Mario Bros. Movie Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went in expecting a fun, nostalgic trip, and that’s exactly what I got! The moment the classic music started, I had a huge grin on my face. Jack Black as Bowser? Genius! I loved the Rainbow Road kart scene – it was like watching the game come to life. Sure, the story’s not Shakespeare, but who cares? It’s Mario! It’s pure, unadulterated fun that made me feel like a kid again. I can’t wait to see it again with my nephews, and I hope there will be a sequel soon!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise”
- “Families looking for a fun and engaging animated movie”
- “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted adventure stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild cartoon violence”
- “Some scenes may be intense for very young children”
Professional Reviews
- IGN: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a vibrant and energetic adaptation that captures the essence of the games. While the story is simple, the visuals are stunning, and Jack Black’s Bowser steals the show with his hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt performance.
- Empire Magazine: “Illumination’s Mario movie is a visually impressive, if narratively lightweight, adventure that will delight younger viewers and nostalgic fans alike. The voice cast is surprisingly effective, and the film is packed with Easter eggs, though it could have benefited from a bit more depth.
- RogerEbert.com: “A colorful and energetic spectacle, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is mostly fan service with a paper-thin plot, elevated by Jack Black’s villainous Bowser. It’s a fun, fast-paced ride that will entertain children, but adult viewers may find it lacking in substance and originality.
Audience Reactions
Jack Black’s Bowser was the best part of the movie – hilarious and surprisingly emotional!: Most viewers loved the abundance of Easter eggs and references to the Mario games.
The Rainbow Road scene was epic and perfectly captured the thrill of Mario Kart.: Viewers appreciated the vibrant animation and faithful recreation of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and entertaining adaptation that’s light on story but heavy on fan service and nostalgia, primarily appealing to younger audiences and longtime Mario fans.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film includes numerous Easter eggs and references to various Super Mario games and other Nintendo franchises.”
- “Charles Martinet, the longtime voice of Mario in the video games, makes a cameo appearance as Mario and Luigi’s father.”
- “Jack Black’s performance as Bowser was heavily praised, with many considering it a standout role and a perfect encapsulation of the character’s spirit.”
- “The filmmakers collaborated closely with Nintendo to ensure the film was faithful to the source material and captured the essence of the Mario universe.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV where it is available to rent or buy. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Physical copies, including Blu-ray and DVD versions, are available at most major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, often including special features like behind-the-scenes footage.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Super Mario Bros. Movie, you might like these similar films:
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2020): Both are adaptations of popular video game franchises, aiming to bring beloved characters to the big screen.
- Wreck-It Ralph (2012): Features a similar premise of characters from different video game worlds interacting in a shared universe.
- The LEGO Movie (2014): Shares a lighthearted and comedic tone with a focus on colorful visuals and imaginative world-building.
- Space Jam (1996): Involves iconic animated characters interacting in a fantastical sports-themed adventure.
🛒 The Super Mario Bros. Movie Related Products
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie [Blu-ray]: Own the adventure at home with this Blu-ray edition. Includes bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and more Easter egg breakdowns.
- Super Mario Encyclopedia: The Official Guide to the First 30 Years: A comprehensive guide to the first 30 years of Super Mario, featuring detailed information on characters, enemies, worlds, and power-ups. Filled with concept art and historical insights.
- Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/ Super Mario Bros. Wonder Game Bundle: Get the ultimate Mario experience with the Nintendo Switch OLED Model and the Super Mario Bros. Wonder game. Enjoy enhanced visuals and new gameplay mechanics.
- LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course: Bring the Super Mario world to life with this interactive LEGO set. Includes a LEGO Mario figure that reacts to various bricks and enemies.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Super Mario Bros. Movie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Peaches” – performed by Jack Black
- “Holding Out for a Hero” – performed by Bonnie Tyler
- “Thunderstruck” – performed by AC/DC
- “Through the Fire” – performed by Chaka Khan
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is available for rent or purchase on various streaming platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV. It’s also available on Blu-ray and DVD at major retailers.
Yes, there is a mid-credits scene featuring Bowser and a post-credits scene teasing the arrival of Yoshi in a potential sequel.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser.
🔥 Bonus Content
Super Mario Bros Movie (Plumbing Commercial) ALL REMAKES
Check out these amusing remakes of the movie’s popular plumbing commercial! It’s a fun and creative take that will make you smile.
Everything Wrong With Super Mario Bros Movie in 17 Minutes or Less
Want to get a good laugh while learning about the hidden flaws in the movie? This video will point them out in a clever and entertaining way.
Is The Super Mario Bros Movie the DOWNFALL of Western Civilization? – A Review 🙂
Curious about what critics are saying about the movie? This review provides insightful commentary and opinions on whether it’s worth watching.
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