Lilo & Stitch Opening Weekend Box Office Numbers Soar to Record-Breaking Heights

The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has taken the box office by storm, with Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers shattering records and setting a new benchmark for Disney’s live-action adaptations.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed an astonishing $183 million domestically (53.6%), $158.7 million internationally (46.4%), and a staggering $341.7 million worldwide during its Memorial Day weekend debut. This phenomenal performance not only surpassed expectations but also marked the biggest Memorial Day weekend opening in history, eclipsing Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick ($160.5 million in 2022).

What fueled this galactic success? From nostalgic appeal to savvy marketing, let’s dive into the variables that propelled Lilo & Stitch to unprecedented heights.

Why Did Lilo & Stitch Dominate the Memorial Day Weekend Box Office?

The Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers reflect a perfect storm of timing and audience enthusiasm. Released on May 23, 2025, the film capitalized on the Memorial Day holiday, a prime slot for family-friendly blockbusters.

Unlike the lackluster 2024 Memorial Day weekend, which saw only $132.27 million in total grosses, 2025’s frame reached a record-breaking $325 million, driven by Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning ($77 million).

The holiday’s extended four-day window encouraged families, teens, and young adults to flock to theaters, with 45% of ticket buyers purchasing same-day tickets, indicating strong walk-up business. The film’s $14.5 million in Thursday previews alone set a Disney record for the holiday, signaling massive pre-release buzz.

How Did Nostalgia and Audience Demographics Boost Ticket Sales?

A key driver of the Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers was its appeal to a broad, multigenerational audience. The 2002 animated original, while earning a modest $145.8 million domestically, cultivated a devoted fanbase through home video, TV series, and Disney+ streaming, amassing over 280 million hours viewed globally.

The live-action remake tapped into this nostalgia, particularly among Gen Z and younger Millennials—teenage girls and young women—who grew up with the story of a Hawaiian girl and her alien “dog.” Surprisingly, 60% of ticket buyers were non-parents and kids, far exceeding typical family film demographics.

The film’s 64% female audience and strong Hispanic and Latino pull (41%) further amplified its draw, especially in regions like the South and West, with AMC Disney Springs in Florida grossing a whopping $188.7K.

What Role Did Marketing and Critical Reception Play in Its Success?

Disney’s marketing machine was in full force, ensuring the Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers reached galactic heights. A sizzle reel at CinemaCon, featuring Stitch crashing other Disney films, generated early excitement, amplified by Global Distribution Boss Andrew Cripps sporting a Stitch jacket.

The film’s social media reach of 552 million across platforms like TikTok and Instagram rivaled The Little Mermaid and outpaced other live-action family films by 43%. Despite a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score, audiences embraced the film, awarding it a 94% audience score, an “A” CinemaScore, and a 5/5 PostTrak rating.

This glowing word-of-mouth, coupled with a $100 million production budget—far lower than Snow White’s $250 million—positioned Lilo & Stitch as a cost-effective crowd-pleaser.

How Did International Markets Contribute to the Global Haul?

The Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers weren’t limited to North America. The film’s $158.7 million international gross across 52 markets underscored its global appeal.

It scored the highest opening day of 2025 in France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain, with Mexico leading at $23.7 million, followed by the UK ($12.9 million) and Brazil ($11.1 million). Latin America was particularly strong, with the film claiming the biggest Disney live-action opening ever in the region.

Even in Asia-Pacific, where competition from Mission: Impossible was fierce, Lilo & Stitch earned $23.6 million, with China’s social scores (9.5/10 on TPP) signaling potential for further growth. The absence of major international holidays didn’t hinder its performance, as the universal themes of family and friendship resonated worldwide.

Why Was the Film’s Budget and Franchise Value a Winning Formula?

Unlike Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which carried a hefty $400 million budget, Lilo & Stitch’s $100 million production cost (plus marketing) made its massive opening a financial triumph.

The Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers alone surpassed the original’s entire global run ($273.1 million), positioning the remake as one of 2025’s biggest hits. The franchise’s evergreen appeal, generating $2.5 billion in retail sales in 2024 alone, justified Disney’s decision to greenlight the remake.

With Disney+ metrics showing 546 million hours streamed for the franchise, the theatrical success is likely to boost ancillary revenue, from merchandise to potential Broadway adaptations, ensuring long-term profitability.

Can Lilo & Stitch Sustain Its Box Office Momentum?

The Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers are just the beginning. With schools letting out for summer and strong audience scores, the film is poised for robust legs at the box office. Its $341.7 million global start ranks as the second-largest worldwide opening of 2025, behind A Minecraft Movie ($313 million), and the third-best for Disney’s live-action reboots, trailing only The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.

Analysts predict it could approach $1 billion globally, following the path of Aladdin ($1.1 billion). However, competition from upcoming blockbusters like Superman and How to Train Your Dragon may challenge its staying power. Still, the film’s universal appeal and cost-effective production make it a standout in Disney’s live-action slate.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Stellar Launch for a Beloved Franchise

The Lilo & Stitch opening weekend box office numbers—$183 million domestic, $158.7 million international, and $341.7 million worldwide—cement its status as a cultural and financial juggernaut. By blending nostalgia, strategic marketing, and broad demographic appeal, Disney has crafted a remake that resonates with audiences and redefines Memorial Day box office records.

As Stitch and Lilo’s story continues to captivate theaters, the film’s success underscores the enduring power of family, friendship, and a certain blue alien.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new viewer, Lilo & Stitch proves that ohana means big box office.

So, what are your expectations from Lilo & Stitch in terms of box office performance? Whatever you guys think, jump down in the comments section below and let us know your thoughts!