‘Lilo & Stitch’ Review: The Disney Live-Action Remake Your Family Has Waited For
‘Lilo and Stitch’, in our opinion, easily earns the title of family movie of the year.
It offers a perfect blend of joy, humor, action, and touching moments that may just bring you to tears. The CGI is a standout, and Stitch absolutely steals the show with his voice, laugh, and chaotic charm. Maia and Sydney deliver strong performances as Lilo and Nani, while Kaipo Dudiot falls a bit short in the role of David. Zack Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen make for one of the funniest duos of the year as Jumba and Pleakley. And Chris Sanders proves he hasn’t missed a step returning as the voice of Stitch.
While Lilo and Stitch is widely celebrated for its fun and chaotic humor, it also delivers a heartfelt message rooted in the concept of “‘ohana”—meaning family. The film deeply explores the value of family, and it’s hard not to reflect on your own while watching. One of the aspects I especially enjoyed was how the movie begins. Right from the start, the impressive CGI captures your attention. Unlike earlier films such as Snow White, Lilo and Stitch masterfully integrates CGI with traditional animation in a way that feels seamless. As the story unfolds and Lilo and Stitch begin to bond, their friendship feels natural and endearing. But the emotional impact truly hits when you understand how their paths cross. In the original story, Stitch crash-lands on Earth while on the run, and Lilo, during a casual visit to a dog shelter, unexpectedly discovers him hiding from Pleakley and Jumba. However, what first was an escape soon became a gift.
As Stitch unexpectedly finds himself taken in by a random family, he gradually comes to understand the meaning of “ohana”—family—and ultimately finds his own with Lilo and Nani. At its core, the story follows Stitch’s escape from a pair of aliens as he crash-lands on Earth, where he stumbles into the lives of a small but loving family. Through their care, he realizes he’s found a place where he belongs and a chance at a better life. The connection between Lilo and Stitch is immediate from the moment they meet. Although Stitch is far from your typical dog, it’s his unusual traits that draw Lilo to him—traits she relates to, as she also sees herself as different from other kids. A lonely girl with no friends and a rogue alien with no family form an unexpected but perfect bond. While the film’s plot spans a single storyline, the many events and adventures along the way make it both emotionally resonant and thoroughly entertaining thanks to the contributions most of the supporting characters.
Lilo & Stitch can certainly be considered one of the best live-action Disney remakes, right up there with Aladdin. It’s a fun, emotional, and thrilling ride that balances humor with a heartfelt core. The dynamic between Lilo and Stitch is a joy to watch—it clicks instantly and keeps you engaged throughout. The supporting cast adds plenty of charm and does a great job keeping the story lively and entertaining. While the plot is fairly simple and occasionally feels stretched for a feature-length film, it’s packed with emotional depth, standout CGI, and moments that are both touching and enjoyable. Overall, it’s a film the whole family can enjoy together.