Disney’s magic is alive and well in 2025, and the proof is in the box office numbers. The live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has officially become the first Hollywood film of the year to soar past the $1 billion mark at the global box office, Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday, July 17. The milestone not only cements the film’s place in movie history but also signals a new era of success for the beloved Hawaiian ohana.

A Billion-Dollar Ohana

It’s official: Lilo & Stitch is the first Hollywood film of 2025 to earn $1 billion worldwide, joining Disney’s elite billion-dollar club alongside Moana 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Inside Out 2, all of which made headlines in 2024. The news came via a celebratory announcement from Walt Disney Studios, which credited the film’s global appeal and the enduring love for its quirky, heartwarming characters.

The Lilo & Stitch ohana—a Hawaiian word for family—has clearly struck a chord with audiences, catapulting the film to blockbuster status. The live-action remake, which reimagines the 2002 animated classic, has been embraced by both longtime fans and a new generation of moviegoers.

A Record-Breaking Run

The numbers tell the story: Lilo & Stitch not only conquered the billion-dollar milestone but also smashed Memorial Day weekend records, earning $183 million domestically and $341.7 million globally in its opening days. This box office haul made it the biggest Memorial Day opener of all time, beating out big-name competition like Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.

Globally, Lilo & Stitch currently leads all Hollywood releases for 2025, with only China’s Ne Zha 2—which has grossed nearly $1.9 billion—outpacing it on the international stage. The Minecraft Movie currently sits in second place among Hollywood releases, with a worldwide total of over $955 million, making Lilo & Stitch the clear standout for American cinema this year.

Disney’s Billion-Dollar Streak

For Disney, Lilo & Stitch marks its fourth $1 billion-plus hit in just over a year. Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman, expressed his gratitude in a statement:
“We knew there was a lot of love for Lilo & Stitch with audiences around the world, yet we never take that for granted, and we’re proud of how this new film has connected with people,” Bergman said. “I’m thankful to our filmmakers, our cast, and all on our Studio team who have made this film such a success, and we look forward to more adventures with these characters ahead.”

Sequel Announced—Stitch Races Ahead

Fans of the mischievous blue alien and his human best friend have even more to celebrate. On June 26—fittingly, a nod to Stitch’s designation as “Experiment 626”—Disney announced that a live-action sequel is officially in development. The news broke with a playful Instagram post: a video of Stitch behind the wheel of a tiny pink convertible, leaving tire marks that spelled out “Lilo and Stitch 2.” The caption read, “Should’ve known he couldn’t keep a secret. A 626 day surprise: #LiloAndStitch 2 is now in development!”

The announcement sent fans into a frenzy, eager to see what new adventures await Lilo, Stitch, and their extended ohana.

A New Take on a Classic Tale

The 2025 film reimagines the original’s story for a new era, with Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Agudong as her older sister, Nani. The live-action adaptation has received praise for its vibrant visuals and heartfelt performances, but it hasn’t been without controversy. Some fans have voiced concerns about the new ending, which sees Nani leaving for the mainland—a departure from the original film’s focus on family unity in Hawaii.

Director Dean Fleischer Camp addressed the criticism in a June interview with Variety:
“I’ve had some time to think about this,” Camp said. “I do think that a fair amount of the people who are dunking on that premise have not actually seen the movie, and they write me stuff that is clearly wrong. They get the beats of the story wrong. But when you see [it], it doesn’t feel that way at all, and you see the intent of the actual filmmaking.”

Camp explained that the creative team wanted to expand the meaning of ohana, grounding it in traditional Hawaiian values of collectivism, extended family, and community. “We wanted to expand the meaning of ohana and ground it in traditional Hawaiian values,” he said.

The Power of Ohana

At its core, Lilo & Stitch is about the power of family—chosen and biological—and the importance of community. The 2025 remake leans into these themes, offering a fresh perspective while honoring the original’s spirit.

The movie’s success is a testament to the universal appeal of its message. Whether it’s the bond between Lilo and Stitch, the struggles and triumphs of Nani, or the colorful cast of supporting characters, audiences around the world have found something to love.

Looking Ahead

With a sequel already in development, Disney is poised to continue the Lilo & Stitch legacy for years to come. The studio’s recent string of billion-dollar hits demonstrates its ability to tap into cultural touchstones while introducing new stories and characters that resonate with today’s audiences.

For fans, the journey is just beginning. As Stitch himself might say: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.”

Why This Story Matters

The runaway success of Lilo & Stitch is more than just a box office headline—it’s a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the magic that happens when filmmakers honor both tradition and innovation.

By staying true to the facts and focusing on the real achievements of the film and its creators, this article gives readers an inside look at the making of a modern classic—without resorting to clickbait or speculation. For Disney, for fans, and for movie lovers everywhere, the future looks bright—and ohana is stronger than ever.