The Super Mario Bros. Movie had phenomenal success this year, making its mark as the second highest-grossing film of 2023 with an impressive $1.3 billion at the box office, trailing only behind Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. After captivating audiences in theaters, the animated adventure comedy is ready to extend its reach into the streaming realm.
Following its initial theatrical run and subsequent availability on Peacock in August, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is gearing up for its Netflix debut in December. Netflix announced the exciting news on Thursday via its official X, formerly Twitter, account, promising viewers a festive treat as the beloved film becomes available on the platform just in time for the holidays.
For the families that go a little too hard on Mario Kart over the holidays, The Super Mario Bros. Movie will be on Netflix to help the healing. December 3! pic.twitter.com/5nhvrcJWME
— Netflix (@netflix) November 9, 2023
The post read, “For the families that go a little too hard on Mario Kart over the holidays, The Super Mario Bros. Movie will be on Netflix to help the healing. December 3!” We’re not sure a movie is enough to bridge the betrayal of a blue shell, but its worth a try.
This decision stems from an exclusive licensing agreement between Universal Pictures and Netflix established in 2021. According to the terms, Netflix gains the rights to all animated and live-action projects from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation for four years post their debut.
The agreement also grants the streaming giant the authority to cherry-pick specific titles from the extensive content library of the production company. However, before making their way to Netflix, these titles will air exclusively on Peacock for four months. Notable films like Minions: The Rise of Gru and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish have already been subject to this rule.
In line with this, The Super Mario Bros. Movie commenced its run on Peacock in August, immediately after its theatrical release earlier in the year. With the scheduled four months concluding next month, the film will soon become accessible to Netflix’s extensive subscriber base.
The inclusion of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in Netflix’s lineup is a significant triumph for the platform. The film’s enduring popularity is expected to draw substantial traffic to the streaming service. Yet, the true beneficiaries are the viewers. The show will now be within reach for a broader audience than on Peacock, offering fans the chance to revisit it or experience it for the first time.
The impact of The Super Mario Bros. Movie extends beyond the box office. For one, it inspired the animation style of Nintendo’s latest video game Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Also, according to a recent report, it contributed to increased sales of the title, which saw it become the fastest-selling Mario game ever.
In addition to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Netflix’s holiday roster features Adam Sandler’s animated film Leo, Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms’ Family Switch, and Heather Graham’s Best. Christmas. Ever! Moreover, the platform has recently commenced streaming Spider-Mann: Across the Spider-Verse, courtesy of a licensing agreement with Sony.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie will debut on Netflix on December 3, 2023.
