LOS ANGELES — Memorial Day weekend delivered a historic box office haul, with Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning leading the charge to a record-breaking $322 million total across all films.
‘Lilo & Stitch’ Breaks Memorial Day Records
Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch shocked industry expectations with a $183 million four-day debut, including $145.5 million over the weekend. That beats the previous Memorial Day record set by Top Gun: Maverick ($160 million in 2022).
The film also earned $158.7 million internationally, bringing its global start to $341.7 million. It now ranks among Disney’s top live-action openings, behind only The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Audiences gave the film an “A” CinemaScore.
“This is a sensational opening,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. “It’s a crowd-pleaser with strong appeal.”
Best-Ever Opening for ‘Mission: Impossible’
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opened with a franchise-best $77 million through Monday, narrowly topping 2018’s Fallout. The film added $127 million overseas for a $190 million global total.
Despite strong numbers, its $400 million budget means it needs a long run to turn a profit. Audiences responded positively, giving it an “A-” CinemaScore.
A Boost for Theaters
This weekend’s $322 million total marks the biggest Memorial Day box office ever, beating the 2013 record of $314 million. Last year’s weak $132 million performance is now a distant memory.
“Every movie this summer will benefit from the momentum of this record weekend,” said Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian.
Other Top Films
- Final Destination: Bloodlines earned $24.5 million, totaling $187 million globally.
- Thunderbolts took in $12 million and sits at $353 million worldwide.
- Sinners brought in $11.2 million, reaching $339 million globally.
- Minecraft has grossed $940 million and remains the year’s top hit — for now.
With summer movie season officially underway, theaters are seeing signs of a strong rebound.
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