Two films, two big wins. Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning have shattered box office expectations, bringing in nearly $500 million globally over the Memorial Day weekend. Both movies didn’t just entertain, they broke records. From the U.S. to international screens, fans rushed in numbers, giving Hollywood a reason to breathe after months of sluggish ticket sales.
Lilo & Stitch and Mission Impossible Break Box Office Record in the U.S.
The numbers don’t lie. Disney’s family-friendly remake of Lilo & Stitch pulled in a massive $304.2 million worldwide. That includes a strong $145.5 million from the U.S. and Canada alone, breaking the previous Memorial Day weekend record held by Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. According to Comscore, the total domestic ticket sales for the holiday weekend hit $262 million, the highest ever. “Lilo & Stitch” joins the ranks of Disney remakes that made big money, trailing just behind The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. And yes, that mischievous blue alien seems to have sparked another billion-dollar franchise for Disney, which earned $2.6 billion in merchandise revenue just last year.
Lilo & Stitch and Mission Impossible Break Box Office Record Worldwide
While Lilo & Stitch dominated the family crowd, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning gave the adrenaline junkies what they came for. Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt, and fans returned to theaters. The film made $190 million globally, including $63 million from U.S. and Canadian theaters. Paramount Pictures isn’t shy about the success either. “The sheer spectacle of what Tom and McQ put in as the major ingredients of this film are truly remarkable,” said Chris Aronson, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Paramount. And clearly, it paid off. More than 40% of ticket buyers were under 35 not your typical Mission: Impossible audience.
Lilo & Stitch and Mission Impossible Break Box Office Record After Months of Dull Sales
This weekend’s numbers are a much-needed win. Theater owners have had a rough year, with March ticket sales down by 45% compared to last year. But now, the industry’s gears are turning again. Memorial Day weekend, often seen as the kickoff of the summer box office season — is proving to be a reliable measure of what’s ahead. And what’s ahead looks promising: Ballerina, How to Train Your Dragon, and Jurassic World Rebirth are just a few major releases lined up. According to Daniel Loria of The BoxOffice Company, “From now up until mid-August, there is at least one new release coming out every weekend with the potential of making $100 million at the domestic box office.”
Lilo & Stitch and Mission Impossible Break Box Office Record, Giving Hollywood Hope
After months of slow sales and strike-related delays, Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning have done more than entertain. They’ve opened the door for a box office revival. With combined global ticket sales of $494.2 million, the message is clear — audiences are ready to return to theaters. Whether it’s a mischievous alien or a death-defying spy, what matters is that both films delivered.
