Live-action remakes can be hit or miss, as we’ve all seen in recent wave of reboots from Disney. It’s clear that Disney’s deep into this new era of reimagining the classics we grew up with. And with the recent release of the Lilo & Stitch adaptation, they finally got one that hits home: it holds on to the heart, the mayhem, and the island spirit we all fell in love with.
Here’s five reasons why Lilo & Stitch is worth paddling out for!
Stitch is Still the Galaxy’s Cutest Chaotic Mess
Stitch at the beach | Photo courtesy to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Let’s be real: we’re all here for Stitch. He’s still our favorite failed experiment 626: mischievous, destructive, a little bitey, but still irresistibly cute and oh-so fluffy.
The CGI does a great job of making Stitch feel brand new but still instantly recognizable. He’s just as wild, just as adorably chaotic, and just as easy to like. This version of Stitch will have you laughing, face-palming, and wanting to scoop him up for a hug—or maybe even bring him home—all in the same scene.
The magic of stitching the past and the present
Lilo taking responsibility of Stitch | Photo courtesy to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
What makes the live-action Lilo & Stitch such a Disney blockbuster is how it captures the heart of what made the original so beloved. It may not have been a scene-for-scene recreation but the care and intention behind it truly honor the spirit of Hawaii, ohana, and finding your place in the world. The film stays faithful to its cultural roots, offering something heartfelt for both longtime fans and new audiences.
It’s also a full-circle moment to see original voice actors like Jason Scott Lee and Tia Carrere back on screen, this time in supporting roles. And the casting of Lilo? A true standout! Maia Kealoha channels everything we adore about Lilo—capturing her quirks, boldness, and her big heart. Together, the cast brings a warmth and familiarity that makes the film instantly invite you to come home to something you’ve always loved.
A Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride of Sound
Nani and Lilo bonding time | Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
One of the best parts of the Lilo & Stitch experience has always been the music, and thankfully, the live-action remake delivers. The iconic Elvis tracks? Still here. The distinct island sound? Even richer, thanks to the return of the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus (the same choir that brought life to the original soundtrack). Their voices do not only bring back the heartbeat of the film but also the unmistakable soul of Hawaii.
The Messy, Meaningful Ohana
Nani, Lilo, and Stitch at the beach | Photo courtesy of Nani and Lilo bonding time | Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
We all know the line: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” It’s the emotional core of Lilo & Stitch. Though the live-action keeps it, Director Dean Fleischer Camp ventures to add new layers and complexity behind the classic ‘family’ theme.
The movie highlights how ohana stretches far beyond just blood ties. This time, the neighborhood, the aunties, and the local community take on a bigger role as Lilo and Nani’s extended family. They show up when it counts—offering support, lending a hand, and proving that it really does take a village to raise a child (and a blue monster experiment).
But sometimes, ohana also means giving space, growing in different directions, or choosing what’s best for the people you love, even when it’s difficult. The live-action takes a bit of a bold step here, offering a fresh angle that might surprise some fans. But, it’s a thoughtful shift that makes you reflect on what ohana can truly mean aside from what we’ve always known.
This version of the Pelekai family is definitely refreshingly imperfect. It’s honest, a little complicated, and beautifully real—The kind of family that looks a lot like your own.
It’s a Heartfelt Ride for Old and New Fans
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Sometimes, remakes can feel like they’re just cashing in on nostalgia, but not this one. The live-action feels like a sincere mahalo or thank you to the Disney fans who grew up with the original. It honors what came before while introducing its own voice and charm for a new generation to fall in love with.
With 3.5 out of 5 waves, Lilo & Stitch hits where it matters. It nudges you to reach out to the people you’ve grown up with, and to the stories that shaped you. Because in the end, ohana means always finding your way back to each other. And that’s the kind of story worth bringing back.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ohana, surf this wave, and let yourself fall back into the chaos, the love, and the alohas of Lilo & Stitch.