Is ‘Lilo & Stitch’ About to Dethrone ‘Endgame’ as Disney’s #1 Movie?
Disney’s latest hit doesn’t involve superheroes, magical kingdoms, or galaxy-saving missions. Instead, it stars a mischievous little blue alien named Stitch—and he’s completely flipped the box office on its head.
The live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) isn’t just doing well—it’s rewriting the rules. With a jaw-dropping $182.7 million domestic opening and over $361 million globally in its first weekend, this remake just set a Memorial Day record and stunned pretty much everyone.
Tiny Budget, Huge Payoff
Here’s where it gets wild: while Avengers: Endgame (2019) pulled in $2.7 billion worldwide, it cost a hefty $350 million to make. That’s Marvel money. Lilo & Stitch, on the other hand, had a budget closer to $100 million—and it’s already a third of the way to a billion in under a week.
So, will Stitch dethrone Iron Man and company in raw dollars? Probably not. But when you factor in how much it cost to make versus how much it’s bringing in, the return on investment could make this Disney’s most profitable movie ever. In other words, Lilo & Stitch may not outgross Endgame, but it might actually outperform it in terms of what matters most to studios: profit.
This also couldn’t have come at a better moment for Disney. After a stretch of underwhelming performances and tough headlines, this film is giving the company a much-needed boost—not just financially, but with fans, too.
Stitch’s Star Power
What’s pushing this movie into the stratosphere? Part of it is Stitch himself. He’s long been one of Disney’s most beloved characters globally, especially when it comes to merchandise. This film just reminded the world how much they love him.
Add in a heartfelt story, glowing audience reviews, and just the right amount of nostalgia, and you’ve got a movie that’s winning people over fast. Critics and fans alike are praising its emotional core and lively spirit, and many are calling it one of Disney’s best remakes to date.
Currently, it ranks as the third-highest global debut for a Disney live-action remake—just behind The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). And at the pace it’s moving, it could climb higher.
A New Type of Disney Blockbuster
Let’s be honest: it’s going to take a miracle for Lilo & Stitch to outgross Endgame outright. That movie was a cinematic event, the culmination of more than 20 interconnected films.
But in terms of profitability, fan response, and cultural impact, Lilo & Stitch is doing something arguably just as impressive. It’s showing that Disney doesn’t need a superhero or a massive franchise to capture hearts and fill theaters. Sometimes, all it takes is a great story and a character people already love.
This might not have been the movie anyone expected to make waves—but Stitch has done it again. And this time, he’s not just causing chaos—he’s rewriting the Disney history books.
