It’s official: Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo and Stitch is an unstoppable force in theaters this year. Since landing in cinemas, the heartwarming reimagining of the 2002 animated favorite has racked up a jaw-dropping $807 million worldwide. That’s not just impressive, it’s blockbuster territory.
Fans old and new have flocked to the movie, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Nostalgia played its part, sure, but this version brought its charm to the screen, with vibrant visuals, sweet chemistry between the leads, and just the right mix of humor and emotion. It exploded over Memorial Day weekend, pulling in a record-breaking $183 million in the U.S. alone, enough to dethrone Top Gun: Maverick‘s holiday weekend record. Not bad for a girl, her alien dog, and a whole lot of “ohana.”
Lilo and Stitch: A 2025 Movie Blockbuster That Broke Records
The numbers speak for themselves. As of now, Lilo and Stitch has earned over $348 million domestically and an impressive $459 million from international markets. That puts its total haul north of $807 million, and it’s still climbing.
What’s even more staggering? Lilo and Stitch was a modest $100 million. So yeah, Disney’s laughing all the way to the bank with a return of over 670%. Lilo and Stitch now joins the ranks of live-action heavy-hitters like The Jungle Book and Aladdin, proving yet again that when Disney remakes work, they work.
Why Lilo and Stitch Hit a Nerve Globally
So, what’s the secret sauce here? A few things came together just right:
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A Healthy Dose of Nostalgia: Let’s be honest, the original Lilo and Stitch holds a special place in a lot of hearts. This version paid homage without copying it beat-for-beat, striking a sweet balance between memory and modernity.
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Great Word of Mouth: People loved it, and they told their friends. Reviews praised the emotional depth, the lovable alien chaos, and the on-screen bond that felt surprisingly real. The result? Packed theaters, even weeks after release.
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A Wholesome Family Escape: In a year filled with heavy storylines and edgy content, Lilo & Stitch felt like a warm hug. Families looking for something safe, sweet, and genuinely fun had a go-to pick.
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Global Love: Lilo and Stitch crushed it in markets like the UK, Japan, Mexico, and France. Stitch’s weird little blue face has universal appeal.
What This Means for Disney, and What’s Coming Next
The Lilo and Stitch train hasn’t stopped yet. Insiders say it’s still trending upward and might just cross the $1 billion mark if momentum holds, a number only a handful of Disney remakes, like The Lion King, have managed to hit.
This kind of performance is a green light for Disney’s live-action remake pipeline. Expect to see more emotional, character-driven stories brought to life with stunning visuals and a familiar-but-fresh touch. Word on the street is that Disney’s now doubling down on properties that stir emotion and have long-lasting fan love, aka more stories that make you laugh, cry, and maybe buy a plush toy or two.
Speaking of which, with Stitch mania in full swing again, don’t be surprised if a new wave of merch, spin-offs, and maybe even a series is quietly brewing behind the scenes.
Because let’s face it, ohana means nobody gets left behind, especially not at the box office.
