The Memorial Day weekend of 2025 has etched its name in history as the biggest ever for U.S. movie theaters, Mission: Impossible with ticket sales reaching an unprecedented $326.7 million across the four-day holiday period. Fueled by the powerhouse performances of Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch and Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, this record-breaking weekend signals a vibrant resurgence for the film industry. Families flocked to theaters for the heartwarming Lilo & Stitch remake, while action enthusiasts turned out for Tom Cruise’s latest high-octane adventure, proving that cinemas remain a cultural cornerstone in 2025.
A Historic Weekend for Movie Theaters
According to Comscore, the $326.7 million haul surpassed the previous Memorial Day record of $314.3 million set in 2013, when Fast & Furious 6 led the box office. This year’s success is a beacon of hope for an industry still navigating the challenges of post-pandemic recovery, competition from streaming platforms, and the lingering effects of 2023’s Hollywood labor strikes. The combined might of Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning accounted for nearly 80% of the weekend’s total box office, showcasing their broad appeal across diverse audiences.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, noted, “A record-setting Memorial Day holiday is yet another sign of the continued strength and relevance of moviegoing in 2025.” He added that this performance sets an optimistic tone for a summer box office projected to exceed $4.2 billion, a milestone not reached in 2024. Major theater chains like AMC, Cinemark, and Marcus Theatres also reported their highest Memorial Day weekend ticket and concession revenues ever, underscoring the event’s significance.
Lilo & Stitch Steals the Show
Disney’s live-action remake of the 2002 animated classic Lilo & Stitch emerged as the weekend’s undisputed champion, grossing an estimated $183 million domestically over the four-day period. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film follows a young Hawaiian girl, played by newcomer Maia Kealoha, who befriends a mischievous alien named Stitch, voiced by Chris Sanders, the creator of the original film. The cast, including Sydney Agudong as Nani, Zach Galifianakis, and Billy Magnussen, brought a fresh yet nostalgic take to the beloved story, resonating with family audiences.
The film’s $183 million domestic debut marks the biggest Memorial Day opening ever, surpassing the $160.5 million record set by Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. Globally, Lilo & Stitch raked in a staggering $341.7 million, with strong performances in markets like Mexico ($23.7 million), the United Kingdom ($12.9 million), and Brazil ($11.1 million). This places it as the second-highest four-day weekend opening ever, behind only Black Panther’s $242 million over Presidents’ Day in 2018, and the third-best debut for a Disney live-action remake, following The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.
The success of Lilo & Stitch is particularly notable given Disney’s mixed track record with live-action remakes. After the disappointing performance of Snow White earlier in 2025, which grossed just $204 million worldwide against a $250 million budget, Lilo & Stitch’s $100 million production budget proved a savvy investment. Critics and audiences alike praised its heartwarming narrative and vibrant visuals, with CinemaScore awarding it an A grade. David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research called it “a crowd-pleaser with outstanding audience scores,” signaling strong word-of-mouth potential for continued success.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Sets Franchise Records
While Lilo & Stitch dominated, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivered a formidable performance, earning $79 million domestically and $191 million worldwide. The eighth and reportedly final installment in the Tom Cruise-led franchise, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, marked the series’ best domestic opening, surpassing Mission: Impossible II’s $71.8 million in 2000. The film’s global tally included $112 million from 64 international markets, with expectations of further growth as it opens in China.
Shot with IMAX-certified digital cameras, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning captivated audiences with its breathtaking stunts, including an underwater sequence and a submarine infiltration that critics hailed as a fitting capstone to the nearly 30-year-old franchise. Despite its $400 million production budget—one of the highest ever—Paramount insiders emphasized that each installment boosts the value of the entire Mission: Impossible library, driving home entertainment sales and rentals.
The film’s performance is a testament to Tom Cruise’s enduring star power at age 62. Posts on X reflected widespread acclaim for his commitment to practical stunts with minimal CGI, with many fans calling it a thrilling conclusion to the series. However, some critiques noted pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, though these were overshadowed by the film’s visual spectacle, particularly in IMAX screenings.
A Broader Look at the Weekend’s Success
The record-breaking Memorial Day weekend wasn’t solely driven by the top two films. Holdover titles like Warner Bros.’ Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, and Final Destination Bloodlines contributed to the robust totals, with Sinners reaching a global cume of $339 million and Final Destination Bloodlines adding $23 million internationally in its second weekend. Disney and Marvel’s Thunderbolts also held strong, adding to the weekend’s diversity of offerings.
This success comes at a critical time for the industry. Year-to-date ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada reached $3.1 billion, a 22% increase from 2023 but still 28% below the pre-pandemic benchmark of 2019, when Avengers: Endgame dominated the charts. The Memorial Day weekend’s performance suggests that strategic releases and audience enthusiasm can bridge this gap, setting the stage for a strong summer season with upcoming titles like Sony’s Karate Kid Legends.
Why This Matters
The triumph of Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning highlights the enduring appeal of theatrical experiences. Families drawn to Lilo & Stitch’s heartwarming story and action fans captivated by Mission: Impossible’s adrenaline-pumping sequences demonstrate the power of diverse programming. The weekend also underscores the cultural resonance of Lilo & Stitch, with Disney reporting $2.6 billion in retail sales for the franchise in its last fiscal year, up from $200 million five years ago.
For theater operators, this weekend’s record-breaking numbers—coupled with unprecedented food and beverage sales—signal a promising future. As Dergarabedian noted, “Every other studio and every other movie on the horizon over the next few weeks are going to ride a wave and benefit from the performance of the past couple of months.” With summer blockbusters on the way, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for cinemas.
Looking Ahead
As Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning continue their theatrical runs, all eyes are on their staying power. Lilo & Stitch’s strong audience scores and family-friendly appeal position it for sustained success, while Mission: Impossible’s international rollout, particularly in China, could push its global totals higher. The Memorial Day weekend has set a high bar, but with a robust slate of upcoming releases, the summer box office is poised to keep the momentum going.
For more details on the record-breaking weekend, check out Reuters’ coverage and Variety’s in-depth analysis. For real-time updates on box office trends, visit Comscore’s official site.
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