Film Review: Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025) Is a Nostalgic Journey That Will Make You Laugh, Cry, and Believe in ‘Ohana All Over Again

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We were lucky enough to catch Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake in cinemas last week—and we’re still recovering from the emotional impact. As a collective who grew up loving the original 2002 animated film, we approached this new version with cautious optimism. Remakes are tricky, especially when it comes to beloved childhood favourites. But Lilo & Stitch (2025) not only met our expectations—it soared past them, delivering a tender, emotionally charged cinematic experience that resonated deeply.

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And it’s not just audiences like us who are feeling the emotional weight of Lilo & Stitch—the film is making a powerful statement at the box office, too. In its opening weekend, the live-action remake has already raked in an astonishing $341 million (£253.1 million) globally, with $157.8 million (£117.1 million) coming from international markets alone. Leading the international charge, Lilo & Stitch opened strongest in Mexico with an impressive $23.7 million (£17.6 million) debut, followed by the United Kingdom at $12.9 million (£9.6 million) and Brazil close behind with $11.1 million (£8.2 million).

That debut places it as the second-largest global opening of the year, just behind The Minecraft Movie, and marks it as Disney’s third-best live-action reboot launch ever—trailing only the mega-successes of The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017), both of which grossed over $1 billion. The film’s ability to tap into multigenerational nostalgia and win over new audiences alike is clearly translating into ticket sales, and if current momentum continues, Lilo & Stitch could be on track to join the billion-dollar club.

First Teaser for Live-Action Lilo & Stitch 2025 Film Has Been Released Showcasing Stitch’s Chaotic Charm

A Story That Still Speaks Volumes

At its core, Lilo & Stitch is a story about loss, loneliness, and the healing power of found family. What made the original so special wasn’t just the humour or sci-fi adventure—it was the emotional depth layered beneath it all. We’re thrilled to report that the live-action version honours this emotional core beautifully.

Dean Fleischer Camp, best known for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, brings an intimate, character-driven approach to this remake. His direction balances heartfelt moments with whimsical sequences, giving the story room to breathe. Every scene feels intentional, grounding the film in real emotional stakes even amidst the intergalactic chaos.

Plot & Storyline: A Familiar Tale with Fresh Layers

The 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch stays largely faithful to the original animated classic, bringing the heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship back to life with a modern cinematic sheen. The story begins in outer space, where Experiment 626—an unruly alien created for destruction—escapes captivity and crash-lands on Earth. He soon finds himself in Hawaii, where a lonely, fiercely independent young girl named Lilo adopts him from an animal shelter, mistaking him for a dog. From there, chaos and comedy ensue as the two begin to bond over their shared sense of alienation.

What makes this retelling especially moving is its expanded focus on the emotional weight Lilo carries from the loss of her parents and the immense pressure her older sister, Nani, feels trying to keep their small family together. These emotional threads are handled with greater nuance and depth than in the animated original, offering a more mature lens for returning viewers while still remaining accessible for younger audiences. The narrative doesn’t just retread old ground—it enriches it, adding moments of quiet reflection and raw emotion that truly underscore the meaning of ‘ohana.

Interwoven throughout the film is a broader message about belonging, forgiveness, and found family, amplified by Stitch’s transformation from chaos incarnate to a loyal and loving companion. While the sci-fi antics and Galactic Federation subplot are still present, they’re more streamlined here, giving the family dynamics more breathing room. This balance between adventure and heart is what makes the 2025 Lilo & Stitch such a resonant and rewarding watch.

Maia Kealoha Shines Bright as Lilo

Casting a new Lilo was no easy task—but Disney struck gold with 8-year-old Maia Kealoha. Her performance is nothing short of remarkable, capturing the perfect blend of quirky independence, emotional vulnerability, and raw innocence. The fact that she was cast at just 5 years old speaks volumes about her natural talent and screen presence—she’s undoubtedly a star in the making. From her Hawaiian hula dances to her tear-filled conversations with Nani, Maia Kealoha doesn’t just play Lilo—she is Lilo.

What impressed us most was how authentically she portrayed the complex emotions of a child dealing with grief. She made us laugh out loud, and moments later, had us tearing up—an emotional rollercoaster that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Lilo’s character.

Chris Sanders Returns—and So Does Stitch’s Charm

It was a brilliant move to bring Chris Sanders back as the voice of Stitch. No one else could replicate the iconic, gravelly chaos that made the character so lovable. Hearing his voice again in this new context was like being reunited with an old friend—and Stitch hasn’t lost an ounce of his charm.

The CGI work is also surprisingly impressive. Stitch feels tangible, expressive, and dynamic. His physicality and facial expressions have been finely tuned to blend seamlessly with the live-action cast, giving him a vibrant presence that feels natural and emotionally authentic—never awkward or out of place, as some feared he might.

Disney Reveals First Look at CGI Stitch for Upcoming 2025 “Lilo & Stitch” Live-Action Film

Nani Palekai: More Than a Big Sister

Sydney Agudong steps into the role of Nani Palekai with quiet strength and heartfelt authenticity. As Lilo’s older sister turned legal guardian, Nani carries the weight of the world on her shoulders—and it shows. Agudong captures both Nani’s stubborn resilience and her emotional fragility, bringing a grounded realism to a character that’s often overlooked in favour of Stitch’s chaos or Lilo’s eccentricity.

Nani isn’t just the voice of reason—she’s a teenager forced into adulthood too soon. In this live-action version, we see more of her internal struggle: the fear of losing her sister, the stress of job hunting, and the guilt of not always getting it right. It’s a layered performance that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of her situation, and in doing so, it makes her love for Lilo feel even more powerful.

Agudong’s portrayal updates Nani for a new generation without losing the heart of who she is—a young woman doing everything she can to hold her family together in the face of overwhelming odds.

Sisterhood Reimagined with Emotional Depth

The bond between Lilo and her older sister Nani has always been at the heart of Lilo & Stitch, and in this live-action remake, that connection is explored with even deeper emotional nuance. Their sisterly connection is tender, turbulent, and deeply real—marked by moments of conflict, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty.

Their arguments sting with raw honesty. Their reconciliations are deeply moving. It’s the kind of messy, unconditional love that defines real-life sibling relationships, and here, it’s brought to the screen with compassion and care. While Frozen has often been credited as Disney’s first major depiction of sisterly love—between Anna and Elsa—fans of Lilo & Stitch have long pointed out that Nani Palekai walked so others could run. At just 19, Nani juggles finding and keeping a job, and sacrifices her own future to keep her family together. It’s not just love—it’s survival, responsibility, and resilience.

Other Disney films, like Brave with Merida and her triplet brothers, or Encanto with Mirabel and her sisters Isabela and Luisa, have also explored sibling dynamics. But few have matched the raw emotional realism found in Lilo & Stitch. This remake honours that legacy and deepens it, showing that love between siblings—especially sisters—can be just as epic and powerful as any fairytale romance.

A Visually Rich Hawaiian Backdrop

Hawaii isn’t just a setting in Lilo & Stitch—it’s a character. The live-action remake makes full use of the islands’ natural beauty, with sweeping shots of beaches, vibrant greenery, and small-town streets that feel lived in. The cinematography paints a picture of both isolation and intimacy—mirroring Lilo and Nani’s emotional state.

We especially appreciated how the film honoured Hawaiian culture. From the inclusion of traditional hula to authentic language usage and casting choices, there’s a clear effort to represent the community with respect and accuracy. That level of care adds meaningful depth and cultural richness to the story.

Supporting Cast Adds Strength and Substance

A powerful ensemble can elevate a good film into something unforgettable—and Lilo & Stitch (2025) makes that leap with a standout supporting cast that enriches the film’s emotional and comedic core. Each character, no matter how small their role, contributes meaningfully to the story’s broader themes of family, resilience, and community.

Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani in the 2002 animated film and its spin-offs, returns to the franchise in a poignant new role as Mrs. Kekoa, the social worker assigned to evaluate Nani’s ability to care for her younger sister. Her inclusion isn’t just a touching nod to the original—it symbolises a full-circle moment, and her performance is filled with empathetic authority, showing concern without villainising a system that’s often portrayed in opposition to family unity.

Courtney B. Vance brings a grounded gravitas to Cobra Bubbles, transforming what could easily be a one-dimensional government agent into a nuanced figure of authority and compassion. He plays the role with quiet intensity, but there’s an underlying warmth in his scenes that speaks to his character’s deeper understanding of the struggles Nani and Lilo face.

Amy Hill returns to the Lilo & Stitch universe as Tūtū, a warm, witty Native Hawaiian woman and David Kawena’s grandmother. She brings a sharp sense of humour and heartfelt warmth to the role, speaking in local Pidgin and grounding the film even more in its Hawaiian roots. Long-time fans might not realise Amy Hill also lent her voice to the original animated series, where she played Mrs. Hasagawa—the sweet fruit stand owner with a surprising army of alien cats. Hill brings that same beloved “auntie” energy to her new role, offering a sense of familiarity which adds another heartfelt layer to the extended ‘ohana surrounding Lilo and Nani.

Zach Galifianakis takes on the role of Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the rogue scientist behind Stitch’s creation—he doesn’t just lend his voice to the character, he physically portrays him too. Alongside Billy Magnussen as Agent Wendell Pleakley, the pair not only voice their animated alien forms but also step into their human disguises when the characters transform to blend in on Earth. It’s a clever live-action twist that mirrors the aliens’ attempts to blend in on Earth, although both hilariously struggle to walk properly in their new human forms.

Galifianakis taps into Jumba’s eccentric villainy with manic flair, portraying him as the dangerous genius he truly is—especially in the early part of the film, where his obsession with recapturing Stitch reaffirms his status as an antagonist. Magnussen, meanwhile, shines as Pleakley, who’s delightfully wide-eyed and overly enthusiastic about anything Earth-related. His physical comedy and voice work capture the character’s quirky charm, easily connecting with younger audiences while offering a warm nod to the animated original.

While the film dials back Pleakley’s affinity for drag—something director Dean Fleischer Camp has explained didn’t quite fit tonally in live-action—Magnussen still brings an unmistakable air of queer-coded joy that long-time fans will appreciate. Their chemistry as a chaotic duo lands exactly where it needs to: providing consistent comic relief while never overshadowing the film’s emotional core.

Other supporting performances include Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena, Nani’s love interest, who brings an easygoing warmth and gentle optimism to the role. Though his character takes a slight backseat to the central storyline, Dudoit’s natural charisma makes him a welcome presence whenever he’s on screen.

Hannah Waddingham, voicing the authoritative Grand Councilwoman, lends the character a regal gravitas and cool command that reinforces the high stakes of Stitch’s chaotic arrival. Her voice work is restrained yet potent, elevating the role to something larger than life.

Altogether, the supporting cast doesn’t just pad out the story—they enhance it. They bring dimension, humour, and heart to a world that already feels rich and lived-in. Their performances ensure that Lilo & Stitch is not just a tale of two sisters and an alien, but a vibrant portrait of community, compassion, and the many forms that love can take.

Remake with Purpose: What’s New and What’s Familiar

Live-action remakes often face criticism for being unnecessary rehashes. But Lilo & Stitch (2025) proves that remakes can serve a purpose—when they’re done with heart. While it stays true to the original plot, this version smartly updates certain elements to reflect modern sensibilities.

Some character arcs have been reimagined. Some scenes have been trimmed or altered. But none of it feels arbitrary. These changes help the story resonate with today’s audiences while keeping the soul of the original intact. Fans of the animated film will still recognise the beats they loved—but now with fresh emotional layers.

And for long-time fans, the film is also a treasure trove of subtle nods and Easter eggs. From a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tease of Experiment 624—better known as Angel—to an explicit mention and drawing outline referencing Experiment 627 (which closely resembles Leroy—Experiment 629—from Leroy & Stitch), the film lovingly hints at the wider Lilo & Stitch universe. Designs for Experiment 625 (Reuben, the sandwich-loving cousin) and Experiment 221 (Sparky) also make appearances, offering satisfying callbacks for viewers who’ve followed the franchise beyond the original film.

It’s this kind of thoughtful detail—balancing nostalgia with newness—that shows the creative team didn’t just remake Lilo & Stitch; they reinvested in it. With early signs pointing toward box office success and carefully placed Easter eggs hinting at characters like Angel, Reuben, Sparky, and even Leroy, there’s a strong sense that this isn’t the end. If anything, it feels like a heartfelt setup for a sequel—and we’re absolutely here for it.

Emotional Impact That Hits Hard

We cried three times during this film. That’s not hyperbole—it’s a testament to how effectively this film tugs at the heartstrings. The themes of grief, healing, and family are presented with such sincerity that it’s hard not to feel moved.

Whether it’s a quiet moment between Lilo and Nani, Stitch’s existential crisis, or the final act’s dramatic climax, the film doesn’t shy away from emotional storytelling. It respects its audience—young and old alike—enough to go deep, and that’s something we always admire.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Disney Legacy

In a crowded field of Disney live-action remakes, Lilo & Stitch (2025) stands out as one of the very best. It honours its roots while branching out with purpose and heart. It’s funny, sad, uplifting, and deeply human—despite starring a blue alien with a penchant for destruction.

This is a film we’ll be recommending to friends, family, and followers alike. Whether you grew up quoting the original or are discovering the story for the first time, this new take on Lilo & Stitch offers something powerful and lasting. We’ll be seeing it again—no question.

Lilo & Stitch (2025) is a warm reminder that “‘Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” And in this beautifully made film, Disney ensures that we never forget just how meaningful that message truly is.

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