Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch has achieved massive success, solidifying its place as a beloved Disney classic. The film’s impact was evident from the start, with a sizzle reel that showcased the character in various Mouse House movies and a marketing campaign that leveraged Stitch’s iconic status.
The movie’s popularity extends beyond theaters, with its entire catalog growing significantly on Disney+. The Lilo & Stitch franchise has driven over half a billion hours of streaming content worldwide, with the original film clocking over 280 million hours viewed. This underscores the enduring appeal of the character and the story, even years after its release.
A key factor in the film’s success was its strategic marketing campaign, which emphasized Stitch’s star power and sold audiences on the movie’s emotional story of friendship and family. The campaign included cameos in popular TV shows, special looks in Disney films, and partnerships with brands like Hawaiian Airlines and King’s Hawaiian.
The movie also performed well among diverse demographics, particularly Latino and Hispanic moviegoers, who comprised 41% of ticket sales according to PostTrak. Additionally, fans were able to engage with the film on social media through custom snap lenses, a global branded effect on TikTok, and interactive digital travel guides.
With an estimated production cost of $100M net, Lilo & Stitch has already reached breakeven at the global box office, with analysts predicting it will continue to profit from ancillary revenue streams. This success marks a magical motion picture math for Disney, with the summer box office looking on track to reach $4.2 billion in the US and Canada.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/05/lilo-stitch-marketing-box-office-1236410814