Lilo & Stitch (2025) – A Heartwarming but Flawed Return to Ohana
Disney’s latest live-action remake, Lilo & Stitch (2025), brings back the beloved tale of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her chaotic alien companion. While the film retains the emotional core of the 2002 animated classic, it stumbles under the weight of unnecessary additions and a lack of the original’s vibrant energy. Here’s our deep dive into what works, what doesn’t, and when you can stream it at home.
The Story: A Tale of Family and Belonging
The live-action Lilo & Stitch follows Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha), a spirited but lonely girl in Hawaii, who adopts what she thinks is a stray dog—only to discover it’s Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), a genetically engineered alien fugitive. As Lilo and her older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) navigate social services and extraterrestrial threats, the film explores themes of found family and acceptance .
While the core storyline remains intact, the remake suffers from bloat, adding new characters who contribute little to the emotional weight. The heart of the original—Lilo and Stitch’s bond—still shines, but some magic is lost in translation .
The Verdict: Hits & Misses
✅ What Works:
- Maia Kealoha is a delightful Lilo, capturing the character’s innocence and stubbornness.
- Chris Sanders as Stitch remains perfect—his chaotic charm is still the film’s highlight.
- The CGI for Stitch is impressively expressive, avoiding the uncanny valley pitfalls of other remakes.
❌ What Doesn’t:
- Unnecessary runtime expansion—new subplots slow the pacing without adding depth.
- Bland supporting cast—Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen’s Jumba & Pleakley lack the original’s humor.
- Generic direction—Dean Fleischer Camp’s safe approach strips away the original’s quirky energy .
When & Where to Watch: OTT Release Details
If you’re waiting to stream Lilo & Stitch at home, here’s the latest on its digital and OTT release:
| Platform | Release Type | Expected Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | Streaming | Late August 2025 | Follows Disney’s 3-month window . |
| Amazon/Apple TV | Digital Purchase/Rent | Early July 2025 | VOD release likely 45-65 days post-theatrical . |
| JioCinema (India) | Streaming | TBA (Likely August) | Disney+ Hotstar’s regional partner . |
Note: Dates may shift if the film performs well in theaters.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Watching?
While Lilo & Stitch (2025) doesn’t surpass the animated original, it’s far from Disney’s worst remake. If you’re craving nostalgia or introducing the story to a new generation, it’s a decent watch—just don’t expect the same spark.
For fans: Stick around for Stitch’s antics and the touching moments between Lilo and Nani. For critics, the film’s flaws are hard to ignore, but it’s not unwatchable.