Nearly a quarter-century after their initial box-office showdown, Tom Cruise's Minority Report and Disney's Lilo & Stitch are once again capturing audience attention in 2025, albeit in very different forms. While Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch surfs the waves of box-office success, Cruise's sci-fi thriller is getting a fresh spotlight on television, reminding viewers of its enduring appeal.
Back in 2002, Minority Report and the original animated Lilo & Stitch went head-to-head at cinemas, each carving out their place in pop culture. Now, 23 years later, Disney's live-action adaptation has made a splash with an impressive $63 million in its sophomore weekend at the domestic box office, pushing its total to $280 million within just ten days. Add in the $330 million earned overseas, and the film has amassed a worldwide total of $611 million. This places it as one of 2025's biggest hits, though it still trails behind A Minecraft Movie, which currently reigns supreme with $947.1 million globally. Industry watchers anticipate that Lilo & Stitch will continue its upward trajectory, especially with upcoming blockbusters like Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps gearing up for release.
Meanwhile, Tom Cruise continues to dominate the big screen with the latest installment of his iconic Mission: Impossible franchise. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning held strong during its second weekend, raking in $27.2 million domestically and bringing its total U.S. earnings to $122 million. Internationally, it took in $76.1 million, marking a respectable 33% decline from its opening. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film has so far grossed $353.8 million worldwide, cementing Cruise's enduring box-office draw.
While Cruise's latest action flick thrives, another of his franchises faced a tougher crowd. Karate Kid: Legends, starring Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, opened with a modest $21 million in North America and added $12 million overseas, culminating in a $47 million global total against a $45 million production budget. Although these numbers are modest, Sony Pictures is hopeful the film will enjoy the kind of longevity seen with the 2010 Karate Kid, which grossed $359 million worldwide.
For fans of horror, the genre continues to hold strong. Danny and Michael Philippou’s Brink Her Back debuted in the U.S. Top 5 with a $7.1 million opening, while Warner/New Line's Final Destination: Bloodlines boosted its global tally to $229 million. Another horror title, Sinners, has impressively crossed the $350 million mark, showing that scares still sell.
As the box-office buzz surrounds these films, television viewers have a chance to revisit one of Tom Cruise's most acclaimed yet "criminally underrated" performances. ITV is airing Minority Report tonight at 10:20 PM, celebrating the release of the newest Mission: Impossible movie. This 2002 sci-fi thriller marked Cruise's first collaboration with legendary director Steven Spielberg and remains a standout in his extensive filmography.
Set in the year 2054, Minority Report follows John Anderton, a police officer working in the PreCrime unit, which prevents crimes before they happen. However, when Anderton himself is framed for a future murder, he must go on the run to prove his innocence. The film was a commercial success, grossing $358 million and ranking among the top ten highest-grossing films of 2002. Critics also praised it, with the movie holding an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite its success, some critics argue that Minority Report has not received the lasting cultural impact it deserves. Gabrielle Bruney of Esquire pointed out that unlike other big-budget classics such as Back to the Future or Jurassic Park, which have been absorbed into cultural consciousness to the point of constant engagement, Minority Report remains somewhat underappreciated. She remarked, "If you're looking for a movie that's just as immersive now as it was when it was released, a summer blockbuster that can still be viewed first hand, you've got to watch Minority Report."
Empire Magazine also praised the film, calling it "hugely ambitious and wildly successful in parts," and dubbed it "the best future noir since Blade Runner." While it may not have achieved the iconic status of Ridley Scott's 1982 classic, which is widely regarded as one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made, Minority Report continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling narrative and visionary direction.
Social media users have echoed this sentiment, with many declaring the film an underrated gem. On platform X, user @TheCinesthetic wrote, "We don’t talk about Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report enough—featuring one of Tom Cruise’s most underrated performances." Brent Hughes highlighted memorable sequences, saying, "The jet pack fight. The car factory sequence. The swapping eyes section. Such a great movie." Another user, JT, simply stated, "Minority Report is criminally underrated." These voices underscore the film's enduring appeal and suggest that new audiences can still discover its unique blend of action and thought-provoking sci-fi.
As Lilo & Stitch continues to charm moviegoers worldwide and Tom Cruise's latest Mission: Impossible installment maintains its momentum, Minority Report's television airing offers a timely reminder of the actor's versatility and the film's lasting impact. Whether on the big screen or the small, Tom Cruise remains a formidable presence in entertainment, proving that great storytelling transcends time and format.
