Lilo and Stitch (2025) Movie Review

Disney’s latest release of the live-action adaptation of ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2025) immerses audiences in a reimagining of the iconic 2002 animated classic, bringing families together to discover the true meaning of ‘Ohana’. Maia Kealoha makes her acting debut as Lilo, captivating audiences with her wittiness and charm as she brings her character’s passion for her family and new pet Stitch to life.

Plot Summary

The 2025 ‘Lilo and Stitch’ live-action adaptation follows the same overall storyline as the original movie. After escaping his home planet, the genetically created destructive creature Subject 626, later named Stitch, crash-lands in Hawaii and is on the run. Agent Pleakley and Dr. Jumba Jookiba are sent to Earth to retrieve him while trying to avoid possible worldwide panic due to their alien characteristics, and do their best to fit in with humans. Meanwhile, young Lilo is having a hard time making friends, which results in her bad behavior and her negative perception from other kids and teachers. At the same time, her sister Nani is trying her best while facing the pressure of making ends meet and the possibility of losing custody of her sister after the loss of their parents. As Stitch is on the run, he finds himself in a local animal shelter and is adopted by Lilo while trying to blend in with the foster dogs. He uses his relationship with Lilo to deter Pleakley and Dr. Jookiba, but as their bond grows, he explores Hawaii with Lilo, bringing chaos along the way, but learns to manage his destructive outbursts and builds a true connection with her.

Comparison to ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002)

If you have not seen the new ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2025) adaptation, please proceed with caution–major spoilers ahead! Compared to the original version, the live-action adaptation follows the original storyline but does have some changes in how the story is told. Three major changes in this story stand out the most, differing from the original film. The first being the elimination of Captain Gantu, the main antagonist in the 2002 original film. In this adaptation, Dr. Jumba Jookiba turns on the Galactic Federation and becomes the main antagonist in the movie, and does not become a part of Lilo’s ‘Ohana’ at the end of the movie. The second major change in this film is that Agent Cobra Bubbles is not a social worker but a CIA agent who is also on the hunt for Stitch. A new social worker in this film is introduced, and she and Bubbles work together in the end to try and help Nani out with Lilo. The most significant change in this film is that Nani does not stay with Lilo. Instead, Agent Bubbles and the new social worker work out a deal to have Lilo stay with their neighbor, Tutu, who is very involved in the girls’ lives. Earlier in the movie, Tutu pulled a discarded college acceptance letter from Nani’s trash and put it in her bag for her to find. Although Nani initially refuses to go, in the end, Lilo tells Nani how to pursue her education for herself and in honor of her parents. This may be a major shock to fans, but the movie does a great job of adapting this change within the story and creates a very beautiful moment within the film.

Movie Review

This film is easily one of Disney’s greatest live-action adaptations, even with its major changes. The movie provided emotion, humor, and vulnerability within its story that made it a great film overall. Each member of the cast embodied their roles perfectly and even included some members from the original film’s cast playing new roles, and one member, Chris Sanders, reprised his role as Stitch in this film. Both films carry authenticity and creativity throughout, and choosing between the two may be easy for some fans, but they are both great films and are perfect for all audiences.

Whether you grew up with the original or are experiencing this film for the first time, this adaptation offers meaningful messages, laughter, and nostalgia throughout. ‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2025) is now playing in theatres everywhere and has become the highest-grossing film of Memorial Day weekend 2025. Learn the true meaning of ‘Ohana’ and reconnect with this Disney classic in a theater near you!