Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” continues to dominate the box office, earning approximately $63 million in its second weekend, representing a 51% increase from Friday. This follows a strong showing as the film has now helped Disney surpass the $1 billion milestone at the domestic box office for the year, marking the studio’s 20th consecutive year of achieving this feat since 2005.
In comparison, Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” also performed well, grossing around $27.3 million in its second weekend, a commendable hold given its competition. Notably, “Karate Kid: Legends,” Sony’s new release starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, is projected to earn between $21 million and $23 million in its opening weekend, despite tracking lower than initial forecasts. It capitalizes on its established franchise roots, though it faced challenges due to the popularity of “Lilo & Stitch,” which arguably drew families’ attention away.
A24’s new horror title, “Bring Her Back,” has made a strong impact as well, with box office estimates of around $7 million. The film has received positive reception with an A24 typical high audience score, presenting the potential for legs in future weekends. Meanwhile, the unique performance of “The Phoenician Scheme,” another indie release, has led to a remarkable per-screen average, highlighting its appeal in select markets.
With total earnings for the weekend estimated at $151 million—up notably from the previous year—the film industry is showcasing resilience and a resurgence in audience attendance. While not every film is hitting records, the overall diversity in offerings and the deep market penetration of major titles suggest that audiences are gradually returning to theaters after the pandemic.
With ongoing engagement from audiences for multiple films, this weekend signifies not just a win for major studios, but also a hopeful sign for independent films navigating a challenging landscape. As families and moviegoers flock to theaters, the vitality of the cinema experience seems to be on an encouraging upward trajectory.