Disney's live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch' tops MENA box office in 2025
Audiences across the Middle East and North Africa have flocked to cinemas to catch Disney's live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch, which has quickly become the region's biggest box office success of 2025. Since its release in May, the beloved blue alien Stitch has captured hearts once again, propelling the film to record-breaking heights. It is now the highest-grossing film of the year across the region, the third highest-grossing Disney live-action title of all time in MENA, and the seventh highest-grossing Disney release ever in the territory.
The film has also made history as the most successful Arabic-dubbed title to hit MENA cinemas, with its theatrical release in both Arabic and English in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Iraq. The decision to offer a localised version alongside the original has resonated strongly with audiences, particularly families, who have embraced the movie's humor, emotion, and nostalgia.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the new Lilo & Stitch stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance and Zach Galifianakis. Producers Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin helm the project, with Tom Peitzman and Ryan Halprin serving as executive producers.
A touching and wildly entertaining retelling of the 2002 animated classic, the film follows the unlikely bond between a lonely Hawaiian girl and a mischievous alien fugitive who ultimately helps her heal her broken family. Its blend of heart and hilarity has drawn both longtime fans and new audiences into cinemas across the region.
Since his debut over two decades ago, the character has gained an enormous fan following, and this latest success underscores his enduring appeal. Stitch-branded merchandise—from fashion and toys to homeware—is flying off the shelves at retailers throughout the region, with Disney Stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City and Doha reporting especially high demand for Stitch-themed products. In celebration of the film's release, the iconic character has even been making special appearances in malls across MENA.
The studio is set to release a wave of major films in the coming months, including Elio (with an Egyptian Arabic dub in select markets), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Freakier Friday, TRON: Ares, Zootropolis 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
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