Super Mario Brothers Movie vs. Borderlands: A Tale of Two Video Game Adaptations

In 2023, two highly anticipated video game movies hit the big screen: The Super Mario Brothers Movie and Borderlands. While one grossed over a billion dollars, captivating fans and critics alike, the other flopped hard, leaving audiences disappointed.

So, why did Super Mario Brothers succeed while Borderlands failed to make an impact?

In this blog post, we’ll explore what made these video game adaptations so different and analyze the key factors behind their success and failure. Whether you’re a Super Mario fan or a Borderlands player, this deep dive will provide insights into why one film resonated and the other missed the mark. Be sure to check out the full video analysis on our YouTube channel, Topthat, where we break down all the details!

The Growing Trend of Video Game Movies 🎥🎮

In recent years, Hollywood has increasingly turned to video game movies as a way to tap into established fanbases. From Detective Pikachu to Sonic the Hedgehog, the potential for turning beloved franchises into blockbuster films is higher than ever. But as we’ve seen with video game adaptations, it can be a hit-or-miss endeavor.

So why are studios investing in more video game adaptations despite the mixed results? The answer lies in fan loyalty. Video game franchises like Super Mario Brothers and Borderlands already have massive followings, and if done right, the films can draw in both dedicated gamers and new audiences. However, as we’ll see with these two films, respecting the source material is essential for success.

The Super Mario Brothers Movie: A Billion-Dollar Hit 🍄💸

Released in 2023, The Super Mario Brothers Movie became the highest-grossing video game movie of all time, pulling in over $1.36 billion at the global box office. So what made this movie such a hit? The answer is simple: it respected the source material and catered to its core audience.

Super Mario Brothers didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it leaned into the whimsical, colorful world that gamers have loved for decades. With its lighthearted tone, vibrant visuals, and a straightforward story, it appealed to both children discovering Mario for the first time and longtime fans of the franchise.

The Mushroom Kingdom, iconic elements like the floating blocks and green pipes, and the fun platforming sequences all made it feel like the games came to life. Staying true to Mario’s visual style was a key factor in its success, as fans appreciated the nostalgia while new viewers enjoyed the film’s simple, fun adventure.

Even the voice casting, which initially raised some eyebrows—particularly with Chris Pratt as Mario—ultimately worked in the film's favor. The cast delivered performances that kept the essence of the characters intact while adding a fresh energy to the film.

Overall, the key to The Super Mario Brothers Movie’s success was its ability to stick to the core elements of the games, delivering the lighthearted, adventurous spirit that made Mario a household name.

🎬 Check out our full breakdown on why The Super Mario Brothers Movie succeeded on our YouTube channel, Topthat!

Borderlands: A Major Box Office Flop 🚨❌

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Borderlands, a film that had all the ingredients for success but ended up as one of the biggest box office flops of the year. Based on the popular Borderlands video game series, which is known for its chaotic gameplay and dark humor, fans expected big things. Unfortunately, the film failed to live up to expectations.

So, what went wrong with the Borderlands movie? First and foremost, it didn’t respect the source material. Director Eli Roth had limited knowledge of the Borderlands games, which became evident in the film’s chaotic, disjointed tone. Roth admitted that his goal was to create a "totally bonkers" experience, but in doing so, he overlooked the humor, grit, and world-building that fans loved about the games.

The film’s casting choices were also off. Kevin Hart as Roland, a stoic, battle-hardened character in the games, didn’t fit the role, leaving fans scratching their heads. Similarly, Cate Blanchett as Lilith and Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Tannis couldn’t quite capture the personalities of their game counterparts, creating a disconnect between the movie and the established video game characters.

Even more problematic was the film’s inconsistent tone. While the Borderlands games are known for their mix of chaotic action and dark, irreverent humor, the movie couldn’t strike the right balance. Instead, it veered between serious moments and forced comedic bits, resulting in tonal whiplash that left audiences confused.

Multiple reshoots and script rewrites added to the disjointed nature of the film, with Deadpool director Tim Miller brought in to try and save the production. However, even these efforts couldn’t fix the movie’s core issues. Ultimately, Borderlands struggled to capture the chaotic spirit of the games, leading to a box office disaster and poor reviews from critics.

Why One Succeeded and the Other Flopped 🏆💣

When comparing The Super Mario Brothers Movie to Borderlands, the key differences come down to two things: respect for the source material and a consistent vision.

Super Mario Brothers succeeded because it stayed true to the world of Mario, delivering the fun, family-friendly adventure that fans expected. It understood the importance of nostalgia while also appealing to a younger generation of moviegoers.

On the other hand, Borderlands flopped because it strayed too far from what made the games special. The film’s inconsistent tone, poor casting decisions, and lack of understanding of the game franchise alienated its core audience and confused newcomers. It’s a prime example of how not to adapt a video game into a movie.

🎬 Want more insights? Watch the full video on why Super Mario Brothers thrived and Borderlands flopped on our YouTube channel, Topthat!

The Future of Video Game Movies 🕹️👀

While Borderlands may have been a failure, the future of video game movies is still bright. With upcoming releases like Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, and a new Street Fighter movie, Hollywood continues to tap into the growing trend of adapting games for the big screen.

But what can studios learn from the success of Super Mario Brothers and the failure of Borderlands? It all comes down to respecting the source material and understanding what makes these games resonate with players. Whether it’s the nostalgia of a classic franchise like Mario or the irreverent, chaotic nature of a game like Borderlands, staying true to what fans love is the key to turning these adaptations into box office hits.

The Lesson in Video Game Adaptations 🎬

The success of Super Mario Brothers and the failure of Borderlands offer valuable lessons for Hollywood when it comes to adapting video games into movies. It’s all about staying true to the core elements that made the games beloved in the first place.

If you want to learn more about these two films and hear a detailed breakdown, check out our full video on our YouTube channel, Topthat! We cover everything from the Mushroom Kingdom to the disastrous casting choices in Borderlands. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and visit our website Topthat.studio for more exclusive content on movies, gaming, and entertainment!