Disney’s latest live-action masterpiece, Lilo & Stitch, is capturing hearts and box office dollars alike. Hitting the global screen with a budget of just $100 million, this sci-fi comedy featuring the charming blue alien is already being hailed as one of the year’s top financial successes. Set to outperform even Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated A Minecraft Movie, which stars megastars Jack Black and Jason Momoa, Lilo & Stitch is on an unprecedented trajectory.
As of July 2, 2025, the film has cleared an impressive $949 million globally, surpassing $400 million domestically. Despite competition from the newly released Jurassic World Rebirth, the projections for the 4th of July weekend indicate that this charming tale may breach the impressive $954 million benchmark set by A Minecraft Movie.
What The Latest Box Office Numbers Mean For Lilo & Stitch’s Final Total
Cracking A Billion Seems Unlikely, But The Return Is Still Incredible
With its current momentum, Lilo & Stitch is expected to fall short of the billion-dollar milestone during its theatrical run. However, this performance would still rank it sixth among Disney’s live-action adaptations. Although it stands a slim chance of overtaking 2016’s The Jungle Book at $967.7 million, the film’s overall earnings remain remarkable.
Top 6 Disney Live Action Remakes By Box Office Gross | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Movie | Release Year | Budget | Box Office Gross |
The Lion King | 2019 | $260 million | $1.665 billion |
Beauty and the Beast | 2017 | $255 million | $1.266 billion |
Aladdin | 2019 | $183 million | $1.054 billion |
Alice in Wonderland | 2010 | $200 million | $1.025 billion |
The Jungle Book | 2016 | $177 million | $967.7 million |
Lilo & Stitch | 2025 | $100 million | $949.7 million* |
The success of Lilo & Stitch not only speaks to the strength of its narrative but also to the beloved character of Stitch, who has reignited a wave of merchandise and nostalgia well before the film’s release. Unlike other adaptations that have diverged from their originals, this remake strikes a chord by sticking closely to the 2002 animated classic.
For many late-millennial parents, the film is a chance to relive cherished childhood memories, adding to its draw. As the film progresses, it offers a fascinating commentary on what audiences crave: faithful adaptations that respect the source material.
Our Take On Lilo & Stitch’s Box Office Return
Live-Action Remakes Aren’t Going Away
The astonishing box office performance of Lilo & Stitch highlights a significant appetite for live-action remakes. The film’s success stands in contrast to recent flops, showcasing how closely it honors the original animated narrative rather than attempting to reinvent it.
This faithful approach sparked debates amongst fans, especially regarding the film’s alternate ending, which depicted Lilo’s older sister heading off to collegeâ€â€a divergence from the original. Clearly, audiences are seeking adaptations that remain true to the stories they fell in love with.
Similarly, Dreamworks’ recent How to Train Your Dragon live-action adaptation, which leaned into a near shot-for-shot format, grossed over $450 million with a $150 million budget, further validating this trend. As excitement grows for live-action adaptations, Disney’s own slate is expanding, with projects like Hercules and a highly anticipated remake of Moana in development.
Despite setbacks like the disappointing reception of Snow White, it’s evident that Lilo & Stitch‘s financial success may energize the genre once again, leading to a sequel that fans are already eager to see.
Source: Lilo & Stitch