
Netflix's movie charts tend to be a bit of a revolving door – not least because the giant streamer has so many new original movies of its own to add as the year unfolds, a key part of its approach to winning out as the best streaming service going.
However, this year there's been one standout title in the list that simply hasn't budged, and by Netflix's own tracking it has now been in its top 10 for a staggering 37 weeks running. Yes, it's The Super Mario Bros Movie.
The movie hit theatres back in April 2023 and was an immediate smash hit for Nintendo and Universal, with a sequel already in the works. It also might be able to claim credit for being one of the first arrivals in a wave of movies and shows that demonstrated that videogame adaptations might be about to replace superhero movies as a dominant new cultural force.
That success has clearly been sustained, too, with the movie immediately shooting up the charts when it was added to Netflix, and basically not moving since then – which makes sense. After all, this is the definition of a family-friendly movie, full of fun moments and with a lovely art style.
It also ties into one of the most beloved gaming franchises of all time and one that has captured the imaginations of multiple different generations thanks to a long succession of stunning Mario games over the years. You can see that sort of affection play out in the audience score that The Super Mario Bros. Movie boasts on Rotten Tomatoes, with a coveted 95% rating.
That said, it's worth touching on the fact that critics weren't quite so generous, with a middling 59% score – which largely came down to how safe some reviewers felt the movie played things.
It is indeed pretty straight-down-the-line and doesn't necessarily pack in any great surprises. Still, that score feels harsh, and new views might agree that the truth is probably somewhere in the middle of the two extremes.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The good news is that we don't have any indication that the movie will leave Netflix anytime soon, so you can get it on your watchlist if you want to see what all the fuss is about.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
Netflix hit show's S3 trailer has fans asking if another cancellation is coming
The Lincoln Lawyer is nearly back, but its fans are anxious
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Move over Attenborough, new Netflix doc has Barack Obama on narration duties
That's quite the big name to attach
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix in October: the 5 best new shows and movies to add to your watchlist
Netflix is planning another big month – here are 5 movie and show highlights to add to your watchlist
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: a speedy and easy-to-use media streamer
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has voice search, app control and isn't overcrowded with adverts
By Yasmine Crossland Published
-
Prime Video's new mystery thriller will star a huge Oscar-winner
Kill Jackie sounds like oodles of fun
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Prime Video's new mystery thriller will star a huge Oscar-winner
Kill Jackie sounds like oodles of fun
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I can't wait for this fantasy series' return on Prime Video, but there's one problem
The Wheel of Time doesn't half move fast
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Prime Video's new rom-com has Bridgerton star in a charming new role
Picture This looks like extremely cute fun
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Prime Video just added a sci-fi cult classic that turns 25 this year
Pitch Black is a certified classic
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's new thriller shows how scary some schools can be
We get a tiny glimpse of Wayward
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
It's nearly Valentine's Day – end your date night with these perfect streaming movies
Romantic movies are a dime a dozen – here are the very best
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I might not be able to stop myself watching Netflix's new comedy
Running Point might be a crowd-pleaser
By Max Freeman-Mills Last updated
-
Netflix picks up huge sci-fi series many thought was dead and buried
Could the resurrection result in an all-new season?
By Rik Henderson Published