Lilo & Stitch (2025)

A familiar face returned to theaters this past weekend with Disney’s newest live-action remake Lilo & Stitch (2025). A story about an unlikely bond between a young girl and the galaxy’s most dangerous fugitive. Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, adopts what she believes is an unusual and rather unattractive dog, naming him Stitch. Unbeknownst to her, Stitch is actually a rogue genetic experiment from another planet who has crash-landed on Earth. Through her love, trust, and steadfast belief in ohana—the Hawaiian principle of family—Lilo helps Stitch open his heart and discover what it means to care for someone else.

What follows is The Good, The Bad, and The Spoilers of Lilo & Stitch (2025).

The Good

Lilo & Stitch (2025) successfully captures the charm and heart of the original animated classic, preserving its most beloved elements while introducing fresh touches. The dynamic between Stitch and Lilo remains a standout, with their contrasting yet complementary personalities delivering both humor and heart. Maia Kealoha brings a delightful energy to Lilo, staying true to her quirky spirit while adding new layers of depth to the character. Another standout is Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakly, whose performance brilliantly channels the original’s over-the-top enthusiasm and goofy charm, making him a comedic highlight of the film.

The Bad

The main drawbacks of Lilo & Stitch (2025) arise when it’s compared to the original. As with many remakes, changes are made with the intent to enhance or modernize the story, but they don’t always hit the mark—and that’s the case here. While I typically find Zach Galifianakis hilarious, his portrayal of Jumba Jookiba felt off, largely because he doesn’t use any form of accent, which might have added familiarity or humor. This disconnect is further magnified by the absence of Captain Gantu, a key character in the original. Without Gantu, the film repositions Jumba as the primary villain, which feels like a step backward. If this were an original film, Jumba remaining an evil scientist might have worked. But as a remake, it misses the emotional growth and surprising warmth of the original Jumba, who evolved into a lovable, supportive figure. That transformation was a memorable part of the original, and its absence here is disappointing.

 My Overall Opinion

I give Lilo & Stitch (2025) an 8 out of 10 as a stand along movie. When comparing to the original, I would drop that to a 6.5/10. I still feel this remake is worth the watch if you, like me, greatly enjoyed the original animated movie.