The answer, surprisingly nuanced, is that there are four distinct theatrical or streaming releases that can definitively be considered Super Mario Bros. movies. This count includes the infamous 1993 live-action film, the 1986 anime film Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!, and the two animated films released in 2023: The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Exploring the Mushroom Kingdom on Film: A Detailed History
Nintendo’s iconic plumber, Mario, has leaped from video game screens to the big (and small) screen several times over the decades, with varying degrees of critical and commercial success. Understanding the evolution of these cinematic endeavors provides valuable context to appreciate the current state of Super Mario Bros. in film. The journey began with humble animation and, for many, culminated in a bizarre, dystopian live-action adaptation before finding renewed life through modern animation. This exploration examines each movie in detail, offering insight into their production, reception, and lasting impact.
The 1986 Anime: Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!
Before Hollywood attempted its own interpretation, Japan brought Mario to the screen in a traditionally animated film. Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! (Japanese: スーパーマリオブラザーズ ピーチ姫救出大作戦!, Hepburn: Sūpā Mario Burazāzu: Pīchi-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!) is a 1986 Japanese anime film based on the Super Mario Bros. video game. This movie is considered the first adaptation of the franchise into a feature-length film. The plot, while simple, closely mirrors the game, featuring Mario and Luigi’s quest to save Princess Peach from King Koopa (Bowser). The film is notable for its use of the original video game’s music and sound effects and for being a relatively faithful adaptation of the source material. Its availability outside of Japan was limited for many years, making it something of a “lost” piece of Super Mario history until recently.
The 1993 Live-Action Film: Super Mario Bros.
Widely considered one of the worst video game adaptations ever made, the 1993 Super Mario Bros. film is a fascinating and controversial piece of cinema. Starring Bob Hoskins as Mario and John Leguizamo as Luigi, the film reimagines the Mushroom Kingdom as a gritty, dystopian metropolis ruled by the reptilian King Koopa (Dennis Hopper). The movie’s dark tone, deviations from the source material, and overall bizarre aesthetic alienated many fans. However, in recent years, it has gained a cult following for its sheer audacity and unique vision. While a box-office failure and a critical disaster, the 1993 Super Mario Bros. remains a significant, albeit notorious, landmark in video game movie history. It serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the challenges inherent in translating video game concepts to film. The production was riddled with issues, including rewrites, directorial changes, and on-set conflicts, which likely contributed to the film’s ultimate outcome.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
The release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 marked a turning point for Super Mario Bros. adaptations. Produced by Illumination (known for Despicable Me and Minions) and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film is a computer-animated adventure featuring the voices of Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. This adaptation aims for a more faithful representation of the Super Mario universe, incorporating familiar characters, settings, and gameplay elements. It was a massive box-office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. This success signals a renewed interest in the Super Mario Bros. franchise on the big screen and potentially paves the way for future adaptations. The movie’s blend of humor, action, and nostalgia resonated with audiences of all ages, proving that Super Mario could thrive in the world of modern animation.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)
While not a traditional movie, Super Mario Bros. Wonder deserves mention due to its uniquely cinematic presentation. This isn’t a standard game announcement trailer or a short film. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an announcement trailer for the new game Super Mario Bros. Wonder made in the style of a film. While not a feature-length film, the Nintendo Direct video is structured as a theatrical trailer, complete with musical cues, dramatic reveals, and a runtime long enough to establish characters and plot elements. This trailer is effectively a short animated film in itself, making it another movie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the landscape of Super Mario Bros. movies, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Why is the 1993 live-action movie so different from the games?
The 1993 Super Mario Bros. film was envisioned as a more mature and “realistic” take on the source material. The filmmakers opted to create a dystopian world rather than a direct translation of the Mushroom Kingdom, believing it would appeal to a broader audience. Unfortunately, this deviation alienated fans and resulted in a critical failure. The film tried to incorporate elements of cyberpunk and dystopian science fiction, resulting in a product vastly different from the whimsical, colorful world of the Super Mario Bros. games.
FAQ 2: Are there any other animated Super Mario Bros. movies besides the 1986 anime and the 2023 film?
No, there are no other theatrically released animated Super Mario Bros. movies besides the 1986 anime and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. There have been numerous animated shorts and TV series based on the franchise, but they don’t qualify as feature-length films.
FAQ 3: Will there be a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)?
Given the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a sequel is highly likely. Nintendo and Illumination have not officially announced a sequel, but given the popularity of the film and the vast potential for further stories, it is widely anticipated. It’s safe to assume that announcements will be made in the future.
FAQ 4: Where can I watch Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!?
Previously hard to find, Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! has become more accessible in recent years. It’s available on various streaming services and online platforms, often with fan-made subtitles. Availability varies depending on your region.
FAQ 5: Is the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. movie worth watching?
Whether the 1993 film is “worth watching” is subjective. It’s a poorly reviewed film, but it has gained a cult following. If you’re curious about video game movie history or enjoy bizarre and unconventional films, it might be worth checking out. Just be prepared for something drastically different from the games.
FAQ 6: Who owns the rights to the Super Mario Bros. movies?
The rights to Super Mario Bros. movies are primarily held by Nintendo. For specific films, the rights are shared with the production and distribution companies involved. For example, Universal Pictures distributed The Super Mario Bros. Movie, while Toei Company was involved in the production of the 1986 anime.
FAQ 7: How did Chris Pratt get the role of Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
The casting of Chris Pratt as Mario generated controversy, but the filmmakers likely chose him for his star power and comedic timing. The exact reasoning behind the casting is not publicly available, but studios often prioritize name recognition and the potential to attract a wider audience.
FAQ 8: Was Charles Martinet involved in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)?
Yes, Charles Martinet, the long-time voice actor for Mario and Luigi in the video games, had a cameo role in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He voiced the characters of Giuseppe and Mario’s father.
FAQ 9: Are there any plans for a Legend of Zelda movie?
Yes, Nintendo has announced a live-action Legend of Zelda movie, which is in development with Sony Pictures. The film is expected to be directed by Wes Ball.
FAQ 10: How faithful is The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) to the games?
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) is significantly more faithful to the source material than the 1993 live-action film. It incorporates familiar characters, settings, and gameplay elements, creating a more authentic Super Mario experience.
FAQ 11: Will the characters from Super Mario Bros. Wonder appear in future movies?
It’s too early to say definitively. If Super Mario Bros. Wonder does well in the future, it’s likely that these characers will show up in future movies.
FAQ 12: Where can I find reliable information about upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie projects?
The best sources for information on upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie projects are official Nintendo announcements, reputable entertainment news outlets, and the websites of the production and distribution companies involved (such as Illumination and Universal Pictures). Be wary of unverified rumors and speculation on social media.