Table of Contents
The long-awaited live-action remake of Disney’s beloved 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch has officially taken the global box office by storm. In its opening weekend alone, the film earned an astonishing $183 million in the U.S., with its total global earnings reaching $341.7 million—a number that has shocked even the most optimistic analysts.
The success of Lilo & Stitch is not only a testament to the enduring popularity of the original movie but also a clear sign that audiences are craving heartfelt, family-friendly content with a nostalgic touch. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for his work on Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, the 2025 remake blends emotional storytelling with visually stunning CGI and strong performances from its young cast.
Second-Biggest Opening of the Year, Just Behind Minecraft: The Movie
According to Variety, Lilo & Stitch now ranks as the second-highest box office opening of 2025, surpassed only by the unexpected juggernaut Minecraft: The Movie, which continues to lead the year’s box office race. Still, for a family film, Lilo & Stitch’s performance is phenomenal, and it demonstrates the immense potential of reimagining animated classics for a new generation
The film’s faithful recreation of the Hawaiian setting, along with the adorable but chaotic alien Stitch, managed to capture the hearts of viewers both young and old. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the film’s respectful approach to its original themes of family, belonging, and identity.
Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two Also Heat Up the Box Office
Not far behind in box office buzz is another major 2025 release: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two. The eighth installment of the iconic action franchise brought in a jaw-dropping $190 million globally during its opening weekend. The film stars Tom Cruise, once again in the role of Ethan Hunt—a character he has portrayed since the first Mission: Impossible movie in 1996.
In a recent press interview, Cruise hinted that this may be his final appearance as the legendary IMF agent. “Dead Reckoning is the last one. It wasn’t called ‘the final reckoning’ for no reason,” he said, sparking a wave of speculation and nostalgia among fans.
The Mission: Impossible series has been a cornerstone of the action genre for nearly three decades, known for its breathtaking stunts, international intrigue, and Cruise’s unwavering commitment to practical effects and real-world danger. If this truly is the final film, it’s a fittingly explosive send-off.
A Record-Breaking Start to the Summer Box Office Season
With Lilo & Stitch, Minecraft: The Movie, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two all achieving massive success within weeks of each other, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years in recent box office history. Analysts are predicting a return to pre-pandemic ticket sales levels, driven largely by nostalgia-based films, established franchises, and strong word-of-mouth marketing.
In a year filled with cinematic competition, Disney’s strategy of reviving classic tales continues to pay off. The live-action Lilo & Stitch isn’t just a financial success—it’s also becoming a cultural moment, reigniting interest in Hawaiian culture, sisterhood stories, and animated-to-live-action adaptations.
Discover more from World of Movie
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.