Lilo & Stitch (2025): Fun, Alien Mischief, and Excitement

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Lilo & Stitch crash-landed into cinemas in 2025. In Disney’s latest live-action film, Lilo, a lonely and eccentric young girl, befriends a runaway alien who crash-lands on Earth. On the run from other aliens, Lilo and Stitch try to mend their fragmented family life.

I sat in a theater with several children to watch the live-action Lilo & Stitch. Unlike most of Disney’s live-action remakes, Lilo & Stitch has heart. It also equally counterbalances what works from the cartoonish mold for the live action. While some aspects could have been stronger, it’s still a fun film with a heartwarming message about family.

Maia Kealoha is adorable as Lilo! In her movie debut, Kealoha breathes life into this exuberant ball of energy. Filmmakers adored the young girl’s spirit, energy, and driven nature the moment she ran in for auditions. Lilo is an important figure for girls her age. Don’t be afraid to be the real you.

Lilo & Stitch is fondly remembered for the loving sibling relationship between Lilo and Nani (Sydney Agudong). The live-action doesn’t ignore this integral relationship. Kealoha and Agudong made a believable and heartwarming relationship.

I never understood the importance of Nani’s character when I first saw the animated film at the age of 7. Nani’s love and support of Lilo are empowering. Agudong is excellent in her performance, instilling Nani’s strong, fierce, and loving nature.

Chris Sanders returns as the voice of lovable alien Stitch, who is always causing mischief. Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Courtney B. Vance, Amy Hill, Kaipo Dudoit, and Hannah Waddingham play supporting characters. Original Lilo & Stitch voice actor Tia Carrere returns in a small role as Mrs. Kekoa, the social worker.

The live-action film made great casting choices. Here’s something the film did right from the awful Snow White ‘live action.’ Since space aliens are tough to find, filmmakers had to create CGI scenes. Instead of wasting roles, Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen also play the human counterparts of Jumba and Pleakley. This was my favorite part of the movie.

That’s where Dean Fleischer Camp did his best direction. He chose which aspects worked best for the live-action film. If something didn’t work in his eyes, then Camp changed it to something that made sense. He recreates the fun atmosphere of the original animated film, something that’s been missing from other films.

There are aspects of Lilo & Stitch that only work as an animated film, like the alien segments. I still wonder what Disney’s definition of live-action is. There’s only so much you can do with live-action in the Lilo & Stitch universe. I was more invested in the sister’s storyline.

Camp also wanted the authenticity of Hawaiian culture. Just like the story’s setting, filming took place on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Lilo & Stitch has its flaws, but this is the first Disney live-action in a while that I’ve seen kids enjoy. They were responsive, either laughing, being vocal, or expressing worry in one scene. I remembered seeing the original Lilo & Stitch in theaters over 20 years ago.

One storyline that audiences have complained about is a character’s decision in the finale. I don’t agree with those who say it ruins the movie. That character’s decision makes sense, particularly in this realm. We have to make the choices that are right for ourselves and others involved to set our lives in the best direction.

Lilo & Stitch has the heart that’s missing from other live-action remakes. I enjoyed it, laughing at most of the jokes. This is the one to take the kids to.