Lilo and Stitch Zoom Past Tom Cruise in Box Office Showdown – A Heartwarming Upset

In a plot twist fit for a Hollywood script, Disney’s Lilo and Stitch live-action remake has done the unthinkable — it’s outpaced Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at the global box office. In a weekend packed with cinematic heavyweights, a cuddly blue alien and his eight-year-old best friend stole not just the show, but also the hearts of millions.

But what exactly happened here? How did a nostalgic Disney remake edge out a franchise that has defined the modern action genre for nearly three decades?

Let’s unpack the ohana-sized magic behind this surprise hit — and why it’s got the whole internet talking.

A Disney Darling Returns

For those who remember the 2002 animated classic, Lilo and Stitch was never just a children’s movie. It was a touching, slightly chaotic, and deeply human tale about family, loneliness, and belonging — all wrapped in Hawaiian sunshine and extraterrestrial hijinks.

Fast forward to 2025, and the live-action version recaptures that same emotional heartbeat. With Maia Kealoha playing Lilo — a spirited, misunderstood little girl — and a digitally-rendered Stitch that’s more huggable than ever, the film managed to tap into both nostalgia and fresh charm.

Its global haul? A staggering $341 million, breaking Memorial Day weekend records and coming in second only to A Minecraft Movie in 2025’s opening charts.

And that’s not all — it also secured the third-highest live-action Disney remake debut, following only The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.

Tom Cruise: Still Soaring, But…

On the other side of the cinematic battlefield was the much-hyped Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Tom Cruise, ever the daredevil, returned as Ethan Hunt, with gravity-defying stunts and explosive set pieces. The film opened strong, raking in $190 million globally.

But was it enough?

Cruise hinted heavily that this would be his final outing as the iconic spy, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “It’s the final. It’s not called ‘final’ for nothing.”

Critics, however, were split. Some called it “a wildly entertaining adventure,” while others felt it was “a disappointing farewell” with a “fizzled whimper.”

Even with Cruise’s legacy and action-packed marketing, it seems the warmth, humor, and heart of Lilo and Stitch had a wider, more family-friendly appeal.

Why Did Lilo and Stitch Win the Weekend?

Let’s break it down.

1. Emotional Connection: People grew up with Lilo and Stitch. It’s not just about visuals — it’s about feeling. The story’s emphasis on chosen family resonates across generations.

2. All-Ages Appeal: While Mission: Impossible skews toward adult audiences, Lilo and Stitch brings in the full family unit — kids, teens, parents, and even grandparents.

3. Marketing Magic: Disney pulled out all the stops — from heartwarming trailers to viral TikTok dance challenges. Stitch even popped up on plushie shelves and cereal boxes weeks before release.

4. Fresh Faces & Big Talent: Young Maia Kealoha’s performance is being celebrated as genuine and endearing, while Zach Galifianakis and Courtney B. Vance add comedic and emotional balance.

What Are People Saying?

Reviews, like the box office figures, are a mixed bag — but that’s not unusual for live-action remakes. The Daily Beast described the film as “jovial, zany, and sweet.” Meanwhile, The Times went all-in with “mind-numbing abomination.”

Online, though? The vibe is pure Stitch-love.

Fan art, reactions, and family vlogs are flooding social platforms. Some are calling it “the most wholesome movie of the year,” while others are simply thrilled to see Hawaii and Polynesian culture on screen in a meaningful way.