The Reviews Are IN. 'Lilo & Stitch' Is Disney's BEST Live-Action Remake Yet

It seems like we’re just swimming in live-action remakes of iconic Disney movies these days — whether we like it or not.

Both fans and critics are divided over the new takes on these classic films. We’ve seen live-action remakes of Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and a whole lot more. Most recently, the live-action Snow White didn’t receive the best reviews, but it looks like Disney’s newest remake — Lilo & Stitch — is the total opposite.

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch is set to hit theaters across the United States on May 23rd, but early screenings have already been shown to select members of the press — and the first reactions to the movie have been “overwhelmingly positive,” per Variety.

Wendy Lee Szany, a film critic, said on X/Twitter, “Lilo and Stitch 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.”

Journalist Laura Sirikul also took to X/Twitter to say, “Lilo and Stitch 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.”

Disney’s original animated film, Lilo & Stitch, premiered in 2002 — which means this is the most recent remake the House of Mouse has done. It’s also the first movie from the 2000s to be remade (both Tangled and Moana have live-action remakes in the works as well!).

The original film was a box office hit and grossed $273 million worldwide with an $80 million budget — and it’s certainly no secret how popular Stitch has remained.

The live-action Lilo & Stitch cast includes Maia Kealoha as Lilo; Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani; Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Stitch’s alien creator who comes looking for him; Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley; Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles; Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman; and the original movie’s co-director and co-writer Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch. Tia Carrere, who was the original voice of Nani, is also back playing a social worker this time around.

You can check out some additional rave reviews below!

#LiloAndStitch is PURE DISNEY MAGIC! It’s a story about loss, friendship, & ohana, told in a way that’s both fun and deeply touching. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry & Stitch will completely steal your heart. Newcomer Maia Kealoha is a breakout star in a story that delivers HEARTWARMING… pic.twitter.com/xNxvSyqjJn

— Anthony Gagliardi (@AJGaliardi) May 18, 2025

#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

And, if you head to participating Cinemark Theaters on opening night for the film (May 22nd at 6:26 PM) and see the film in Real D 3D, you’ll get water bottle stickers for free!

Cinemark also released all the souvenirs that will be available at participating theaters upon the film’s release, and some of these have us SUPER thrilled. The popcorn tub with the Stitch plush? The Hooded Blanket? Sign us UP!

We know we can’t wait to check out this new movie after reading these rave reviews! In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news.