Lilo & Stitch (2025) Review — A Safe but Spirited Return to Ohana

Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch remake continues the studio’s trend of revisiting animated classics with a glossy update and a few narrative tweaks. While it doesn’t take many creative risks, it delivers a faithful and fun retelling that should satisfy newcomers and longtime fans alike—at least, those willing to accept a few extra characters and narrative shortcuts. Lets dive in!

Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios (2025)

In this Disney live-action remake, a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo adopts what she thinks is a dog—only to discover he’s actually a destructive alien experiment, whom she names Stitch. As Stitch is hunted by alien authorities and watched closely by a persistent social worker, Lilo teaches him the meaning of ohana—family, and the unbreakable bonds it creates. Amid the chaos and comedy, the two form a powerful connection, healing each other’s wounds and redefining what it means to truly belong.

The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, no stranger to bringing CGI characters to life—his 2021 critically acclaimed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On proved his ability to blend heart with visual creativity. With Lilo & Stitch, Camp brings a vibrant, kinetic energy to the screen that mirrors the chaos and charm of its titular alien. The film retains much of the emotional depth of the original, with Lilo’s loneliness and Stitch’s mischief forming the emotional core. Their bond is front and center, surrounded by a lush Hawaiian backdrop that not only enhances the visual appeal but also roots the story in a setting full of culture, warmth, and meaning.

Speaking of Lilo, newcomer Maia Kealoha is a standout. She channels the original spirit and spunky attitude of Lilo with impressive ease, capturing the character’s emotional depth and individuality. While there are a few scenes where her reactions could have matched the chaos unfolding around her more dynamically, Kealoha’s performance is charming and heartfelt—especially impressive for a first-time role. Her chemistry with Stitch, once again voiced by Chris Sanders, is undeniable. Sanders slips seamlessly back into the role, and together, the duo brings a sense of authenticity and warmth that anchors the film. Nani and Lilo’s relationship also receives added depth in this adaptation, benefiting from the film’s extended runtime—about 23 minutes longer than the 2002 original. The additional time allows for more intimate and emotional moments between the sisters, highlighting the strain, love, and responsibility that define their bond. Sydney Agudong delivers a grounded and heartfelt performance as Nani, capturing both her protectiveness and quiet vulnerability. This expansion gives the emotional core of the story more room to breathe, making their struggles feel more authentic and resonant than ever before.

Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios (2025)

But the remake isn’t without its blemishes. Some original elements are noticeably trimmed or softened—likely in an effort to streamline the story for younger audiences. One major omission is Captain Gantu, a pivotal character in the 2002 film. His absence is strongly felt, particularly in the film’s opening and finale, where his presence once added stakes and structure. The alternative direction taken in his place doesn’t quite deliver the same impact, leaving key moments feeling less dynamic and urgent.

Additionally, several new side characters—a neighbor, an additional social worker, and a reimagined version of CIA agent Cobra Bubbles—feel more like distractions than meaningful contributions. In particular, the handling of Bubbles lacks the intrigue and gravitas that made the original version so memorable. While these changes don’t derail the film, they do dilute some of the emotional and narrative weight that helped make the original Lilo & Stitch so resonant.

That said, Stitch steals every scene he’s in—and let’s be honest, that’s exactly what audiences come for: the chaos, the cuteness, and the heart. His updated CGI design is expressive, wild, and weird in all the right ways, perfectly capturing the unpredictable energy that made the character a Disney icon. The film shines brightest when it leans into Stitch’s mayhem, balanced by Lilo’s emotional journey, which serves as the film’s true anchor. The supporting cast brings warmth and sincerity, adding to the story’s emotional resonance.

Among Disney’s recent live-action remakes, Lilo & Stitch stands out as one of the stronger entries. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel—and it doesn’t have to. What it does is remind us that even in the messiest, most chaotic moments, family is everything.