The two characters have been both enemies and allies across numerous genres and franchises.
Yet, this rivalry has never been as clear-cut as you may think it is.
A Double Debut
The 1981 arcade gameDonkey Kongwould prove to be asignificant turning pointfor Nintendo and gaming.
This was Donkey Kongs first video game appearance and the introduction of Mario himself.
Well, kind of.
While two-dimensional at the time, the feud clearly had the potential to expand.
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However, this is also where the rivalry takes a strange turn.
Some believe that the original Donkey Kong grew up to be Cranky Kong thanks toDonkey Kong Countryscontinuity.
Others have suggested that Jumpan is not actually Mario butrather Marios father.
Generally speaking, though, the rivalry between Mario and DK is popularly believed to have started here.
However, Marios very next appearance was inDonkey Kong Jr.released in 1982.
In a bit of a twist, the title featured Donkey Kong himself getting captured by Mario.
Mario Bros.launch in 1983 would take the company and character to new heights.
Marios world was slowly being expanded, and Donkey Kong was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, Mario faced a new set of reptilian villains that 1985sSuper Mario Bros.would later expand upon.
Gamers embraced their iconic battle and often played the parts in a variety of absurd scenarios.
Soon, though, Nintendo would put the spotlight on the duo in a way they hadnt before.
That game spawned multiple sequels including the likes ofMarch of the Minisin 2006 andTipping Starsin 2015.
Across this notable multi-title run, Donkey Kong is firmly established in the antagonist role once more.
Interestingly, across the course of the titles, Donkey Kong and Marios relationship is given some additional layers.
The gorilla kidnaps the damsel, but they eventually make peace and apologize to one another.
Their relationship thus ebbs and flows, with misunderstandings and emotional outbursts leading to new arguments arising.
Soon, that renewed rivalry would even make the leap to the big screen.
But that all changed with the release ofThe Super Mario Bros. Moviein 2023.
The feature-length experience drew from theextensive historyof the characters and found a good balance between friendship and rivalry.
Many of the beats that crafted their frenemy status across the games are touched upon in the movie.
