Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch just zoomed to the top of the Chinese box office, pulling in a solid $17.2 million (RMB122.5 million) over the May 23-25 weekend, per Artisan Gateway (via Variety). Since its Friday debut, the family-friendly flick has racked up $18.2 million, including previews, charming audiences with its mix of humor, heart, and vibrant visuals. In a packed weekend, it outshone some big Hollywood names and proved that a good story can still steal the show.
The competition was no joke. Universal’s Wicked, the glitzy musical adapted from the Broadway hit, snagged second place with $8.5 million, hitting $10.7 million total since its release. Disney’s Moana 2 wasn’t far behind, adding $6.6 million in its second weekend for a $23.8 million cume. But Lilo & Stitch’s nostalgic vibe and focus on family and belonging clearly hit a sweet spot with Chinese moviegoers, giving it the edge.
Local films held their ground, too. The crime thriller The Invisible Guest scored $7.2 million, bringing its total to $37.6 million, while the patriotic war epic The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death earned $6.8 million, closing in on $92.1 million. These homegrown hits show China’s love for its own stories, but Lilo & Stitch snuck in and won the weekend with its universal appeal.
Why the big win? The film’s feel-good story about a quirky girl and her alien pal resonates, especially as families start looking for fun outings ahead of summer. Disney’s got a knack for nailing the Chinese market, and releasing this one just before the holiday season was a smart move. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you smiling, and that’s clearly clicking with audiences.
China’s 2025 box office is sitting at $6.56 billion so far, down 14.2% from last year, according to Artisan Gateway. The market’s had its challenges, with tons of releases vying for attention and tastes shifting. Still, Lilo & Stitch’s breakout moment shows that a well-told story can cut through the noise. As summer ramps up, it’ll be exciting to see if this lovable tale keeps its momentum against the next wave of big releases. For now, Stitch is king.