Just Saw the Mario Galaxy Movie? Here are 7 Games to Keep the Cosmic Vibes Going!

Okay, so you just got back from seeing the Super Mario Galaxy movie, huh? I know that feeling. It’s April 2026, and after all the hype, it actually delivered, right? Seeing Mario and Rosalina zipping through those gorgeous star bits and dealing with Bowser in zero-G, it just makes you want more. You’re probably buzzing, thinking about those incredible cosmic levels and gravity-bending jumps, wondering what’s next. Well, I’ve been there, trust me. After watching that review and analysis myself, I immediately wanted to jump back into something that captured that same magic. That’s why I’ve put together my list of the 7 best games to play after watching the Super Mario Galaxy movie. These aren’t just random picks; these are the games that truly nail that sense of wonder, clever platforming, and sometimes, just pure, unadulterated fun that the movie brought to life. Let’s get into it.

The Obvious King: Super Mario Odyssey (Still the Champ in 2026)

Look, if you just watched a Mario movie with cosmic vibes, your first stop has to be Super Mario Odyssey. It’s the closest thing we’ve got to a modern 3D Mario adventure that still feels fresh in 2026. Nintendo absolutely nailed it back in 2017, and honestly, it holds up better than most games released last year. You’re exploring these massive, vibrant kingdoms, collecting moons, and just generally causing delightful chaos. The sheer joy of movement, that signature Mario bounce, it’s all there. And the way Cappy lets you possess everything from a T-Rex to a light pole? Genius. It truly expands on what a Mario game can be, making every corner feel like a new discovery. You just can’t beat it for pure, unadulterated platforming fun.

Why Cappy’s Still a Game-Changer (and feels like a movie sequel)

Cappy isn’t just a gimmick; he’s a fundamental shift in how Mario plays. Seriously, possessing enemies and objects opens up so many creative puzzles and movement options. You’re not just jumping; you’re transforming, flying, swimming as completely different creatures. It’s like the movie’s creative set pieces, where Mario was always finding new ways to interact with his environment, but you’re actually doing it. It keeps the game feeling constantly fresh, even on a third or fourth playthrough. That hat throw jump? Pure perfection for speedrunning or just getting to those tricky spots.

Open Worlds vs. Galaxy’s Planetoids: A Different Kind of Freedom

While Galaxy had you hopping between small, gravity-bending planetoids, Odyssey throws you into sprawling, open kingdoms. It’s a different flavor of exploration, but equally satisfying. Instead of a series of bite-sized challenges, you’ve got these huge playgrounds packed with secrets, minigames, and tons of moons to find. You know what I mean? You can spend hours just messing around in New Donk City or the Sand Kingdom, constantly stumbling upon something new. It gives you this incredible sense of freedom that really complements the structured brilliance of Galaxy’s levels.

PlayStation’s Freebie That’ll Blow Your Mind: Astro’s Playroom

Okay, if you own a PlayStation 5, you’ve already got one of the best 3D platformers ever made, and it probably came pre-installed. Astro’s Playroom is genuinely fantastic. I mean, it’s free! You get this incredibly charming, visually stunning platformer that’s also a love letter to PlayStation history. But beyond the nostalgia, the game itself is just *chef’s kiss*. The controls are tight, the level design is inventive, and it’s packed with clever little ideas. It’s not just a tech demo for the DualSense controller — though it absolutely showcases what that thing can do — it’s a brilliant game in its own right. Seriously, don’t sleep on this one if you’re looking for that vibrant, joyful platforming fix after the Mario movie.

DualSense Immersion: Seriously, It’s That Good

Here’s where Astro’s Playroom really shines: the DualSense controller. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are used in ways that actually enhance gameplay, not just feel like a gimmick. You feel every raindrop, every step on a different surface, the tension of a spring. It adds a whole new layer of immersion to platforming. When Astro rolls around in a ball or flies a spaceship, the controller makes you *feel* it. It’s a sensory experience that no other platformer really delivers right now, and it’s a perfect way to experience a bit of that cosmic wonder from the movie.

Nostalgia Trip and Pure Platforming Bliss

Beyond the tech, Astro’s Playroom is pure, unadulterated platforming joy. Each world is themed around a different PlayStation console, and it’s packed with delightful Easter eggs and artifacts from the brand’s history. It’s like a museum you can jump through! But the core platforming is what keeps you hooked. The jumps are precise, the enemies are fun to bop, and there’s always a secret around the corner. It’s got that classic Nintendo charm, but from Sony, and it’s a total blast. You’ll be smiling the whole way through, trust me.

High-Octane Space Adventures: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

If the Super Mario Galaxy movie got you hyped for intergalactic travel, futuristic gadgets, and stunning alien worlds, then Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is your next stop. This game is an absolute visual spectacle on PlayStation 5, easily one of the best-looking titles out there, even in April 2026. You’re zipping between dimensions, blasting through hordes of enemies with an incredibly creative arsenal, and the platforming is fast, fluid, and exciting. It’s got that big-budget, cinematic feel that the Mario movie probably left you craving. Plus, the humor is spot-on, and the characters are just so darn lovable. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.

Blasting Through Dimensions: Why It Feels Like a Galaxy Movie Spinoff

The core mechanic of Rift Apart, jumping between dimensions instantly, feels incredibly cinematic and really captures a sense of cosmic scale. One minute you’re on a bustling city planet, the next you’re in a desolate, overgrown wasteland. It’s seamless, impactful, and keeps you on your toes. This constant shifting of environments, much like Mario hopping between different galaxies, gives the game an epic scope. You’re always exploring new, wildly imaginative locales, and the sheer spectacle of it all is just breathtaking. It’s got that same wonder, but with way more explosions.

Weapons, Gadgets, and Furry Heroes: More Than Just Platforming

While platforming is a big part of Rift Apart, the combat and gadgets are where it truly shines. You’ve got this insane arsenal of weapons – from a shotgun that turns enemies into pixelated blocks to a sprinkler that makes them dance. It’s hilarious and incredibly satisfying. Ratchet and Rivet (the new playable Lombax!) are fantastic protagonists, and their bond with Clank is genuinely heartwarming. It’s an action-platformer that delivers on all fronts, perfect for anyone who enjoyed the movie’s blend of adventure and quirky characters.

Co-op Charm and Craftworld Fun: Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Okay, this one is a bit different, but hear me out. Sackboy: A Big Adventure might not have the cosmic scale of Super Mario Galaxy, but it absolutely nails the charming, tactile platforming that makes you smile. It’s adorable, inventive, and feels like playing through a lovingly crafted diorama. The game’s world, Craftworld, is made of everyday materials, giving it a unique, bouncy aesthetic. It’s less about precision speedruns and more about joyful exploration and creative obstacles. Plus, it’s fantastic in co-op, which is a big win if you’re looking for something to play with friends or family after the movie. It’s available on PS4, PS5, and PC, so plenty of ways to jump in.

Tactile Platforming That Just Feels Good

Sackboy’s movement has this wonderful weight and bounce to it. Every jump, every grab, feels incredibly satisfying thanks to the game’s physics and the excellent level design. You’re swinging on ropes, bouncing on drums, and sliding down ramps, all with a delightful sense of tactile feedback. It’s not as fast-paced as Mario, but it’s incredibly polished and just *feels* right. If you appreciate the fundamental joy of perfectly executed platforming, Sackboy delivers. It’s a more relaxed, but equally engaging, experience.

Perfect for Couch Co-op (or a Chill Solo Run)

One of Sackboy’s biggest strengths is its brilliant co-op mode. You can play with up to four players, and the levels are designed to encourage teamwork and a little bit of playful chaos. It’s the kind of game where everyone can have fun, regardless of skill level. But even if you’re playing solo, the game is still a blast. It’s got tons of collectibles, unlockable costumes, and bonus levels to keep you busy. If the Mario movie made you want a game that’s just pure, unadulterated fun, Sackboy’s got your back.

When Cosmic Wonder Meets Emotional Depth: Ori and the Will of the Wisps

This one’s a bit of a curveball, I know. Ori and the Will of the Wisps isn’t a 3D platformer, and it’s definitely got a more serious, emotional tone than anything Mario-related. But if the Super Mario Galaxy movie left you with a deep sense of wonder, awe, and a love for beautifully crafted worlds, then Ori is a must-play. It’s a Metroidvania-style game with some of the most stunning hand-drawn art and animation you’ll ever see. The movement is incredibly fluid, almost like a ballet, and the world is packed with secrets and challenging platforming sections. It’s a truly breathtaking experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s on Xbox, PC, and Switch, so you’ve got options.

A Visual Feast That’ll Pull at Your Heartstrings

Ori’s art style is simply unparalleled. The lush forests, ancient ruins, and shimmering waterways are all rendered with incredible detail and atmosphere. Every frame looks like a painting in motion. And the story, while mostly told through visuals and music, is deeply moving. It’s about family, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. If you appreciated the emotional beats or the sheer visual beauty of the Mario Galaxy movie, Ori will resonate. It’s a game that proves platformers can be incredibly poignant.

Fluid Movement and Exploration: A Different Kind of Galaxy

The core of Ori’s gameplay is its incredibly fluid and precise movement. As you unlock new abilities, Ori becomes a whirlwind of dashes, jumps, and wall-climbs. It’s exhilarating to navigate the interconnected world, chaining together moves to traverse seemingly impossible gaps. It’s not about gravity mechanics in space, but it evokes a similar sense of graceful mastery over your environment. Exploring every nook and cranny of Niwen feels like uncovering the secrets of a new galaxy, just from a 2D perspective. The sense of discovery is huge.

Kirby’s Wild Ride & The Ultimate Cosmic Mystery: Forgotten Land and Outer Wilds

Wrapping things up with a double-hitter that both brings the charm and the cosmic wonder. First up, Kirby and the Forgotten Land. If you want more adorable 3D platforming with unique abilities, Kirby’s 2022 debut in the genre is still fantastic. It’s got that signature Nintendo polish and a super charming post-apocalyptic setting. Then, for something completely different, Outer Wilds. This isn’t a platformer, but if the ‘Galaxy’ part of the Mario movie really grabbed you—the exploration, the unique gravity, the sense of cosmic mystery—then Outer Wilds is an absolute must-play. It’s a pure exploration and puzzle game that will challenge your mind and make you feel incredibly small in the best way possible. It’s a truly unique experience.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Pure Joy in a Post-Apocalyptic World

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is just pure, unadulterated fun. It takes Kirby’s classic copy abilities and translates them beautifully into a 3D space. But the real star is Mouthful Mode, where Kirby inhales huge objects like cars, vending machines, or even water towers, completely changing how you interact with the world. It’s hilarious and creatively used. The levels are well-designed, the boss fights are engaging, and it’s just a feel-good game. If you want more of that bright, cheerful Nintendo platforming after the Mario movie, this is it.

Outer Wilds: The Space Exploration Game You Didn’t Know You Needed

Okay, Outer Wilds is *not* a platformer like Mario Galaxy. It’s a first-person space exploration game where you’re stuck in a 22-minute time loop. But here’s the thing: it’s all about discovering the secrets of a miniature solar system, complete with unique planetary physics and gravity. You fly your spaceship, land on planets, and figure out ancient mysteries. The sense of wonder, discovery, and yes, even the gravity-bending physics, will totally scratch that cosmic itch the Mario movie created. It’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling and player-driven exploration. It’s a truly special game, and you need to play it if you loved the space aspect of the movie.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Always check the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store for sales. Mario Odyssey often drops to $39.99 during big seasonal events, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has been on PS Plus Extra/Premium since mid-2023.
• For Ori and Outer Wilds, seriously, wear good headphones. The soundtracks and sound design are absolutely crucial to the experience and really pull you into those worlds.
• Don’t be afraid to try Sackboy: A Big Adventure on PC if you don’t have a PlayStation. It runs great and you can often snag it for under $30 on Steam.
• If you’re jumping into Outer Wilds, go in as blind as possible. Don’t look up guides or spoilers. The entire game is about discovery, and ruining that for yourself is a huge mistake beginners make.
• For Mario Odyssey, experiment with Cappy’s moves! The cap jump (throw, jump, then press Y again) and rolling are often overlooked but make getting around so much faster and more fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my top picks for games to jump into after you’ve soaked up every last bit of that Super Mario Galaxy movie magic. Whether you want more classic Mario platforming, a PlayStation exclusive that shows off new tech, or a deep space mystery, there’s something here for you. Each of these games, in their own way, captures a piece of that wonder, that joy of movement, or that sheer sense of adventure that the movie brought to life. Don’t just sit there thinking about it! Grab your controller, pick one of these bad boys, and keep the cosmic vibes going. You won’t regret it. Now go play something awesome!