Record-Breaking Memorial Day Weekend Propelled by Lilo & Stitch | Weekend of May 23rd, 2025
What a weekend it was! We just witnessed the highest Memorial Day weekend ever, a fantastic blend of family-friendly features, action-packed sequels, and compelling horror. The excitement in theaters is palpable.
As of today, the domestic box office has soared to approximately $3.14 Billion, marking an impressive +23% increase over the same period last year. This remarkable surge is a direct result of a strong lineup of blockbuster releases and the record-setting Memorial Day performance.
Lilo & Stitch sailed effortlessly to the top of the box office, capturing a dominant 61% of total admissions and 55% of the revenue. This massive opening for the family-friendly film highlights its immense appeal, especially with matinee and child-priced admissions boosting its overall attendance figures.
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning also delivered an incredibly strong debut, securing the #2 spot with 20% of admissions and 24% of revenue. It's truly impressive to see an eighth installment in a franchise command such numbers, and Tom Cruise's enduring appeal is undeniable. In a fantastic sign of the box office's robust return, nearly a million more people flocked to see Mission: Impossible this weekend compared to the opening of its predecessor, Dead Reckoning, in July 2023!
Beyond the top two, other films contributed significantly to this monumental weekend. Final Destination: Bloodlines maintained strong momentum in its second week, bringing in nearly $20M. And Sinners, now in its sixth week, continues its impressive run, maintaining a high ranking and demonstrating remarkable staying power.
The new film The Last Rodeo, a heartwarming story from Angel Studios, also debuted this weekend. Angel Studios' community-based marketing approach continues to yield positive results, and this tear-jerking, feel-good movie has garnered mostly positive reviews, sitting at a solid 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Looking Ahead: Another Stellar Weekend on the Horizon.
This coming weekend promises continued excitement! Karate Kid: Legends premieres, with predictions ranging from $25M to as high as $30M, poised to capitalize on the robust box office. A24's Bring Her Back, an Australian supernatural horror, also opens and is already receiving critical acclaim, making it a potential surprise hit.
In limited release, The Phoenician Scheme, a star-studded Wes Anderson film, begins its run before a wider release on June 6th. Its quirky approach and visual appeal are sure to captivate audiences.
Despite some new titles, Lilo & Stitch is expected to hold onto its #1 spot, and Mission: Impossible should maintain strong numbers. All signs point to another very strong weekend for the box office!
How many tickets will be sold this coming weekend? Find out on our next Cinema Ranker and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the cinema industry.
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