How has the box office performed in 2025?
As we reach the midpoint of the year, Hollywood has released hit films like “Lilo & Stitch” and “Sinners,” along with some costly failures such as “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “Captain America: Brave New World,” and “Elio,” which are projected to incur significant losses.
On a positive note, there’s a more varied selection on offer—blockbusters like “A Minecraft Movie,” family-friendly films like “How to Train Your Dragon,” and critically acclaimed ones aimed at older viewers, such as “The Phoenician Scheme.” Consequently, ticket sales have risen 18% compared to 2024, according to Comscore. However, the overall box office still lags behind pre-COVID levels, down 26% from 2019, when a pandemic felt like the stuff of a Steven Soderbergh film.
The future appears bright with anticipated releases like “Superman,” “Wicked: For Good,” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” likely to draw crowds in the coming months. Let’s explore what has succeeded, faced challenges, and failed at the box office.
Lilo & Stitch
Global box office: $910 million
Budget: $100 million
Stitch has hit the A-list! After 23 years, this mischievous blue alien has become a nostalgic icon for millennials, drawing family audiences to theaters. Initially intended for streaming, the live-action remake of 2002’s animated classic is set to be the year’s first billion-dollar hit. Stitch merchandise has already generated significant revenue, with Disney’s sales hitting $2.6 billion in 2024. Expect even higher figures this holiday season as Stitch captivates audiences!
Sinners
Global box office: $363.8 million
Budget: $90 million
With “Sinners,” director Ryan Coogler has shown that unique stories can still attract audiences. The film has enjoyed strong word-of-mouth, achieving nearly equal box office in its second weekend compared to its first—an uncommon feat for non-holiday releases. Supported by excellent reviews and starring Michael B. Jordan as twin bootleggers, “Sinners” reminds us that risks in filmmaking can yield substantial rewards.
A Minecraft Movie
Global box office: $954.4 million
Budget: $150 million
After years in development, “A Minecraft Movie” finally made it to the big screen, and its family-friendly vibe, coupled with stars like Jason Momoa and Jack Black, led it to gross over $950 million. Thanks to director Jared Hess and his comedic vision, the film appeals not only to video game fans but also to a wider audience. This success is particularly timely for Warner Bros. executives, who faced scrutiny until this film and “Sinners” turned the tide.
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