As we reach the halfway point of 2025, the box office landscape has been a mixed bag for Hollywood. This year has seen the release of major blockbusters like “Lilo & Stitch” and “Sinners,” alongside some high-budget failures such as “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “Captain America: Brave New World,” and “Elio.” While ticket sales have increased by 18% compared to 2024, they still fall short, being down 26% from pre-COVID levels in 2019. Despite the ups and downs, there are promising titles on the horizon that may keep theaters buzzing in the coming months, including “Superman,” “Wicked: For Good,” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Lilo & Stitch has emerged as a standout hit, grossing an impressive $910 million against a budget of $100 million. The nostalgic appeal of the live-action remake, which was originally slated for a streaming release, has drawn in both millennials and family audiences. This film is on track to be the first billion-dollar blockbuster of the year, further boosted by the popularity of Stitch-themed merchandise, which generated $2.6 billion in consumer sales in 2024.
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, has also made waves with a global box office of $363.8 million against a budget of $90 million. This R-rated film received rave reviews and strong word-of-mouth, leading to impressive box office performance in its second weekend. Michael B. Jordan’s captivating performance helped validate the potential for unique, risk-taking films in a market that often plays it safe.
Another notable success is A Minecraft Movie, which has grossed $954.4 million on a budget of $150 million. After years of development, the family-friendly adaptation has resonated with audiences, thanks in part to its comedic tone and star-studded cast, including Jason Momoa and Jack Black. This film marks a growing trend of PG-rated blockbusters that are competing fiercely with superhero franchises.
The Final Destination series made a comeback with Final Destination Bloodlines, earning $280 million on a budget of $50 million. This sixth installment attracted audiences with its outrageous fatality scenarios and received positive reviews, solidifying its place as the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
On the arthouse front, Materialists has emerged as a surprising hit, garnering $31.4 million against a budget of $20 million. The film’s marketing as a romantic comedy featuring big-name stars helped it achieve significant staying power, despite being a more niche offering.
Not every release has enjoyed similar success. Snow White, with a global box office of only $205 million against a massive $250 million budget, struggled due to its outdated premise and negative reception. This film serves as a cautionary tale about reviving beloved classics without fresh perspectives.
Meanwhile, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has grossed $540.8 million on a staggering budget of $400 million. Despite its high-profile pedigree, the film has failed to turn a profit, highlighting the challenges of large-scale productions in today’s market.
Elio, Pixar’s latest offering, has had a rocky start, earning just $34.9 million against a budget of $150 million. This disappointing opening marks Pixar's worst in its history, raising questions about the viability of original animation in a crowded market.
The box office in 2025 presents a fascinating mix of triumphs and failures. While films like Lilo & Stitch and A Minecraft Movie highlight the enduring appeal of family-friendly fare, others such as Elio and Snow White remind us of the risks involved in filmmaking. As we look forward to the second half of the year, the industry remains hopeful that upcoming releases will bring a wave of renewed excitement to theaters.
