Movie Review: Lilo & Stitch (2025)

I've always had a soft spot for Lilo & Stitch. When the original came out in 2002, I was completely obsessed — not just with the movie, but the marketing. Stitch was literally everywhere, crashing other Disney trailers, and there were even rumors floating around that he might become the next Mickey Mouse. Looking back, it was honestly genius marketing. Of course, Disney wasn’t going to replace their beloved mouse, but they really had us wondering for a moment.

The animated movie was fun, heartfelt, and everything felt right in its animated world. So naturally, when the live-action remake was announced, I was skeptical. And when I heard it was supposed to go straight to streaming? I lost hope. It felt like a downgrade before it even began. But following the success of Moana 2, it seems like Disney decided to give this film a proper theatrical release after all.

So yes, I watched it in the cinema — because despite everything, I had to see Stitch on the big screen. And as cute as Lilo and Stitch are (and trust me, they are adorable), the movie lacks the whimsy and heart that made the original so special. You can tell this wasn’t initially meant for the big screen. The CGI, while passable, doesn’t carry the charm or polish we expect from a major Disney theatrical release. The transitions felt choppy, the pacing rushed, and I found myself distracted by how much was crammed into such a short runtime.

That said, there were moments that pulled at my heartstrings. Lilo’s sweetness and Stitch’s chaos still manage to shine through the cracks. I even teared up a little — that emotional core is still there, just buried under uneven execution. It’s the comedy and lightheartedness that ultimately save the movie from feeling like a completely soulless remake.

It’s not as magical as the original, and it certainly doesn’t feel like a new Disney classic in the making. But if you love Stitch, you’ll find something to hold on to. For that reason alone, I’m giving it a 6/10. Stitch still has my heart, even if the movie couldn’t quite capture the magic of ’02.