The latest adaptation of Lilo & Stitch blasts off with a cosmic opening in outer space, where the Galactic Council convenes to address a galactic threat. The Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) brings mad scientist Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) into custody for creating dangerous experiments, with his latest creation, Experiment 626 (Chris Sanders), labeled the most perilous yet. Jumba boasts about 626’s indestructible power, but the creature’s naughty, destructive antics lead to both being imprisoned.
Experiment 626, however, isn’t one to stay caged. He swiftly escapes, hijacking a cruiser and crash-landing on Earth, specifically in Hawaii. The Council nearly orders Earth’s destruction to stop him, but Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), an Earth expert, intervenes, citing efforts to rebuild the mosquito population. Jumba is tasked with retrieving 626, under Pleakley’s watchful eye.
On Earth, we meet Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha), a spirited young girl in Hawaii who feeds a fish named Pudge before rushing to hula class. Raised by her older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong), Lilo faces challenges, including bullying from peers like Mertle Edmonds (Emery Ho’Okano-Briel). Nani struggles to balance guardianship and work, missing Lilo’s recital, which sparks tension. Their home life is further complicated by a visit from social worker Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), who sees their struggles despite Nani’s efforts to appear stable. Outside, Nani confides in Tutu (Amy Hill), a grandmotherly neighbor, who encourages her to pursue marine biology. Tutu’s grandson, David Kawena (Kaipo Dudoit), harbors a shy crush on Nani.
That night, Lilo wishes on what she thinks is a shooting star—actually 626’s crashing ship—for a true friend. The alien, later named Stitch, causes chaos at a wedding party before being hit by a bus and taken to an animal shelter. Jumba and Pleakley, disguised as humans, track him there, while CIA Agent Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) investigates the crash site, suspecting alien activity.
At the shelter, Lilo meets 626, who mimics a dog to blend in. She names him Stitch and adopts him, despite Nani’s reservations. Stitch’s antics escalate when he hot-wires a car to escape with Lilo, only to realize Hawaii’s surrounding water traps him due to his water-sensitive molecular density. At Nani’s luau job, where David works, Stitch accidentally starts a fire, costing Nani her job. Lilo’s reminder of “ohana”—family means nobody gets left behind—convinces Nani to keep Stitch.
The next day, Mrs. Kekoa and Cobra visit as Nani job-hunts, but Stitch’s chaos hinders her efforts. David suggests Nani give surf lessons, which she does successfully until Jumba and Pleakley’s pursuit causes a mishap. Stitch accidentally endangers Lilo in the water, leading to Nani’s reluctant agreement to relinquish guardianship for state support. Feeling guilty, Stitch returns to the shelter, but Lilo follows, only for Jumba to attack. A chase ensues, ending with Jumba capturing Stitch and Lilo sneaking aboard his ship.
Aboard Jumba’s ship, Lilo frees Stitch, who battles Jumba. The ship crashes into the ocean, and Nani and David rescue Lilo, but Stitch sinks due to his density. Nani dives back for him, and after a tense revival using car batteries, Stitch survives. The Grand Councilwoman arrives, intending to take Stitch, but Cobra ensures secrecy, allowing Stitch to stay with Lilo as his exile. Pleakley remains to supervise, and Mrs. Kekoa arranges for Lilo to be fostered by Tutu and David, freeing Nani to attend college.
The credits show the community rebuilding the Pelekais’ home. Lilo video-chats with Nani, who surprises her via Jumba’s portal gun. As Cobra nearly catches them, the sisters and Stitch snuggle in bed, embodying the spirit of ohana.
Lilo & Stitch delivers a vibrant blend of humor, heart, and Hawaiian culture, reinforcing that family—whether human or alien—means no one is left behind[wide].
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