The new live-action movie, “Lilo & Stitch,” was released in theaters this year on May 23, 2025. After watching, many viewers walked out with tears in their eyes, while others left feeling displeased.
“Lilo & Stitch (2002)” is a fantastic classic childhood movie with an excellent storyline. The movie is a great choice for family viewing, as it teaches one another to stick together as family no matter what and to always stay by their side or as it includes exciting graphics for all ages. Because of this, many fans of the original animated film were excited to hear that the new live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch (2025)” was coming to theaters and television.
Due to Lilo’s and Nani’s parents’ deaths, Lilo is being taken care of by her older sister, Nani. In the new “Lilo & Stitch,” the directors expand on the sisters’ emotional journey and how Nani struggles to balance her own life with taking care of Lilo and her new pet, Stitch. Meanwhile, Nani’s backstory is expanded to reveal that she is a talented and promising surfer with a dream of studying marine biology. Lilo and Nani are orphans after their parents’ death in a car accident, while Stitch, who is an illegal genetic experiment, escapes his creators and crashes on Earth.
The directors of “Lilo & Stitch (2025)” were Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin. They made the “Aladdin (2019)” film, along with “Haunted Mansion (2023).” Eirich and Lin thought it was a great idea to add new additions, new characters, and a new villain. The latest adaptation features a new, vicious villain, who was beloved by many of the original “Lilo & Stitch” fanatics. The main characters, Lilo and Stitch, are played by Maia Kealoha and Chris Sanders, who did an outstanding job with their roles. The newly added characters are Mrs. Kekoa, who is a social worker in the place of Cobra Bubbles, Tutu, David’s grandmother and also Nani’s and Lilo’s neighbor. Eirich and Lin were able to expand Nani’s backstory, defining her academic aspirations in Marine biology before her parents death. Although adding newer adaptions, the directors also kept classic moments and themes like the record player.
A highlight of “Lilo & Stitch (2025)” was its ability to capture both emotional and happy moments, allowing contrast throughout the movie. Other than the new adaptations and the balance of tone, “Lilo & Stitch (2025)”” teaches many valuable lessons such as how to empathize, problem-solve issues, and reunite. It revealed a great deal about the importance of being present for loved ones, as families should.
Since “Lilo & Stitch (2025)” is a family movie, it could appeal to both younger and older audiences. The main lesson in this movie is never to give up or leave anyone behind, and to find a sense of family and belonging. The troubles and adventures Lilo went through for Stitch uphold the famous phrase: “Ohana means family; family means never leave anyone behind or be forgotten.” Many of the challenges Lilo and Stitch faced were due to Stitch’s mischievous nature and his tendency to get into trouble, but no matter what Stitch did, Lilo always displayed love and support.
Overall, “Lilo & Stitch (2025)” is an excellent movie about the importance of belonging and perseverance. It illustrates the ups and downs of life and guides how to solve problems. If viewers are looking for a movie that is devastating at times but joyful at others, “Lilo & Stitch” is a must-watch and is the type of movie where the audience can sit down, relax and just have fun.
