As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the box office is set to witness a blockbuster showdown between Paramount's Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Disney's Lilo & Stitch. Both films are tracking to potentially break records, with projections indicating a massive influx of moviegoers eager for entertainment.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Lilo & Stitch is on track for a remarkable domestic opening of approximately $130 million. This figure positions it as one of the largest domestic debuts for a Disney live-action remake, with estimates ranging from $120 million to $140 million. Meanwhile, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is expected to debut with a solid $80 million, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, which opened to just $54.7 million.
The excitement surrounding these releases echoes the phenomenon dubbed "Barbenheimer," which captivated audiences during the summer of 2023. Both films are set to open on May 23, 2025, and if predictions hold true, they could deliver the highest Memorial Day weekend box office in history, surpassing the previous record of $306 million set in 2013.
In a surprising twist, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will be available in India six days earlier than its U.S. release, hitting theaters on May 17, 2025. This decision comes in response to overwhelming demand, according to Paramount Pictures India.
Tom Cruise, who reprises his iconic role as Ethan Hunt, is known for his commitment to performing daring stunts. In this latest installment, he is seen hanging from a 1940s-era biplane soaring above South Africa's Drakensberg mountains. "I remember seeing old footage of wing-walking," Cruise shared, recalling his childhood fascination with such stunts. He noted that the aircraft used in the film travels at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour, adding an extra layer of thrill to the production.
In addition to Cruise, the star-studded cast includes Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, and Lucy Tulugarjuk, with the film being released in multiple languages including English, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. This diverse lineup aims to cater to a broad audience, enhancing its box office potential.
As summer sets in, the month of May 2025 is shaping up to be a cinematic feast for moviegoers, featuring a mix of action, drama, comedy, and fantasy from both Indian and international filmmakers. The excitement is palpable with a variety of films scheduled for release, promising something for everyone.
Among the highly anticipated releases is Raid 2, which debuted on May 1, 2025. Starring Ajay Devgn as IRS Officer Amar Patnaik, the film continues the gripping narrative of tax raids and corruption. Early trade estimates suggest that Raid 2 has already collected over Rs 50 crore at the box office.
Also released on May 1, Thunderbolts marks the final installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Five. This superhero film, directed by Jake Schreier, features a cast including Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, and has garnered significant interest from fans eager to see the MCU's darker and more morally complex storytelling.
As the month progresses, audiences can look forward to Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 - Sword vs Spirit, set for release on May 9. This Telugu-language historical action adventure stars Pawan Kalyan and tells the story of an Indian rebel fighting against Mughal oppression. Alongside it, Bhool Chuk Maaf and Single will also premiere on the same day, offering romantic comedies that explore the complexities of relationships.
Another notable release is Final Destination: Bloodlines, which is set to debut on May 16. This sixth installment in the popular horror franchise follows a young woman who begins to foresee the deaths of her family members, promising suspense and thrilling supernatural elements.
As the month culminates, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Ace will both hit theaters on May 23, followed by Kingdom and Karate Kid: Legends on May 30. Kingdom, a Telugu spy thriller, aims to set new standards for Indian espionage films, while Karate Kid: Legends continues the legacy of the beloved martial arts franchise.
With such a diverse array of films set to make their debut, May 2025 is undoubtedly a month to mark on the calendar for movie enthusiasts. As audiences prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating Memorial Day weekend, the anticipation for both Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Lilo & Stitch continues to build, leaving many wondering which film will come out on top at the box office.
