Stitch Makes Disney Over $4 Billion in Merchandise Sales & Replaces Mickey on National Tour

Stitch remains one of Disney’s most popular characters and is poised to gain even more fame and fortune, as Stitch has made Disney over $5 billion in 2025.

Stitch Makes Money

Festive Stitch plush toys in holiday outfits stacked on a Disneyland Resort shelf, part of the exclusive Christmas collection.

Though controversial, the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake was one of the top films of the year, earning over $1 billion. The remake’s release led to a surge in Stitch merchandise sales and Disney told The Hollywood Reporter that they sold over $4 billion worth of Stitch merch this fiscal year.

Animated characters Lilo and Stitch hug warmly under a starry night sky—perfect as a Stitch Wallpaper for free downloads.

Stitch was introduced in the 2002 film Lilo & Stitch and quickly earned his place among Disney’s top characters.

“When you look at some of our most famous and long-lasting characters, it’s the ones who are fun, silly, a little rambunctious but they always do the right thing in the end. And Stitch is exactly that,” Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer, told The Hollywood Reporter. “He is flawed in ways we all recognize: sometimes being a little naughty, but always trying his best. That authenticity, and instant familiarity, is what transforms a character into a cultural phenomenon that resonates across generations.”

A blue alien from Lilo & Stitch stands on a counter, excitedly holding a soda fountain nozzle with its mouth open wide.

Following the original Lilo & Stitch, the little blue alien starred in Stitch! The Movie (2003), Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005), Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003 – 2006), Leroy & Stitch (2006), Japanese anime series Stitch! (2008 – 2011, 2012, 2015), Chinese animated series Stitch & Ai (2017), and of course the live-action film. A live-action sequel is already in development.

Stitch was featured in the now extinct Magic Kingdom attraction Stitch’s Great Escape and continues to entertain Tokyo Disneyland guests in The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha e Komo Mai! He’s appeared in video games like Kingdom Hearts and Disney Infinity. He’s TP-ed Cinderella Castle and wreaked havoc for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. He’s even had exclusive Club 33 meet and greets.

CEO Bob Iger told Wall Street analysts, “The popularity of this global phenomenon underscores the franchise’s enduring strength and the effectiveness of our strategy to invest in popular stories and characters.”

THR noted Stitch has managed to do something almost no character has ever done — take over for Mickey Mouse. Though Mickey remains Disney’s star and is still expected to sell more merchandise than Stitch, he did bow out from this year’s Disney Holiday Magic Tour to be replaced by Stitch. The alien, instead of the mouse, traveled to over 20 U.S. cities to give gifts to those in need and host various events.

The tour even took Stitch to Broadway. On December 10, he crashed the Aladdin on Broadway curtain call, encouraging guests to donate to Toys for Tots.

“Disney has a long-standing tradition of giving back, and ensuring that the connection with Stitch inspired real-world impact was a natural next step,” Ayaz said. “Stitch connects because he’s joyfully imperfect. His playful mischief and big heart reflect how many of us move through the world — trying, stumbling and always finding our way back to ‘ohana. That authenticity makes him totally relatable. He translates into every culture and every language because he feels like he’s part of the family.”