A high-budget Disney live-action film has recently gained popularity on streaming platforms. Historically, Disney made its mark with iconic animated movies such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. In more recent times, numerous Disney animated classics have been reimagined into live-action films.
Though early forays into live-action adaptations began with 1994’s The Jungle Book and 1996’s 101 Dalmatians, the real surge in interest didn’t start until Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland in 2010, which grossed over a billion dollars. Since then, several of Disney’s animated classics have been transformed into live-action movies, including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, among others.
Lilo & Stitch Climbs the Streaming Ranks
The 2025 release of Lilo & Stitch, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, has quickly become a hit on streaming services. This live-action version of the 2002 animated film tells the story of a young Hawaiian orphan named Lilo (played by Maia Kealoha) who forms a close bond with Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), a mischievous blue alien who unexpectedly lands on her island.
The film was a major success in cinemas, earning $1.035 billion globally. It stands as Hollywood’s premiere and, to date, only billion-dollar movie of 2025, with the only other film reaching similar figures being China’s Ne Zha II. This makes it Disney’s first billion-dollar live-action adaptation in six years since The Lion King brought in $1.657 billion in 2019.
On Disney+’s daily Top 10 chart for the most-watched movies in the United States, Lilo & Stitch reached No. 1 by September 5, barely two days after its release on the platform at 3:00 a.m. ET on September 3.
It has stayed at the top of the chart despite competition from other popular recent releases like Marvel’s Thunderbolts* (No. 2) and Captain America: Brave New World (No. 5).
Moreover, Lilo & Stitch secured the top spot on Disney+’s daily chart in over 50 other regions, including Ecuador, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden. It reached No. 1 by September 4 in countries such as Australia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, and Italy, maintaining that rank through September 5.
Implications of Lilo & Stitch’s Streaming Success
The remarkable streaming performance of the Lilo & Stitch remake is a significant achievement. With a production budget reported at $100 million, its break-even point was estimated at around $250 million, a target it far surpassed just with theatrical earnings.
Given its current trajectory, it looks poised to become a longstanding hit on streaming for Disney, enhancing its profitability and supporting the decision to proceed with the development of Lilo & Stitch 2.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
