Mario is back, and this time he’s heading to the stars! The Super Mario Galaxy Movie landed in UK cinemas on 1st April 2026, bringing the beloved Nintendo plumber, his pals, and a whole galaxy of new characters to the big screen. If you loved The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) with your little ones, you’ll want to know everything about this sequel before you book those tickets. This is our Super Mario Galaxy Movie review so you can decide if it’s right for your family.
TL;DR: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a colourful, fun-packed animated adventure that kids will absolutely love. It’s in UK cinemas now, rated PG, and runs for 1 hour 38 minutes. Streaming is not yet available in the UK, but a home release is expected around summer 2026. Perfect for families with children aged 5 and up!
We’ve pulled together everything you need to know, from the plot and cast to our honest family verdict and a full guide on where to watch it in 2026.
What Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 2026 animated adventure comedy from Universal Pictures and Illumination, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (the duo behind the first film) and written by Matthew Fogel. It is the direct sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time when it released in 2023.
This time around, Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach blast off into outer space, embarking on a galaxy-hopping adventure where they encounter new worlds, new friends, and of course, the ever-scheming Bowser. The film is rated PG for mild violence, action and rude humour, and has a runtime of 1 hour 38 minutes, making it a comfortable length for younger viewers.
Key Film Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| UK Release Date | 1st April 2026 |
| Certificate | PG |
| Runtime | 1 hour 38 minutes |
| Genre | Animated Adventure Comedy |
| Directors | Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic |
| Writer | Matthew Fogel |
| Distributor | Universal Pictures |
| Formats | Standard, IMAX, RealD 3D |
The Story: What Happens in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
Without giving too much away, the story picks up after the events of the first film. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and their friends find themselves launched into an epic outer space adventure, travelling across dazzling galaxies and discovering extraordinary new worlds.
Along the way, they meet Princess Rosalina, guardian of the cosmos, who becomes a key ally. Bowser is back and more menacing than ever, this time joined by his son Bowser Jr., who adds a cheeky new dynamic to the villain side of things. There’s also a surprise appearance from Fox McCloud of the Star Fox universe, which is sure to delight older Nintendo fans in the audience!
The film draws heavily from the beloved Super Mario Galaxy video games, which means stunning cosmic visuals, gravity-defying set pieces, and plenty of nods to the games that fans will spot and love.
The emotional core of the film centres on teamwork, family bonds, and believing in yourself even when the odds feel astronomical. It’s a message that resonates just as well for the grown-ups in the audience as it does for the children.
The Voice Cast: Who’s In It?
The returning cast is back in full force, with some exciting new additions that make this one of the most star-studded animated films of the year!
Returning Cast
- Chris Pratt as Mario
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
- Charlie Day as Luigi
- Jack Black as Bowser
- Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
New Additions
- Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina
- Donald Glover as Yoshi
- Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
- Glen Powell as Fox McCloud (Star Fox)
- Issa Rae as Honey Queen
- Luis Guzmán as Wart
The new cast members bring real energy to the sequel. Brie Larson in particular is a brilliant choice for Rosalina, bringing warmth and mystery to the character. Donald Glover as Yoshi is a fun, unexpected casting decision that works surprisingly well. And Glen Powell’s last-minute addition as Fox McCloud? Absolute gold for any Nintendo fan in the room!
Our Family Review: Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Worth Watching?
Let’s be honest: critics weren’t exactly queuing up to hand out five stars for this one. Reviews from film critics have been mixed to unfavourable. But here’s the thing, this film was never made for film critics. It was made for your seven-year-old who has been bouncing off the walls since they saw the trailer!
What Families Will Love
- The visuals are absolutely stunning. The galaxy worlds are vibrant, imaginative and genuinely jaw-dropping on a big screen. If you can, splash out on IMAX or 3D; it really does make a difference.
- It’s packed with Nintendo Easter eggs. From music cues lifted straight from the games to background details that fans will spot, it rewards players and non-players alike.
- The new characters are a hit. Bowser Jr. is brilliantly mischievous, and Rosalina adds a lovely new layer to the story.
- It moves at a great pace. At just under two hours, it never drags, and younger children should stay engaged throughout.
- It’s genuinely funny. There are laughs for adults and kids, with Charlie Day’s Luigi continuing to be a crowd favourite.
A Few Things to Bear in Mind
- The plot is fairly straightforward and won’t challenge older children or adults looking for a deeper story.
- Some of the action sequences are quite fast-paced, which may be a little intense for very young or sensitive toddlers.
- If you haven’t seen the first film, a quick rewatch beforehand will help the kids follow along!
Our verdict: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a brilliant family cinema trip. It’s big, bold, beautiful and bursting with fun. Don’t let the critical reviews put you off. Your kids will absolutely love it, and you’ll have a great time too!
Is It Suitable for My Child?
| Age Group | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 4 | May find some action scenes a little intense |
| 4 to 7 | Perfect! Bright, fun and easy to follow |
| 8 to 12 | Great fun, especially for Nintendo fans |
| Teenagers | Enjoyable if they love Mario or animated films |
| Adults | Fun nostalgia trip, especially with the kids |
Where to Watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in the UK (2026)
Here’s everything you need to know about catching the film, whether you want to see it in cinemas or wait for it to hit streaming!
In Cinemas Now
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is in UK cinemas from 1st April 2026. You can book tickets through all major cinema chains, including:
- Odeon (check the Odeon website for showtimes near you)
- Vue (book via the Vue website)
- Cineworld (find your local showing at Cineworld)
- Showcase Cinemas
- Everyman Cinemas
For the best experience, we’d recommend booking IMAX or RealD 3D if available at your local cinema. The cosmic visuals genuinely pop on a larger format screen!
Bear with us here! Tickets can sell out fast during school holidays and peak weekends, so it’s worth booking online in advance to avoid disappointment.
When Will It Be on Streaming?
No official UK streaming date has been confirmed yet, but here’s what we know based on Universal Pictures’ current release strategy:
- Universal has committed to keeping films in cinemas for at least five weekends before a home release in 2026.
- That means digital rental (PVOD) could be available from around early May 2026.
- A full streaming release is expected summer 2026, likely around June or July.
In the US, the film is contracted to stream on Peacock and then Netflix. In the UK, the streaming home is yet to be confirmed, but keep an eye on Prime Video, Netflix UK, and Sky Cinema as likely candidates based on Universal’s previous UK deals.
Our advice: If you can, see it on the big screen while it’s there! The scale and spectacle of the galaxy worlds are best experienced in cinema. But if you’d rather wait for home viewing, a summer streaming release looks very likely.
Do I Need to Watch the First Film First?
Not strictly, but we’d recommend it! The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) sets up the characters and their relationships, so watching it beforehand will make the sequel more enjoyable. It’s a brilliant family film in its own right and a great way to get the kids hyped for the sequel!
Tips for a Great Family Cinema Trip
Planning to head to the cinema with the kids? Here are a few tips to make the most of your outing!
- Book in advance. Popular showings during school holidays and weekends can sell out. Check your cinema’s website to secure your seats.
- Go for an early showing. Morning or early afternoon screenings tend to be quieter and less overwhelming for younger children.
- Check for family ticket deals. Most major chains offer family tickets that work out cheaper than buying individual seats. Some also have special kids’ combo deals for snacks.
- Arrive a little early. Give yourselves time to grab popcorn, find your seats and let the little ones settle in before the trailers start.
- IMAX is worth it for this one. The galaxy visuals are truly spectacular on a big screen. If your local cinema has IMAX, it’s a real treat!
Looking for more brilliant days out with the kids? Explore thousands of family-friendly attractions, events and experiences near you at Day Out With The Kids. You can also check out our complete guide to UK school holiday dates in 2026 to plan the rest of your family fun this year!