What's happened
Disney's live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch' has grossed $610 million globally in just 10 days, marking a significant turnaround for the studio after previous flops. The film's success comes amid a record Memorial Day weekend for U.S. theaters, with total earnings reaching $325 million.
What's behind the headline?
Box Office Impact
- Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' has not only topped the box office but also set a new standard for Memorial Day openings, surpassing previous records.
- The film's success reflects a broader trend of audience preference for family-friendly content, particularly PG-rated films, which have seen a resurgence in popularity.
Strategic Shift
- Bob Iger's return to Disney has led to a renewed focus on theatrical releases, which has proven beneficial for the company's financial health.
- The success of 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'Moana 2' indicates that audiences are responding positively to nostalgic properties, suggesting a potential roadmap for future releases.
Future Outlook
- Analysts predict that 'Lilo & Stitch' could reach $1 billion in ticket sales, especially with its upcoming release in Japan.
- The film's performance may influence Disney's future strategies regarding live-action adaptations and theatrical releases.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, 'Lilo & Stitch' has become one of the biggest movie windfalls in years, grossing $610 million worldwide after just 10 days in theaters. The NY Post highlights that the film's success is part of a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, with total box office earnings reaching $325 million. Meanwhile, Business Insider notes that this turnaround for Disney follows a series of disappointing releases, emphasizing the importance of family-friendly content in today's market. The Independent adds that the film's nostalgic appeal has resonated with audiences, contributing to its strong box office performance.
How we got here
The resurgence of Disney's box office fortunes follows a strategic shift under CEO Bob Iger, who has prioritized theatrical releases over streaming. The original 'Lilo & Stitch' was released in 2002 and has since gained a cult following, leading to increased merchandise sales and nostalgia among audiences.
Go deeper
- What other films are performing well at the box office?
- How has Disney's strategy changed under Bob Iger?
- What does this mean for future Disney releases?
Common question
-
What Makes Marvel's Thunderbolts Different from Other Marvel Films?
Marvel's Thunderbolts is making waves in the superhero genre with its unique blend of humor and action. As audiences flock to theaters, many are curious about what sets this film apart from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Below, we explore key aspects of Thunderbolts, including its characters, themes, and critical reception.
-
Why Did 'Sinners' Drop to Second Place at the Box Office?
The recent box office battle between the horror film 'Sinners' and the latest Marvel release has sparked curiosity among moviegoers. With 'Sinners' earning $9.5 million this weekend and dropping to second place, many are wondering what factors influenced this shift. Below, we explore key questions surrounding the performance of both films and audience reactions.
-
How are 'Thunderbolts' and 'Sinners' performing at the box office?
As of May 18, 2025, the box office battle between 'Thunderbolts' and 'Sinners' is heating up. Both films are showing impressive numbers, but what does this mean for the future of the film industry? Here are some common questions and answers about their performance and impact.
-
What made 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' a box office hit?
The recent release of 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' has sparked interest and excitement among fans and newcomers alike. With its impressive box office performance, many are curious about what factors contributed to its success and what this means for the future of the franchise.
-
What Movies Are Dominating the Memorial Day Box Office This Year?
Memorial Day weekend is a significant time for the box office, with several high-profile releases vying for audience attention. This year, the competition is fierce, with the live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch' leading the charge. Let's explore the current box office trends and what they mean for the film industry.
-
What movies topped the box office this Memorial Day weekend?
This Memorial Day weekend saw a remarkable surge in box office earnings, with theaters raking in a record $325 million. The standout film was Disney's live-action 'Lilo & Stitch,' which not only topped the charts but also marked a significant comeback for the film industry. Curious about how this year's earnings stack up against previous years and what factors contributed to this success? Read on for more insights.
-
How Did Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' Break Box Office Records?
Disney's live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch' has taken the box office by storm, achieving record-breaking earnings over the Memorial Day weekend. This resurgence in box office performance raises questions about the factors contributing to its success and what it means for the future of Disney and the film industry as a whole.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California.
-
Thomas Cruise Mapother IV is an American actor and producer. He has received various accolades for his work, including three Golden Globe Awards and three nominations for Academy Awards.
-
A Minecraft Movie is a 2025 American fantasy adventure comedy film based on the 2011 video game Minecraft by Mojang Studios. It was directed by Jared Hess and written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta, from...
-
Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. His accolades include two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.
-
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Warner Bros.
-
Ryan Kyle Coogler is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. His first feature film, Fruitvale Station, won the top audience and grand jury awards in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
-
Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c