The Super Mario Bros. Movie may not have revolutionized animation or storytelling, but it undoubtedly made waves at the box office and on streaming platforms, thanks to its broad appeal—especially with younger audiences. The film’s success is in part due to its ability to tap into the nostalgia of longtime Mario fans while being accessible and fun for kids, as evidenced by the little girl behind the reviewer in the theater who gleefully yelled “Wainbow Woad” when Mario and friends encountered the iconic Rainbow Road.
However, the movie also received criticism for leaning heavily into the child-centric, inoffensive formula typical of Illumination films. While the movie has moments of fan service, with nods to Mario’s rich gaming history, its reliance on bright visuals, catchy voices, and simple humor was seen as somewhat limiting for those hoping for a deeper, more meaningful narrative—particularly those older fans who have grown up with the franchise and might have hoped for a more mature, expansive story.
The film’s widespread success, especially on platforms like Peacock, where it ranks alongside other Illumination hits like Despicable Me 4 and Sing, shows its strong market appeal. Yet, the underlying critique is that the film didn’t make the most of its vast potential to bring the expansive world of Mario to life in a way that could satisfy audiences of all ages.
While kids are likely to adore the visual spectacle and light-hearted tone, the film’s broader potential for storytelling was missed by some who hoped for more complexity. Despite that, The Super Mario Bros. Movie continues to shine in the hearts of young fans—and perhaps in the hearts of nostalgic adults who can’t help but smile at the little touches, even if it wasn’t the movie they might have wanted. And with a sequel in the works for 2026, it looks like Illumination will continue catering to this formula for the foreseeable future—at least until they eventually tap into the broader audience the franchise deserves.