‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Smashes Records: Lilo And Stitch Box Office Worldwide Figures Soar to $858M

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch has taken the global box office by storm, raking in an impressive $858,371,809 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. With the Lilo And Stitch Box Office Worldwide Figures showcasing a stellar $366,371,809 domestically (42.7%) and $492,000,000 internationally (57.3%), this heartwarming remake of the 2002 animated classic has solidified its place as one of 2025’s biggest cinematic triumphs.

Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film’s nostalgic appeal, family-friendly charm, and strategic release timing have propelled it to record-breaking heights. In this article, we dive deep into the factors behind its success, key box office milestones, and what this means for Disney’s live-action remake strategy.

Why Did ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Break Box Office Records?

The live-action Lilo & Stitch debuted over Memorial Day weekend 2025, grossing a record-smashing $183 million domestically over four days, surpassing Top Gun: Maverick’s $160.5 million to claim the biggest Memorial Day opening ever. Its global launch of $341.7 million marked the third-best start for a Disney live-action remake, trailing only The Lion King ($433M) and Beauty and the Beast ($357M).

A combination of nostalgia and broad appeal drove these numbers. The 2002 animated film has a devoted fanbase among Gen Z and millennials, with 57% of the opening weekend audience being non-families, highlighting its crossover appeal. Positive reviews (69% on Rotten Tomatoes) and an “A” CinemaScore further fueled word-of-mouth, ensuring strong legs at the box office.

Highlight: Lilo & Stitch grossed $183M domestically over its 4-day Memorial Day debut, setting a new record for the holiday weekend.

How Did International Markets Contribute to Its Success?

The international box office accounted for 57.3% of the Lilo And Stitch Box Office Worldwide Figures, with $492 million in ticket sales. The film’s overseas performance was exceptional, particularly in Latin America, where it scored the highest opening ever for a Disney live-action remake.

Mexico led with $27 million, followed by Brazil at $12.2 million. Europe also showed strength, with the UK contributing $17 million to the opening weekend.

The film’s universal themes of family, friendship, and redemption resonated globally, while strategic marketing, including premieres in London, Paris, and Milan, amplified its reach. Unlike older Disney properties like Snow White, which struggled with cultural relevance, Lilo & Stitch’s relatively recent 2002 roots made it a nostalgic hit for younger audiences worldwide.

Highlight: International markets generated $492M, with Mexico ($27M) and Brazil ($12.2M) leading the charge.

What Milestones Did ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Achieve?

The film’s box office journey is studded with milestones that underscore its dominance:

• Biggest 4-Day Memorial Day Weekend: $182.6M domestically, outpacing Top Gun: Maverick.

• Second-Biggest 4-Day Holiday Opening: $183M, behind only Black Panther’s $242.1M.

• Third-Biggest Disney Live-Action Remake Opening: $341.7M globally, following The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.

• Fifth-Biggest Monday Gross Ever: $36.5M domestically, trailing blockbusters like Black Panther and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

• Surpassed Original Film’s Lifetime Gross: The remake’s $341.7M opening weekend alone eclipsed the 2002 film’s $273.1M global total.

By its third week, Lilo & Stitch had crossed $775.8M globally, making it the third film of 2025 to hit this milestone, behind A Minecraft Movie ($954.1M) and Ne Zha 2 ($1.899B). Its trajectory suggests it could reach $1 billion, a feat no Hollywood film achieved in 2025 at the time.

Highlight: The film crossed $775.8M globally in three weeks, positioning it as a contender for $1B.

How Does Its Budget Impact Profitability?

With a reported production budget of $100 million and a marketing budget of approximately $100 million, Lilo & Stitch’s break-even point was estimated at $205 million worldwide.

The film surpassed this threshold in its opening weekend alone, ensuring profitability early in its run. By comparison, Disney’s Snow White (2025) struggled with a $240–270M budget and only $204M globally, highlighting Lilo & Stitch’s cost-effective success.

The modest budget, originally intended for a Disney+ release, allowed Disney to maximize returns. This strategic pivot to theatrical release capitalized on a resurgent cinema market, with families flocking to theaters alongside nine PG-rated films released in 2025, up from six in 2024.

Highlight: A $100M production budget and $205M break-even point made Lilo & Stitch highly profitable.

What Competition Did It Face?

Lilo & Stitch dominated despite strong competition. It outperformed Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which opened to $77M domestically and $191M globally over the same Memorial Day weekend. Later, How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake posed a challenge, contributing to a 53.4% drop in Lilo & Stitch’s international gross in its fourth weekend.

However, the film’s strong audience hold—evidenced by a 56.9% second-weekend drop domestically compared to Top Gun: Maverick’s 28.9%—kept it at No. 1 for three consecutive weeks.

Its ability to attract both families and non-parents (60% of opening weekend ticket buyers) ensured resilience against competing blockbusters.

Highlight: Lilo & Stitch held No. 1 for three weeks, outpacing Mission: Impossible 8’s $77M debut.

What’s Next for Disney’s Live-Action Remakes?

The success of Lilo & Stitch offers a blueprint for Disney’s live-action strategy. Unlike Snow White, which faltered due to a high budget and lack of cultural resonance, Lilo & Stitch leveraged a lean budget, recent nostalgia, and universal themes. Its theatrical pivot from a planned Disney+ release underscores the enduring power of cinema for family-friendly IPs.

Posts on X suggest a sequel is likely, with the film’s $858M global haul and $1B potential making it a franchise cornerstone. Disney’s focus on quality over quantity, as emphasized by CEO Bob Iger, appears to be paying off, with Lilo & Stitch joining The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast as a billion-dollar contender.

Highlight: The film’s success signals a shift toward cost-effective, nostalgic Disney remakes.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Lilo & Stitch’s box office triumph is a testament to the enduring appeal of its story and Disney’s ability to adapt beloved IPs for new audiences. With Lilo And Stitch Box Office Worldwide Figures nearing $1 billion, the film has not only shattered records but also redefined the potential of live-action remakes.

As it continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it will join the elite $1B club, cementing its legacy as 2025’s biggest Hollywood success. Stay tuned for more updates as this ohana-driven blockbuster continues to make waves.