Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Hits Big at the Box Office

Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch is off to a remarkable start, dominating the box office since its release over Memorial Day weekend. The film opened with over $183 million in domestic earnings, making it one of the most successful Memorial Day openings in recent years. Internationally, it added another $158 million, bringing its total worldwide debut to over $341 million, making it the second-highest global opening of 2025, just behind A Minecraft Movie.

The movie is a heartfelt retelling of the 2002 animated favorite. It follows Lilo, a quirky Hawaiian girl dealing with the loss of her parents and struggling to connect with her older sister, Nani, who’s now her guardian. Their lives change dramatically when Lilo adopts what she thinks is a dog but is actually an alien experiment called Stitch, created to cause chaos. What follows is a mix of sci-fi, comedy, and emotional drama as the characters form a bond and redefine what family means. The film keeps the tropical setting of Kaua'i while upgrading the visuals with a blend of CGI and practical effects that bring Stitch to life in a new way.

The success of this remake is also historic—it has already surpassed the lifetime gross of the original animated version, which made around $145 million globally during its entire run in 2002. This speaks to the film's ability to capture both the nostalgia of longtime fans and the curiosity of a new generation of viewers. The decision to release the movie in theaters instead of directly on Disney+—as originally planned—appears to have been a smart one. Theatrical attendance surged, making it the most profitable Memorial Day weekend ever for U.S. cinemas, with chains like AMC reporting record-breaking turnout.

Another major talking point surrounding the film is its cast and production choices. The movie stars newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, with many praising her natural and charming performance. The casting of Sydney Agudong as Nani sparked some early controversy online due to skin tone and representation concerns, but Disney stood by their casting decisions. In the final film, the performances have largely been praised for their emotional weight and chemistry.

In terms of other news, Stitch’s design had fans talking long before the film came out. Early leaked photos caused worry about how he would look in live-action form, but the final version appears to have won most people over. Many fans have complimented the mix of adorable and chaotic energy, saying it stays true to the character's personality from the original. The film’s soundtrack, which includes Hawaiian music and a few updated versions of Elvis Presley classics, also helped enhance the mood and cultural richness of the story.

Overall, Lilo & Stitch is proving to be more than just a nostalgic remake. With massive box office numbers, strong fan support, and widespread media buzz, it’s another win for Disney’s line of live-action reimaginings. Whether more sequels or spin-offs are on the way remains to be seen, but for now, Stitch is back and more popular than ever.