Jack Black has become a familiar, and frankly, hilarious face in the world of video game movies. From voicing the fire-breathing, piano-playing Bowser to bringing the chaotic energy of Claptrap to life, he's diving headfirst into gaming's biggest franchises. But here's the tea: there's a bit of a curse hanging over these roles. As of 2026, both of his major video game film outings have landed on the wrong side of critical acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes. With two more massive projects on the horizon, the big question is: which one will finally break the streak and give Jack Black his first 'fresh' video game hit?
The Rotten Tomatoes Scorecard: 0 for 2
Let's break down the numbers, because they tell a story all on their own.
| Movie | Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score | Audience Score | Box Office (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) | 59% (Just 1% shy of 'Fresh'!) | 95% | $1.36 Billion 🚀 |
| Borderlands (2024) | 9% 😬 | 50% | $112 Million |
So, what's the deal? The Super Mario Bros. Movie was this close to winning over the critics, missing the 'Fresh' rating by a single percentage point. Talk about a nail-biter! Audiences, however, absolutely adored it, making it a monumental box office smash. Borderlands, on the other hand... well, let's just say the critics were not feeling the vault-hunting vibes. The audience was split right down the middle. It's a classic case of the critic-audience divide, but the curse—a lack of a 'Fresh' rating—remains unbroken.
Why Haven't They Stuck the Landing?
Adapting beloved games is no walk in the park. The expectations are sky-high, and fans have very specific ideas about how their favorite worlds should look and feel.
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The Weight of Legacy: Both Mario and Borderlands come with decades of history and fiercely loyal fanbases. When a movie deviates from the source material's 'spirit,' even slightly, it can lead to backlash. Some felt Mario was too safe, while others thought Borderlands missed the game's gritty, anarchic humor.
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Jack Black's Polarizing Presence: Now, this is interesting. Jack Black is never just... in a movie. He is the movie. His Bowser was a scene-stealing, lovelorn opera singer—a hilarious but undeniably sillier take on the King of the Koopas. While many loved it, purists might have raised an eyebrow. In Borderlands, his Claptrap's brand of humor was, let's say, an acquired taste for some reviewers. His energy is a double-edged sword; it's either the best part or a bit too much.
The 2026 Showdown: Mario vs. Minecraft
This is where it gets exciting. Jack Black has two shots at redemption in the coming years, and the odds look very different for each.
🥇 The Frontrunner: The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
This sequel is, hands down, the most likely candidate to break the curse. Here’s why:
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It's building on a (mostly) solid foundation. The first film was so close to fresh. Critics were more mixed than outright hateful.
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The core creative team and cast are returning. They know what worked (the heart, the visuals, the Easter eggs) and what didn't (maybe a thinner plot). They can double down on the good stuff.
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The audience is already invested. With that 95% audience score and billion-dollar box office, the hype train for the sequel is already at full speed. That built-in goodwill is a powerful force.
The path is clear: give us more wild game references, deeper character moments, and let Jack Black's Bowser cook even more. A 'Fresh' rating in 2026 feels not just possible, but probable.
🎲 The Wild Card: Minecraft
Starring alongside Jason Momoa in this live-action adaptation is a huge get, but this project is a bigger gamble.
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It's uncharted territory. A live-action Minecraft movie? How do you even do that? The game is about creativity and exploration, not a linear narrative. Translating that to a compelling film is a massive creative challenge.
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First-time pressure. Director Jared Hess is known for quirky comedies, but a blockbuster of this scale is new ground. The risk of a weak story is real.
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It has to build an audience from scratch. Unlike Mario, it doesn't have a recent, wildly successful movie to build upon. It has to prove itself entirely.
While it could be a surprise hit, the safe bet for ending Jack Black's video game movie curse is firmly on the plumber's overalls, not on a block of pixelated dirt.
The Bottom Line
Jack Black's journey in video game movies is a rollercoaster of massive audience love and critical skepticism. The 'curse' is real on paper, but it's more of a fascinating challenge. As we look ahead to 2026, all eyes are on the Mushroom Kingdom. The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 has the pieces in place to finally deliver that coveted critical win. If anyone can turn a curse into a victory lap with a heavy metal power ballad and sheer chaotic charm, it's Jack Black. The stage is set for a 2026 comeback story. 🎮✨
