For those who have been eagerly awaiting the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, there’s good news: initial reactions suggest it’s quite decent.
On Saturday night, social media saw a surge of reactions from viewers who had seen the film, with overall positive feedback. Many consider it the best live-action remake from Disney in recent years, surpassing expectations. Below, we’ve gathered some thoughts to give you an idea of what to expect before more in-depth reviews emerge in the coming days.
#LiloAndStitch is the BIGGEST SURPRISE of the year and easily the BEST Disney live action remake yet. Dean Fleischer Camp crafts a joyous family adventure that captures the chaos and charm of the original. It’s also OUT OF THIS WORLD HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING with a star-making… pic.twitter.com/zA3i722bx1
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) May 18, 2025
#LiloandStitch is a cute reimagining that mostly captures the original’s spirit through a modern-day lens. Lilo and Nani’s relationship feels even more heartfelt. It’s still raw, real, and central to the story’s emotional core. Of course Stitch brings hilarious chaos. pic.twitter.com/lYh5POQ5As
— iammichaeljlee.bsky.social (@IamMichaelJLee) May 18, 2025
#LiloandStitch was heartwarming & really gave the official film more depth to Lilo & Nani. Maia Kealoha is a STAR! The Stitch was so well made. I never imagined in 23 years they’d be able to merge animation w/ live action this well. It was magical. Very sweet.
— Laura ลอร’า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul) May 18, 2025
Some supporting characters are underserved (though I like some new additions), but #LiloandStitch 2025 maintains the original’s strong emotional core, with a greater focus on the bond (and tensions) between Lilo and Nani. It’s got genuine heart in a way some Disney remakes lack. pic.twitter.com/Cg0LdGsjSp
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) May 18, 2025
#LiloandStitch is the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors. pic.twitter.com/llyEvFBNfM
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) May 18, 2025
Having lived in Hawaii, my childhood island nostalgia came flooding back ! This is by far one of Disney’s best! From the music, Hawaiian culture homage and a fantabulous star turn from Newcomer Maia Kealoha #LiloandStitch will remind everyone why family is important and should… pic.twitter.com/g19CZGeHNR
— Carla Renata (@TheCurvyCritic) May 18, 2025
Under the direction of Dean Fleischer Camp, the remake follows the original Lilo & Stitch plot from 2002: Stitch, an alien genetically engineered for chaos, crash-lands in Hawaii and pretends to be a dog adopted by orphan Lilo. As they bond and cause mischief, alien authorities and Stitch’s creator, Jumbaa, arrive on Earth to capture him. Disney has been working on this remake for years and has invested heavily in its marketing. The teaser trailer garnered 158 million views in 24 hours, the second-highest for a Disney remake teaser, following The Lion King in 2018.
Disney reportedly put its plans for a live-action Tangled adaptation on hold due to the lukewarm reception of the Snow White remake. If performs well, the studio might reconsider these plans, with results expected on May 23.
For more io9 news, check out the upcoming release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.