Lilo and Stitch Live Action Review: A Beautiful Half-Story

Lilo and Stitch live action remake - IMBD

The long-awaited Lilo and Stitch live action remake has finally landed. But does it live up to the legacy of the 2002 cartoon classic? For many fans, this one’s been a long time coming, a chance to revisit the heartwarming story of family, belonging, and a chaotic little blue alien who stole everyone’s hearts.

Visually updated and reimagined for a new generation, this version of Lilo and Stitch live action brings with it both excitement and a fair bit of curiosity. With modern effects, fresh and flawed performances, and a few changes along the way, there’s a lot to unpack.

But as always with reboots, here’s the big question: was this remake really made with 'ohana in mind—or is it just another shiny nostalgia cash grab?

Film’s SPOILER Overview

The Lilo and Stitch live action plot sticks closely to the heart of the original, even with a few modern tweaks. Set on the lush island of Kaua‘i, the story follows Lilo, a quirky and lonely Hawaiian girl being raised by her older sister Nani after the tragic loss of their parents. When Lilo wishes for a friend, she ends up adopting what she believes is a dog—but it turns out to be Stitch, a genetically-engineered alien experiment who crash-landed on Earth while escaping capture.

Chaos, laughs, and a surprising amount of emotional depth follow as the two outsiders form an unlikely bond. With alien agents, and Jumba being the new antagonist on Stitch’s tail and social workers watching Nani’s every move, the story becomes a heartfelt look at chosen family and unconditional love—all with that signature Lilo and Stitch  mix of humour, weirdness, and warmth.

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Storyline

Look, I get that some fans were disappointed. With copyright dramas around soundtrack licensing and a tighter budget, Disney had to adjust a fair chunk of the original story. That meant cutting or reshaping some scenes, and removing a few beloved Lilo and Stitch characters like Captain Gantu and Pleakley from the main spotlight. But you know what? Even with all that, they still managed to keep the heart of the story beating.

The family bond, the weird but deep connection between Lilo and Stitch characters—that was all still there. And to be fair, they made an effort to keep the vibe of the original soundtrack too. They couldn’t get full rights to all the songs, but the opening scene especially felt musically close to the 2002 version, and I appreciated that nod.

Honestly, I cried when I thought Stitch was about to die. That moment was still raw, and it reminded me of why this story hit so hard the first time around. Robert Ebert expressed that the producers are "careful about preserving the most beloved details of the original but making it more inclusive." and I have to agree.

CGI Animation

Speaking of Stitch—he looked amazing. The animation and CGI were genuinely impressive, especially for a film that clearly didn’t have the deepest pockets. Every eyebrow wiggle, every chaotic leap—it was spot-on. A huge part of that magic came from the fact that Chris Sanders, the original 2002 director and the voice of Stitch, returned for this version. That familiar voice brought so much authenticity. It felt like the old Stitch was right there again, just in a new setting. 

Consequence wrote "Compared to the blank faces of the lions in Jon Favreau’s The Lion King, the CGI Stitch is a massive improvement. It also helps that Camp and the effects team really do integrate him seamlessly, without ever crossing over into the uncanny valley. The result is that Stitch remains as he’s always been: A dangerous scamp who becomes easy to love, by the end."

Lilo & Stitch live action remake - IMBD

Actress - Maia Kealoha (Lilo)

And then there’s Lilo—what an absolute standout. For such a young actress, she completely nailed the character. Maia Kealoha, an upcoming 6 year old Hawaiian actress had all the weird, bold, emotional energy that made Lilo so unforgettable. I really believed her. Even when the rest of the film felt a bit patchy, she held it together with real heart. The Economic Times said it best: “the rising talent who’s giving new life to a Disney classic”

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Casting & Performance

While the Lilo and Stitch live action had its heart in the right place, it definitely had some rough patches that can’t be ignored. Let’s start with Nani — her acting was a bit underwhelming. Sydney Agudong lacked emotional range with no tears, no real movement (besides her surfing and singing skills), and a struggle to connect with the CGI characters which really hurts the immersion.

The Guardian described “Nani in particular a more “correct”, entirely uninteresting ending.”If you’re a fan of the original Lilo and Stitch characters, this new Nani might not hit the mark. 

Adding to the woes, Zach Galifianakis — who plays one of the Lilo and Stitch characters (Jumba the new antagonist) — didn’t quite land the role. Critics felt it was a miscast that didn’t let him shine, which was a missed opportunity given his usual comedic chops. The Charlotte Observer referenced his interview conversation mentioning he actually wanted to play Pleakley but got requested to play Jumba, his response “Dean, I don’t care. Whatever you need me to do. What, I’m gonna get into, really, one of these characters more deeply? It doesn’t matter”. 

Pleakley and Jumba - IMBD

Budget Cuts

The film cut a lot of their screen time, likely due to budget cuts from Disney underestimating the impact of this classic film from their audiences. The film was granted $100 million which is considered significantly low compared to Disney’s other live action remakes. For the film to be a success, it needs to achieve more than double for any future sequel Lilo and Stitch live action remakes… 

Then there’s Jumba and Pleakley, beloved Lilo and Stitch characters who got severely sidelined. The Guardian highlighted how their “funny walks” and attempts at humour just don’t come together, with actors seemingly performing into a void. It’s a big drop from the original cartoon. 

And budget cuts were obvious in the absence of Captain Gantu, one of the iconic Lilo and Stitch characters. His removal left the story feeling thinner and less dynamic. Cutting Captain Gantu was a baffling decision that robbed the film of some of its natural tension and humour. Some fans even called the producers of “boycotting the upcoming remake” The Daily Mail UK

The Verdict: Lilo and Stitch Live Action

So, where does the Lilo and Stitch live action film land overall? For all its flaws—like shaky casting choices, budget-driven cuts, and a few disappointing omissions—it still manages to hold onto that core emotional spark. The bond between Lilo and Stitch, the gorgeous Hawaiian backdrop, and the surprisingly solid CGI make it a film worth watching, even if it’s not quite the triumph fans were hoping for.

There’s heart here, no doubt about it. It just feels like half the story got told, and the other half got caught in licensing red tape and budget spreadsheets. If you're a fan of the original Lilo and Stitch characters, you might find yourself torn. It’s charming, emotional, and visually impressive in parts—but still leaves you wishing Disney had trusted it with more.

Rating: 3/5

Was the storyline better than the original? Did the Lilo and Stitch live action live up to its full potential—or did it fall short of the magic? Drop your thoughts below and let me know your own star rating!