This Memorial Day weekend, Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch” made a stunning impact at the global box office, raking in a record-breaking $183 million domestically and $341 million worldwide. This impressive performance is attributed to a mix of nostalgia, family-friendly characters, and a rejuvenated theatrical marketplace. The film’s ticket sales surpassed those of 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick”, which earned $126 million over the same weekend, marking the largest Memorial Day weekend debut in history. Furthermore, “Lilo & Stitch” secured the title of the second-largest opening across any four-day holiday weekend, trailing only behind 2018’s “Black Panther”, which grossed $242 million over Presidents’ Day.
David A. Gross, of the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research, commented on the film's success, stating, “This is a sensational opening. It’s a crowd-pleaser.” The success of “Lilo & Stitch” also reinforces the idea that Disney needs to be more selective with its live-action remakes. Earlier this year, the reboot of “Snow White” struggled, earning only $204 million globally against a hefty budget of $250 million, partly due to its nearly century-old story lacking appeal for modern audiences. In stark contrast, the $100 million-budgeted “Lilo & Stitch”, adapted from the beloved 2002 animated classic, earned more in its opening four days than “Snow White” did throughout its entire run.
Here are five reasons why “Lilo & Stitch” shattered box office records during its opening weekend:
The story of “Lilo & Stitch”, which follows a chaotic alien adopted by a young girl and her older sister in Hawaii, premiered with a perfect gap from the original, which has become a cherished family favorite on Disney+ over the last 23 years. Millennials, who have fond memories of the chaotic blue creature, are now introducing their children to the film, creating a multi-generational appeal. Unlike previous live-action adaptations like “Aladdin” and “The Lion King”, which were based on older Disney classics, “Lilo & Stitch” finds success due to its closer connection to contemporary audiences.
Stitch, the lovable alien from the franchise, has maintained his popularity over the past two decades. Merchandising tied to “Lilo & Stitch” is booming, with sales surpassing $2.6 billion in 2024 alone. From plush toys to pajamas, Stitch has become a modern mascot for Disney, often recognized more readily among today's families than some of the studio's legacy characters. Additionally, Disney+ has seen a significant increase in viewership, with the franchise driving over half a billion hours of streams, solidifying its relevance in the current entertainment landscape.
Hollywood understands the adage that “moviegoing begets moviegoing,” especially when it comes to family-friendly films. In 2024, nine PG-rated movies have debuted, up from six in the same timeframe last year. This increase provides families with a variety of options at the box office, creating a conducive environment for films like “Lilo & Stitch”. As families flock to theaters for other kid-friendly movies, they are treated to trailers for “Lilo & Stitch” and other upcoming releases, enhancing its visibility and appeal.
Interestingly, “Lilo & Stitch” has faced off against Tom Cruise twice at the box office. In 2002, the animated original opened behind Cruise's “Minority Report”. This time, however, “Lilo & Stitch” took the lead over “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, which launched with $77 million over the four-day weekend. The current Hollywood trend of effective counterprogramming, where different genres coexist successfully, has been beneficial for ticket sales overall. This weekend saw a total of $322 million across all films, marking the highest Memorial Day weekend haul since 2013.
Under the leadership of CEO Bob Iger, Disney has refocused its strategy to prioritize quality over quantity. After a challenging post-pandemic period, Iger’s approach has started to yield results, with films like “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2” achieving box office success. Despite some misfires, Disney has already crossed the $2 billion mark at the worldwide box office this year, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in the film industry. With the upcoming releases of “Avatar 3” and “Zootopia 2”, the studio is poised for continued success.
In summary, “Lilo & Stitch” has proven that nostalgia, strong character appeal, and a strategic release strategy can lead to remarkable box office success. As Disney prepares for future remakes and original stories, the film sets a strong precedent for what audiences are eager to see on the big screen.
