Cuteness Conquers the Box Office
This summer, moviegoers around the world have been attracted by big eyes, soft fur, and sharp little teeth. From aliens to robots to dinosaurs, nearly every big movie since May has featured one surprising hit: the cute sidekick. Behind this trend is the growing popularity of Labubu dolls, which are funny, furry monster keychains made by the Chinese company Pop Mart. These toys have taken over the internet and are now inspiring Hollywood as well.
Labubus are known for being both silly and adorable. They have not officially appeared in any movie yet, but their look and feel are making an appearance everywhere. In Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch, the alien Stitch steals the show once again with his playful, chaotic energy. In How to Train Your Dragon, the dragon Toothless acts wild but lovable, a lot like a Labubu. Even Superman has a pet now, Krypto, a flying dog that bites at feet and chases drones.
Why are these cute creatures popping up in so many films right now?
“It’s not just about selling toys,” said Emily Janson, a movie expert from Collider. “These characters give people a break from real life. They’re fun, silly, and comforting. In hard times, viewers love watching someone who’s a little wild but still feels safe.” That sense of comfort is exactly what today’s films are tapping into. As studios search for ways to stand out, cute sidekicks like Labubu are helping them build emotional connections with audiences and turn those feelings into box office wins.
This trend is showing up in all types of movies. Pixar’s Elio features Glordon, a pink slug-like alien with a good heart, even though his family is replete with bad guys. In Jurassic World Rebirth, even dinosaurs get a cute twist, such as Dolores, a candy-eating dinosaur Universal hoped would become the next big star.
There are also clear links to marketing. Stitch, first introduced in 2002, remains one of Disney’s most popular characters for toys and merchandise. Toothless now has toy versions mixed with Labubu designs. And on red carpets, movie stars are often seen hugging the Labubu dolls, even if the movies are not for children. One funny moment went viral when actor Javier Bardem shouted, “I got Baba!” while holding the Labubu doll.
Some critics say this trend is just a way to sell more stuff, but fans see it differently. “They’re not just cute,” said TikTok user Ari Tran. “They’re weird and cute. Just like us.”
Whether these creatures were added for fun or as a smart business move, one thing is can be seen, in a stressful world, the Labubu effect gives audiences something joyful.
