Why Streaming Originals Like Lilo & Stitch and Final Destination Are Failing at the Box Office

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At first glance, it’s not immediately clear what connects “Lilo & Stitch” and “Final Destination Bloodlines,” other than both being successful movies released in May 2025. However, interestingly enough, they share a similar background as they were initially planned as streaming-exclusive films. “Stitch” was initially intended for a premiere on Disney+, with its transition to a theatrical release not announced until August 2024 during D23. On the other hand, “Bloodlines” was first announced as an HBO Max-exclusive movie. However, unlike “Stitch,” the shift of “Bloodlines” to a theatrical debut was revealed earlier since it was filmed using IMAX cameras.

It appears that the remarkable box office performance of both films (with Stitch poised to take over as this year’s top domestic movie) underscores a reality that Hollywood studios need to acknowledge: Traditional theater releases outperform streaming originals when it comes to success. Giving movies away for free on streaming platforms doesn’t seem to be an effective release strategy. To truly thrive, films need the grandeur of the big screen.

Seriously, Name A Successful Streaming-Exclusive Movie

As movie theaters shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, film studios started moving various film genres onto streaming platforms instead. This was primarily done to support the now disrupted original content pipelines of streaming services that entities like Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal Pictures were connected with. While blockbuster movies were pushed back for years so they could play in cinemas, original animated films, romantic comedies (and other genres) were released directly onto platforms such as Disney+, Netflix, Peacock, HBO Max, etc.

In simpler terms, it’s interesting to note that the strategy adopted by studios, which was mimicking the Netflix model for their TV shows, didn’t yield the same level of success as Netflix’s original series like “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” and “Stranger Things.” These shows significantly transformed the way viewers perceive television. However, even a successful Netflix Original Movie such as “Bright” failed to create the cultural impact that box office hits from the same period, such as “Black Panther,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “The Greatest Showman,” managed to achieve. Furthermore, it’s hard to recall expensive Netflix blockbusters released around the same time, like “6 Underground” and “Red One.

Over the past five years, studios have been releasing films that might have done well in North American cinemas (such as “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” “Turning Red,” “Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy,” “Turtles All The Way Down,” “Prey,” “No One Will Save You,” and others) onto streaming platforms instead. This shift has had dire consequences. Now, the notion that comedies won’t play in theaters is becoming more widespread because studios are less inclined to release such movies in theaters. Films with strong word-of-mouth that could have stayed in theaters for extended periods are now disappearing into a congested, algorithm-driven digital realm instead. Some streaming exclusives have even been withdrawn from their original streaming platforms, which makes them effectively lost media.

Despite being available as streaming or premium-video-on-demand exclusives, many films have failed to generate excitement comparable to that of theatrical releases. For instance, the discussions about Lilo & Stitch online would likely be minimal if it were a Disney+ original watched casually on a phone. The experience of being in a darkened theater, fully focused on the remake, encourages viewers to notice aspects they admire or dislike. Conversely, enthusiasm for recent Netflix originals like The Gray Man and The Electric State has been hard to come by, as evidenced by their reception compared to films initially released in theaters such as Lilo & Stitch and Bloodlines. Notably, a Memorial Day release on Apple TV+, The Fountain of Youth, has already faded from public memory, while Lilo & Stitch and Bloodlines continue to draw audiences in theaters.

Studios Seem To Recognize This Reality About Streaming Releases

It’s encouraging to see that major film studios and streaming platforms other than Netflix are acknowledging where movies gain the most popularity. For example, Mubi has chosen to debut its new films in cinemas first, much like ‘Decision to Leave’ and ‘The Substance’ did after successful North American releases. On the contrary, Disney+ is planning to release only Disney Channel movie sequels such as more ‘Descendants’ installments or stage production adaptations like ‘Frozen’. As for HBO Max, there are currently no original films in the works, and Peacock’s upcoming original film is a potential ‘Community’ movie.

In contrast to numerous films similar to “Wuthering Heights” choosing streaming platforms like Netflix over theatrical releases, it seems that traditional cinema screenings remain promising. After considering movies such as “Final Destination Bloodlines” and “Lilo & Stitch”, wouldn’t their popularity have been significantly less if they were only available on Fire TV screens instead of theaters? The financial benefits for film producers will be sustained through theatrical releases, which encompass further avenues like cable television, physical media, etc. Moreover, viewers will enjoy a variety of methods to access these films beyond just overcoming one payment barrier.

As a movie enthusiast, it’s become crystal clear over time that exclusive streaming releases for films just don’t hold the same allure as their theatrical counterparts. The stark contrast between the immediate must-watch status of blockbusters like “Barbie” and “Sinners,” which grace our local cinemas, versus how swiftly Netflix productions such as “The Adam Project” vanish, underscores this reality.

Remember “Lilo & Stitch” and “Final Destination: Bloodlines”? Despite their initial streaming debuts, they went on to achieve massive success. This scenario vividly illustrates the untapped potential that would have been lost had these films been released solely on streaming platforms. Theatrical cinema continues to thrive, especially after the colossal impact of the May 2025 cinematic titans, serving as a stark reminder of the relatively diminutive power of exclusively streamed movies.

Lilo & Stitch and Final Destination: Bloodlines are now playing in theaters.

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2025-06-01 22:12