In a year filled with cautious releases and post-strike uncertainty, Lilo & Stitch has become a beacon of success—2025’s first Hollywood film to cross the $1 billion mark globally.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the live-action/CGI reboot of Disney’s 2002 animated classic has struck a nostalgic chord. Blending heartfelt storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning visuals, the film has grossed over $1.08 billion—$418 million in the U.S. and $590 million internationally.
But what made this film so wildly successful?
For starters, Lilo & Stitch didn’t just ride on nostalgia. It smartly updated the original’s themes—family, loneliness, and belonging—for today’s audience. Lilo’s Hawaiian roots are portrayed with more cultural authenticity, while Stitch is just as chaotic and adorable as fans remember.
Strong global marketing, positive word-of-mouth, and rave reviews gave the film long legs at the box office. Unlike other reboots, it respected the source material while adding fresh emotional layers—especially around Lilo’s relationship with her older sister, Nani.
More importantly, it arrived at a time when families were eager for feel-good, high-quality cinema. With Hollywood slowly recovering from release delays and industry fatigue, Lilo & Stitch reminded everyone what Disney does best: tell timeless stories for all ages.