The Super Mario Bros. Movie may not have enjoyed the sort of widespread critical praise that HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us did, but it, too, has proven to be yet another success story for adaptations of gaming properties. In its recent quarterly fiscal report, Nintendo highlighted that success with some impressive new tidbits.
Nintendo and Illumination’s animated movie has been viewed by over 168.1 million people worldwide (as of July 30) since its debut in April. Its total global box office revenues currently sit at $1.349 billion (as of July 26), making it the highest-grossing film based on a game, and the second-highest grossing animated film of all time.
Nintendo also says that the movie’s success has benefited in other ways as well, like being received well in markets where it doesn’t traditionally have a strong presence, like South America and Asian markets outside of Japan.
“By expanding Nintendo IP in areas outside the dedicated video game platform we create new opportunities for consumers to encounter Nintendo IP, and this invigorates our overall business,” the company says. “Based on the various effects that we have confirmed through the release of this movie, we will continue our efforts towards visual content-related initiatives.”
Earlier this year, reports claimed that Nintendo and Illumination were on the verge of agreeing a deal for an animated movie based on The Legend of Zelda.
Additionally, Nintendo says that “the heightened consumer interest in Super Mario” is resulting in “growing sales” for titles, merchandise, and smart device apps related to the IP. Whether that will result in a sales boost for upcoming titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Super Mario RPG as well remains to be seen, though that’s certainly what the company will be hoping for.
Nintendo’s latest quarterly fiscal report also revealed that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has sold over 18.5 million units worldwide, while the Switch’s worldwide sales stand at over 129.5 million. The company has also provided updated sales numbers for the Switch’s 10 best-selling first party titles.
