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
-
There's one Nintendo Switch 2 feature that'll make it a massive upgrade, and it's not the screen
Say goodbye to Joy-Con drift forever
By Rik Henderson Published
-
GTA 6 could be the game of 2025, but it's rumoured price will make you spit out your coffee
You'd better be sitting down when you read this...
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Amazon Prime's best-ever detective show returns to streaming – many seasons score 100%
Monk is a cult classic for a reason
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple TV+'s underground sci-fi sensation just ended, but there's good news
Silo's going to be back, eventually
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I'll always defend this sci-fi action flick – and it's on Prime Video now
Jurassic World was a fun reboot, and well worth your time
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Marvel's 99% rated show is to return – 10 years after breakthrough original
Daredevil has been gone for way too long
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Disney just teased iconic Brit sci-fi – over 60 years after landmark original
Doctor Who is coming back for more adventures
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix is making a huge surprise change for hit spy show's new season
The Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I can't believe the twist in this new Netflix comedy – and neither will you
One big taboo gets busted in Kinda Pregnant
By Max Freeman-Mills Last updated
-
My most anticipated Apple TV+ show gets another tantalising teaser
The Studio gets a minute tease
By Max Freeman-Mills Published