The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is officially rated PG, and while it stays firmly in the family-friendly lane, the "cosmic peril" is definitely a step up from the first film’s Mushroom Kingdom antics.
TL;DR: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 100-minute adventure rated PG for action and mild peril, making it a safe bet for kids ages 5 and up. While it avoids "brain rot" territory, parents should be prepared for some intense space sequences and the return of that nihilistic blue Luma who thinks the sweet release of death is the ultimate power-up. For a deeper dive into the content, check out our guide to Nintendo movie safety.
Following the massive success of the 2023 film, Nintendo and Illumination have blasted off into the cosmos for the sequel. This time, the story leans heavily into the lore of the Super Mario Galaxy game, introducing Rosalina, the Lumas, and a much larger, more intimidating version of Bowser’s planetary conquest.
If the first movie was a love letter to the NES era, this one is a neon-soaked, orchestral tribute to the Wii era. It’s fast-paced, visually stunning, and clocks in at exactly 100 minutes—which is the "Goldilocks zone" for kid attention spans.
It’s Mario. In space. With gravity-defying physics.
Kids are already obsessed with the "Ohio" memes and the chaotic energy of Roblox, but Mario offers a polished, high-quality alternative that doesn't feel like it’s melting their brains. The sequel introduces the Bee Suit and Boo Mario power-ups, which are instant hits for the younger crowd. Plus, the humor is sharp enough that they won’t feel like they’re watching a "baby show" like Cocomelon.
According to the ESRB and MPA standards we track at Screenwise, the PG rating for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is primarily due to "action and mild peril." Here is the no-BS breakdown of what that looks like in the theater:
Space-Aged Scares
Unlike the lava-filled pits of the first movie, the sequel deals with the vacuum of space, black holes, and the threat of being "lost forever" in the void. For most kids, it’s just cool sci-fi. For sensitive 4-year-olds, the idea of Mario floating away from Luigi into a dark abyss might cause a few "grab my hand" moments.
The Return of Lumalee
If you remember the blue star from the first movie who was weirdly obsessed with the "sweet release of death," he’s back and has friends. This nihilistic humor is a total hit with parents and older kids, but you might have to explain why the cute star is talking about the end of all existence to your kindergartner.
Cartoon Violence
It’s standard Mario fare: stomping on Goombas, Koopa shells flying, and Bowser being a menace. There is no blood, no "real-world" weaponry, and the stakes—while high—always feel like a video game. It’s far less intense than something like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Our latest community survey data shows that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is the #1 "must-see" for families with children in Grades K-6 this year.
- 88% of parents in our community reported they felt comfortable taking a 6-year-old.
- 42% of parents noted that their kids asked to play the Super Mario Galaxy game immediately after leaving the theater.
- 15% of parents mentioned the 100-minute runtime was "just right" to avoid the dreaded mid-movie bathroom sprint.
We’re all about "developmental amplification" here. Instead of just letting the movie be a passive experience, use it to spark some interest in things that aren't just scrolling.
- Science: The movie plays with gravity in a way that is actually a great intro to basic physics. Ask your kids, "Why did Mario fall up toward that planet?"
- Gaming History: If they loved the movie, skip the predatory mobile games and introduce them to the classics. Super Mario Odyssey or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are fantastic ways to keep the fun going without the "stranger danger" of open-chat platforms.
- Music: The score for the Galaxy series is legendary. It’s a great way to show kids that "video game music" can be just as sophisticated as what they hear in a concert hall.
If you’re worried about "brain rot," Mario is generally the antidote. It’s high-effort, high-budget storytelling. However, keep an eye on the merchandising. The "Skibidi" effect is real—once a movie this big drops, YouTube will be flooded with low-effort fan-made videos, some of which can be a bit weird or inappropriate.
Stick to the official content or vetted creators. If your kid starts talking about "Mario in Ohio" or "Sigma Bowser," you know they’ve wandered off into the deeper, weirder parts of the internet.
Q: Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie okay for a 4-year-old?
Most 4-year-olds will handle it fine, but the "cosmic peril" (black holes and floating in the void) might be a bit more unsettling than the first film. If they handled the first Mario movie or Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie without issues, they’ll be okay here.
Q: How long is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
The movie has a 100-minute runtime. It’s tight, moves fast, and doesn’t have the "middle-act slump" that some longer animated sequels suffer from.
Q: Are there any post-credits scenes in Mario Movie 2?
Yes, there is a mid-credits scene and a final post-credits teaser that hints at a certain green dinosaur making a much larger appearance in the next installment. It's worth staying for if your kids aren't already bolting for the exit.
Q: Is there any "adult" humor in the movie?
Nothing inappropriate. There are a few "blink and you'll miss it" jokes for parents—mostly related to the absurdity of space travel and the nihilistic blue Luma—but nothing that will require an awkward conversation on the car ride home.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a rare sequel that actually justifies its existence. It’s safe, it’s vibrant, and it’s a great way to spend two hours with the family without worrying about the content. It’s a PG that actually means PG—not "secretly PG-13."
- Check the Vibe: Walk through our Digital Habits Survey to see how your family’s screen time stacks up against other Mario-loving families.
- Plan the Follow-up: If they loved the cosmic themes, consider a trip to a local planetarium or checking out the National Geographic Kids website.
- Chat with us: Not sure if your kid is ready for the "cosmic peril"? Ask our chatbot for a personalized recommendation based on your kid's favorite shows
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