---
title: "The Super Mario Bros. Movie"
year: 2023
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-super-mario-bros-movie"
fi1m_id: "the-super-mario-bros-movie"
imdb_id: "tt6718170"
tmdb_id: 502356
wikidata_id: "Q108671102"
fi1m_score: 56
critics_score: 48
critics_reviews: 17
published: "2026-09-10"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:08.847496+00:00"
region: "ZA"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic · 1h 33m · FPB 7-9PG · Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation

## Identity

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-super-mario-bros-movie
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-super-mario-bros-movie
- **IMDb ID:** tt6718170
- **TMDB ID:** 502356
- **Wikidata ID:** Q108671102
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6718170/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/502356, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108671102

**Fi1m score: 56** · Critics 48 from 17 reviews

*In a sentence:* Every coin, pipe and mushroom present and correct; the brothers who are meant to be the point barely turn up

> Bright, brisk and dutiful, Horvath and Jelenic’s Mario gets every pipe and mushroom right and gives Jack Black a lava castle to sing in. Children will be happy for ninety minutes, and it has almost nothing to say about the two plumbers in the title.

## Synopsis

Mario (Chris Pratt) and his brother Luigi (Charlie Day) are plumbers in Brooklyn whose new business is not going well. On a call-out beneath the city they are pulled down a pipe and come out in different places. Mario lands in a kingdom of mushrooms and small, cheerful Toads, ruled by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). Luigi lands somewhere darker. Bowser (Jack Black), a fire-breathing king with an army behind him, is on the move. With Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) for company, Mario sets out to find his brother, which will mean training with Peach and asking the Kongs, led by Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) and Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), for help. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic direct.

## Review

Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic direct 93 minutes of animation from a script by Matthew Fogel, with Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto producing alongside Chris Meledandri, and that last credit tells you most of what the film is. It is the version of Mario that the people who own Mario wanted. Every pipe, coin, block and mushroom is where it should be, the colours are the right colours, and nothing has been risked. It gets everything right except a reason to care about the brothers.

The world is the best of it. Guillaume Aretos’s production design gives the Mushroom Kingdom a nursery look, all stacked rounded shapes and pastel roofs, and Bowser’s territory the opposite: black rock, orange lava, the light coming from below. The film’s best idea arrives early, when Peach puts Mario through a training course and the camera swings side-on so that the platforms, the gaps and the timing read as a level. Eric E. Osmond cuts it to the rhythm of a run rather than a fight. We felt, for about two minutes, the particular pleasure of a jump landed cleanly, which is the thing the games have and films usually cannot borrow. Then it was over, and the film did not find that feeling again until a sequence much later that we will not describe.

Jack Black is the other reason to be here. His Bowser is a lovesick tyrant, spoken in a growl that keeps cracking into anxiety, and there is a scene at a piano that made us laugh out loud. It was the only time we did, and we then noticed the rest of the film waiting for us to laugh again. Keegan-Michael Key’s Toad is cheerful noise, Seth Rogen’s Donkey Kong is Seth Rogen with more hair, and Fred Armisen gives Cranky Kong a good weary grumble. Chris Pratt plays Mario as an ordinary, mildly nervous man, and Fogel’s script has a line to explain why he does not sound like the games. Charles Martinet, who voiced the character in those games for years, turns up as Mario’s father, which is the film’s one joke with any patience behind it.

Brian Tyler’s score works Koji Kondo’s game themes into a full orchestra, and this is done with more care than anything in the story. When the underground theme or the coin chime comes through the strings, children in the cinema react before they know why. It is the closest the film gets to the games’ spirit, and it comes from a composer who wrote the tunes in the 1980s rather than from anyone on the picture.

The story is where it comes apart. Fogel gives the brothers a warm opening in Brooklyn and then separates them, so that Charlie Day’s Luigi spends most of the running time off-screen, and the relationship the film says it is about is something we are told about rather than shown. Anya Taylor-Joy plays Peach capable and dry, which is welcome, but she is a mentor with a costume, not a person. At 93 minutes the film has to fit a kingdom, a jungle, an army, a villain, a fight and a race, and so no scene is allowed to last. By the hour mark we were tired of being hurried, and then slightly cross that so much care had gone into the backgrounds and so little into the two men in front of them.

Horvath and Jelenic keep everything on its best behaviour, and there is no cheek in it anywhere. Against the 1993 live-action version the film is obviously a great improvement, but that is a bar you could trip over. Against the best animated films built from toys and games, it is the one that never worked out what the toy was for.

The reviews split roughly down the middle, some finding it charmless, some finding it the ideal children’s film, and we sit between them. It is a PG, it is short, and a child under ten will be delighted and quiet for the whole of it. Take one if you have one. If you do not, the film has made no plans for you.

*Fi1m score 56, published 10 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean negative, and the spread is wide. Most critics agree on what works: bright, fast animation, a score that folds in the game sounds, and Jack Black’s turn as Bowser, which even sceptical reviews pick out.

The trouble is everything around it. Again and again the complaint is that the film is a parade of references without a story to hang them on: brisk, safe, loud and thin, aimed at children and at fans who will recognise the power-ups. The trade papers are kinder, with Variety calling it kinetic fun and The Hollywood Reporter a labour of love for fans. The British broadsheets are harshest. The Telegraph rates it below the 1993 live-action film, and The Times finds it charmless and machine-tooled. Between the two camps sit several reviews that find it decent for children and forgettable for anyone else.

## Straight answers

**Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie worth watching?**

*The Super Mario Bros. Movie* is worth watching if you have a child under ten in the house, and not otherwise; we scored it 56. Every pipe, coin and mushroom is in its place, and Jack Black's lovesick Bowser is a pleasure, but the film has almost nothing to say about the two brothers in its title and hurries through every scene.

**How long is The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and what is it rated?**

*The Super Mario Bros. Movie* runs 1h 33m and is rated 7-9PG by the FPB in South Africa. It is a family and comedy film.

**Where can I watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie in South Africa?**

*The Super Mario Bros. Movie* is not on any streaming or rental service in South Africa at the moment. It is available in 39 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How does The Super Mario Bros. Movie compare to The Lego Movie?**

*The Super Mario Bros. Movie* is the more dutiful film and [*The Lego Movie*](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie) is the better one. Both build a bright world from a toy box, but Lord and Miller found a story about a child and playing without permission, while Horvath and Jelenic never work out what Mario is for. For small children either will do; for adults, choose the Lego film.

**What should I watch after The Super Mario Bros. Movie?**

After *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, try [*The LEGO Movie*](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie) (2014, Fi1m 83): A toy film that found a story about a child; this one never did. Then [*Wreck-It Ralph*](https://film.one/film/wreck-it-ralph) (2012, Fi1m 70): Arcade nostalgia with an actual villain’s inner life attached to it; and [*Castle in the Sky*](https://film.one/film/castle-in-the-sky) (1986, Fi1m 82): Miyazaki’s floating fortress, airships and pirates; the adventure Mario borrows from.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (Critics Pick): The film delivers sheer animated fun and a prankish video-game buzz that connects with audiences. It stands out for its kinetic energy, inventive set pieces, and Jack Black's standout vocal performance as Bowser. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/the-super-mario-bros-review-chris-pratt-anya-taylor-joy-jack-black-1235572328/)
- **The AV Club**, Matthew Huff (B): The critic praises the Easter egg-filled adventure built for Nintendo fans and the clever score that ties in game sounds. He notes it will please fans and younger viewers but falls short of greatness in story and freshness. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/super-mario-bros-movie-review-1850296739)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (50/100, inferred): The critic calls the movie mildly amusing, swift, noisy, and unrelentingly paced but ultimately inoffensive and not terribly interesting. It excels in eye-popping animation and set pieces but lacks depth or memorable jokes beyond a few standouts. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-04-04/super-mario-bros-movie-review-chris-pratt-voice)
- **Screen Daily** (50/100, inferred): The review describes a colourful animated adventure that captures some of the games' carefree spirit in its action sequences but too often plays down to its young audience, prioritising rambunctious energy, familiar beats and franchise setup over wit, heart or a distinct identity. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review/5180806.article)
- **Radio Times**, James Mottram (2/5): The critic calls it an improvement over the notorious 1993 live-action film thanks to its energetic animation and game references, but finds it ultimately a step backwards for video game adaptations, with hyperkinetic visuals that grow nauseating and little substance beyond fan service. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/super-mario-bros-movie-review/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Paul Attard (40/100, inferred): The critic sees the film as cheap fan service consisting of Easter eggs in search of a story rather than anything original. He singles out the voice cast’s solid work but laments the lack of emotional stakes or innovation beyond brand extension. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review/)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (2/5): The film is fantastically charmless and machine-tooled, lacking feeling or storytelling verve while being emotionally bland yet garish. It seems designed to sedate young audiences with stereotypes and superficial references. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/super-mario-bros-film-review-tjx7rhtzx)
- **The Guardian** (30/100, inferred): The film is a tedious and flat disappointment that fails to capture the spirit of the games or deliver comedy. It relies on uninspired visuals and inert storytelling instead of clever adaptation. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/apr/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-wackily-eccentric-gamer-guys-fall-flat-on-screen)
- **The New York Times**, Calum Marsh (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film bland, witless, and pandering. It prioritizes video-game references and snarky humor over the wholesome charm of the source material. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/movies/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review.html)
- **Vulture** (30/100, inferred): The critic calls the film another bad game adaptation that is generic and focus-group assembled outside of brief gameplay-evoking moments. He complains that it fails to assemble its iconography into a meaningful story and lacks purpose or wit. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/the-super-mario-bros-movie-is-another-bad-game-adaptation.html)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (1/5): This animated adaptation is even worse than the 1993 live-action version, feeling like a shallow brand extension that is shallow, sterile and inane. It prioritizes relentless fan-service references over any meaningful story or quality animation. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/super-mario-bros-review-monstrous-animation/)
- **Empire**, John Nugent: This animated version is deeply faithful to the games as a greatest-hits parade of references and Easter eggs, with high-quality animation and some fun power-up moments. However, it feels like a feature-length cutscene lacking the joy of actual gameplay and features miscast voices. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-super-mario-bros-movie/)
- **Financial Times**, Danny Leigh (★★★☆☆): The movie is a risk-averse but refreshing children's film that faithfully reimagines the game world without pandering to adults or critics. It succeeds by being squarely aimed at kids with brisk pacing and authentic nods to the source material. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/ecda7228-07a5-4003-838a-57288b150ad2)
- **IndieWire**, Christian Zilko: The critic views the adaptation as a winner that pulls out all the power-ups for a kid-friendly take. He notes the clever explanation for the voice choice and the film’s energetic approach to the source material. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-1234825508/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck: The critic finds the film a zippy animated adaptation that erases the memory of the poor 1993 live-action version, calling it a labor of love for fans. He singles out Jack Black’s exuberant voice work as Bowser and the fast-paced action sequences for praise. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-1235366807/)
- **The i Paper**, Christina Newland: The film is silly, earnest fun that panders to fans through visual nods to gameplay but succeeds as an unapologetic children's adventure with colourful animation and light humour. It hits the major notes of the Mario universe without overdoing adult winks. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/super-mario-bros-movie-review-fan-pandering-2253712)
- **Total Film**, Fay Watson: The movie mostly sticks the landing as a fun, fast-paced take on the plumber siblings that subverts the damsel trope with a capable Peach and delivers faithful, affectionate animation. It does not match the genius of the original games but leaves room for more adventures. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review/)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (B+): The critic praises the film as a colorful, joyful celebration of the Mario franchise and Nintendo history that delivers fun for kids and fans alike. They single out its bright worlds, solid jokes, and overall charm as highlights. [Read](https://collider.com/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review/)
- **Consequence** (B): The review calls the film a thin but fun love letter to the games and a solid watchable tribute better than the 1993 version. It highlights the fast pace, visuals, and loving nods to Nintendo while noting some characters feel underdeveloped. [Read](https://consequence.net/2023/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-chris-pratt/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3/5): The critic finds it a visually impressive but hollow family film that children will adore for its nostalgia and graphics, but criticizes it as derivative and empty inside. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/super-mario-bros-movie-review/)
- **Polygon**, Joshua Rivera (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the film overwhelmingly gorgeous and faithful to the games but ultimately nostalgia bait with little original hook or lasting memory. They single out its reliance on references and serviceable but brief moments of personality as the main issues. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23669990/super-mario-bros-movie-review-references/)
- **/Film**, Josh Spiegel (4/10): The film is exactly what its marketing promises: a brisk, colorful, and safe adaptation that prioritizes recognizable characters, gameplay nods, and Nintendo music over any creative risk or depth. It thrives on being unsurprising and is critic-proof due to its family appeal and box-office potential, but feels uninspiring overall. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1247880/super-mario-bros-movie-review-unsurprising/)
- **NME**, Nick Levine (2/5): Paper-thin plot and lazy creative choices make it mediocre despite some witty riffs on the games; it's faithful but not fun enough. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/super-mario-bros-movie-review-chris-pratt-3425797)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond: The critic finds the animated film a winner for families and a charmer faithful to the source material, with animation the right way to go. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic turn it into something likable and loaded with laughs that feels like playing the game, aided by bright colors, a zippy score, and an enjoyable voice cast. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-chris-pratt-iconic-video-game-1235317269/)

## Details

- **Director:** Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
- **Director:** Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
- **Writer:** Matthew Fogel
- **Editor:** Eric E. Osmond
- **Music:** Brian Tyler, Koji Kondo
- **Production design:** Guillaume Aretos
- **Producer:** Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
- **Cast:** Chris Pratt as Mario (voice); Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach (voice); Charlie Day as Luigi (voice); Jack Black as Bowser (voice); Keegan-Michael Key as Toad (voice); Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong (voice); Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong (voice); Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 33m
- **Certificate (FPB):** 7-9PG
- **Release (South Africa):** 7 April 2023
- **Genres:** Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
- **Budget:** $100 million
- **Box office:** $1.36 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjNcTBXTk4I

## Where to watch in South Africa

Not streaming, renting or buying in South Africa at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, HK, HU, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2024: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- The Game Awards − Best Adaptation 2023: The Game Awards − Best Adaptation (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The LEGO Movie* (2014), Fi1m 83: A toy film that found a story about a child; this one never did — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie.md)
- *Wreck-It Ralph* (2012), Fi1m 70: Arcade nostalgia with an actual villain’s inner life attached to it — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wreck-it-ralph.md)
- *Castle in the Sky* (1986), Fi1m 82: Miyazaki’s floating fortress, airships and pirates; the adventure Mario borrows from — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/castle-in-the-sky.md)
- *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: Proof a family film can be gentle, quick and funny for the adults too — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md)
- *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World* (2010), Fi1m 81: Game grammar on screen, done with wit, for the older siblings — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-super-mario-bros-movie