Don’t know about you, but stomping on Goombas, collecting coins, and constantly getting told that Princess Peach is in another castle is a core memory of mine. A core memory forged in a universe that transcended generations, conquered our gaming consoles, and then took over social media with a constant, unstoppable wave of memes. Mario memes.
Mario has been around since the 1980s, facing more challenges than most of us do in a lifetime (unless you count untangling earphones, then that's on par). Fast forward to 2023, when the world of Mario expanded beyond our screens with the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film was a nostalgic trip down memory lane that ignited box office numbers and triggered a new era of Mario movie memes.
While the franchise has evolved in all the best ways over the years — from Mario games' pixelated 2D worlds to hype-worthy adaptations for the silver screen — the core essence remains the same: fun. And fun is precisely what we're about to have, diving deep into memes inspired by our beloved plumber!
We may have mentioned the movie, but no worries, fellow gamers. Our list features a vast array of Mario Kart memes too! This compilation is a nod to those moments of racing around tracks and acing minigames, captured in funny Mario memes from all eras. Take a moment, relive some nostalgia, and enjoy a good chuckle or two. Let's-a go!
This post may include affiliate links.
Just when you thought your toddler singing "Baby Shark" for 6 hours a day was annoying..
It’s a very James Bond thing that Mario is doing, not sure that it’s working considering the fact that Nintendo has been making Mario Kart games for well over 20 years at this point
How Has The Mario Franchise Influenced Popular Culture Over The Years?
Since his first appearance in Donkey Kong in 1981, Mario has become a global phenomenon and, hands down, one of the best video game characters.
The Mario games, especially Super Mario Bros. for the NES, set a gold standard for side-scrolling platform games. They laid out the fundamentals for what a good platformer should feel like in terms of controls, level design, and pacing.
Super Mario 64 is among the best video games of all time and one of the first successful implementations of a 3D platformer, showcasing the potential of 3D gaming. Super Mario Galaxy introduced inventive gravity-based mechanics. Super Mario Odyssey continued this tradition with the Cappy capture mechanic.
Beyond games, Mario has inspired merchandise, theme park attractions, and even educational programs. Songs have sampled the game's music, fashion brands have collaborated profusely with Nintendo for special clothing lines, and countless other media have referenced its lore.
It has almost become a meme of itself that this is a misconception and he actually breaks the blocks with his raised fist. How do these jokes still survive?
How Has The 2023 Mario Movie Been Received By Fans Of The Video Game Series?
Historically, film adaptations of video games have often been met with skepticism and varying degrees of reception. Fans of video game series are often passionate and have specific expectations about how characters, storylines, and the universe should be portrayed. Deviations from the original source material can result in mixed or negative reactions.
However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie was positively received by many fans of the original series. Viewers lauded the animation, with many touting it as Illumination’s finest work to date. Game references peppered throughout the film delighted die-hard fans, while its engaging storyline made it accessible to newcomers.
As of August 2023, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has grossed $1.358 billion worldwide.
Which Memorable Music Tracks And Sound Effects Are Associated With The Mario Series?
The Super Mario Bros. Theme, composed by Koji Kondo, is the hallmark tune of the Mario series, complemented by instantly recognizable sounds like the coin chime and power-up effect. These audio elements have become synonymous with the franchise and are instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.
Pro tip: Search for the 2023 Mario movie on Google and click that familiar coin block icon for a fun Easter egg!
Why Are Video Game Memes So Popular?
Video game memes are like inside jokes for players. They capture those "been there, done that" moments every gamer knows too well — from those sweet, sweet victories to the frustrating moments that make us rage-quit.
Video gaming is no longer a niche hobby, after all. With smartphones, PCs, and consoles proliferating in many households, video games have reached a vast and diverse audience worldwide. As more people play and become familiar with this form of entertainment, the number of people who understand and share associated memes grows.
Gaming memes, like the Mario memes we shared here, are part of the global gamer language. They resonate not just because they're hilarious, but also because they remind us of the collective joys and even frustrations of gaming. They're a way of saying, "Hey, I get it!" to gamers all around the world.
How Do Memes Impact Nostalgia And Our Connection To Childhood Games?
Memes often amplify feelings of nostalgia by referencing iconic moments from childhood games, instantly transporting players back to memorable gaming experiences and strengthening their emotional connection to these games.
References and witty in-jokes can serve not just as a source of laughter, but also as a ticket back to those lazy afternoons spent glued to our consoles. Memes that highlight a famous game scene or quirky mechanic tug at our heartstrings, reminding us of simpler times and the games we adored. This mix of humor and deep-seated longing for the good old days — together with the fandom’s passion and re-releases or remasters — has the potential to keep those childhood games alive.
How Do Memes Play A Role In Marketing And Promoting Video Games?
Memes are the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth marketing. Their shareable nature ensures they spread easily, offering games free and organic publicity. A well-timed or particularly relatable meme can garner more attention than traditional marketing methods. For developers, it's a sign that their game has struck a chord with players, while for potential buyers, it's a glimpse into the game's cultural impact.
Players often create their own memes about a game, enriching the pool of promotional content available. This user-generated content can sometimes be even more impactful than what's produced by game developers or marketers because it's perceived as more authentic.
What if Peach is grateful that Mario saved her but doesn’t want to be in a romantic relationship with him
the princess is a lie... ? ; but the cake is a lie !? ... ... ... the princess is a cake ?
I would very much like to know how that little turtle was born, if one of the Ninja Turtles is his father. But I’m afraid to ask
This is completely unrelated to the meme but the girl in the red dress and hat reminded me of Jessie, which made me remember that I had a dream about Toy Story 5 where Jessie and Buzz were the main characters. I think they even kissed or something
Back in College, we could borrow LED projectors from the library. Being a nerd school, we often would check one out and play life size Smash Bros. on the side of buildings.
Animators have my respect. They work extremely hard to make little details that not many people notice
This could only be more perfect if we had a banana for scale — right in front of the motorcycle
But how did the guy get the blocks free floating up there in the first place
