Lilo & Stitch 2025 Live Action Movie Review 🌺💙

It’s here! 

The Lilo & Stitch Live-Action remake is finally out in cinemas everywhere - and of course, we had to see it on opening weekend so we could share our thoughts with you!

As always, there is always curiosity around how Disney adapts its animated classics into live action- and this one took some bold but thoughtful steps. While it doesn’t follow the original beat for beat, it still works. There are new plot elements and characters involved and yes, the villain's presence is toned down, but surprisingly, it still all comes together. 

This version doesn’t just remake Lilo & Stitch - it reimagines it. It stays respectful to the original while fully embracing the live-action format. The storyline may differ, but it holds onto the heart of what made the 2002 film so beloved, and presents a more realistic take. 

And the message of Ohana - that nobody gets left behind or forgotten? It rings louder than ever.

Maia Kealoha Shines as Lilo

The real star of the movie for us? Maia Kealoha. Maia is the PERFECT Lilo - funny, sassy, sweet, and incredibly heartfelt - everything Lilo should be. Her chemistry with both Stitch and her older sister Nani feels so genuine, you’d easily believe they were real sisters! What a talent at such a young age. It’s actually hard to believe this was her theatrical debut. Maia’s got a bright future ahead of her, no doubt about it.

The casting of Nani (Lilo’s sister) also deserves a round of applause - her performance grounds the movie emotionally and brings the beautiful, messy, and realistic sisterhood dynamic to life. This movie gives Nani something she didn’t have before - a chance to not grow up so fast. It thoughtfully highlights the real life struggles of many young adults who are suddenly thrown into caregiving or parental roles.

Each character was portrayed brilliantly and the sister bond between Nani and Lilo felt authentic and raw, just like in the original. The sister’s relationship is extremely heartfelt and done beautifully. You genuinely get sucked into their situation and feel their emotions. 

Stitch is just as chaotic and Loveable as ever!

Let’s talk about our favourite blue alien.

We were so happy to hear that Chris Sanders returned to voice Stitch. Nobody does it better. From being absolutely chaotic (as he should be) to his unexpected sweetness, he’s just as we remembered him - maybe even better. Seeing Stitch interact with real-life surroundings made everything even more fun.

Also, shoutout to the subtle nods and cameos from some of the original cast. We noticed. We loved them.

Final Thoughts

Lilo & Stitch brings warmth, humour and heart in all the right doses. The plot still carries real emotional weight, and the actors absolutely deliver. At its core, the film is still about Ohana, and that powerful message that no one gets left behind or forgotten. 

Sure, no live-action remake can please everyone. But Disney took some real chances here, and it paid off.

From the moment Stitch crash-lands into Lilo’s life, the movie bursts with charm, laugh out loud moments, and that irresistible “Ohana means Family” spirit.

We truly appreciated every aspect of this film. It made us laugh. It made us cry. And it reconnected us with our inner child. 

Whether you grew up with the original or are a new fan of Stitch, this movie is pure joy and well worth the watch (for both kids and adults alike!). 

Don’t just take our word for it (or the internets) - go and see it for yourself! 

Love Stitch? Check out our full Stitch Collection here.