Disney’s recent live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch” achieved remarkable success during the Memorial Day weekend, grossing an impressive $183 million domestically and $341 million globally. This performance not only marks a record for the biggest Memorial Day weekend debut but also makes “Lilo & Stitch” the second-largest opening for any four-day holiday weekend in history, surpassed only by “Black Panther,” which amassed $242 million in 2018.
Industry experts are enthusiastic about the film’s opening, with David A. Gross from Franchise Entertainment Research noting, “This is a sensational opening. It’s a crowd-pleaser.” The adaptation comes on the heels of mixed performances from other recent Disney remakes, like “Snow White,” which struggled at the box office. In contrast, “Lilo & Stitch,” which enjoyed a budget of $100 million, has performed positively thanks to its blend of nostalgic appeal and family-friendly themes.
Several factors contributed to this record-breaking weekend. First, the original “Lilo & Stitch” has remained a beloved classic since its release over two decades ago, drawing parents who are eager to share the film with their children. This nostalgia is paired with effective marketing strategies that have ensured the franchise’s relevance in a competitive landscape.
Stitch, the chaotic alien character, has also played a significant role in maintaining the franchise’s popularity, becoming one of Disney’s top-selling brands with over $2.6 billion in retail sales in 2024 alone. The streaming platform Disney+ has further propelled viewership and interest in the original film, helping to keep it fresh in the minds of newer generations.
Additionally, the variety of PG-rated films currently in theaters has encouraged family attendance, creating an environment ripe for strong box office performances. The success of “Lilo & Stitch” coincided with the release of Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” showcasing how well counterprogramming can perform when appealing to different audience demographics.
With Disney CEO Bob Iger at the helm, the studio appears to be focusing on quality over sheer quantity in its film output. Following a series of underwhelming releases, Iger’s strategy may be paying off, as evident in “Lilo & Stitch’s” success alongside upcoming anticipated releases such as “Moana 2” and “Avatar 3.”
Overall, Disney’s resurgence in the movie business following the challenges posed by the pandemic is both promising and hopeful, suggesting that family-oriented storytelling has the potential not only to captivate audiences but also to redefine the landscape of box office performance in the industry.