From Ohana to Oh-Yeah: ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Hits Disney+ After $1B Box Office
Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” lands on Disney+ this September, following a record-smashing theatrical run and a fast-tracked sequel announcement.
Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch will begin streaming on Disney+ on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, just months after it became the first Hollywood film of the year to surpass $1 billion worldwide. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the blockbuster blended nostalgia with fresh storytelling, drawing huge audiences and setting the stage for a new franchise era.
The film debuted in theaters on May 23, 2025, and made an explosive $183 million over Memorial Day weekend, breaking records for a Disney live-action adaptation. Its success wasn’t just financial; audience reception soared, with a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to a 72% critic rating. This gap only fueled conversation about the film’s emotional impact versus its critical reception.
Maia Kealoha’s heartfelt performance as Lilo and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong’s portrayal of Nani anchored the movie’s emotional core, while Chris Sanders reprised his beloved role as the voice of Stitch. The supporting cast, Tia Carrere, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, helped breathe new life into the ohana spirit.
Shot on location in Kaua’i, the movie maintained the authentic Hawaiian backdrop that made the 2002 animated classic so visually iconic. Producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich emphasized cultural authenticity, while screenwriters Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes updated the story with subtle modern touches that resonated with today’s audiences.
Following its theatrical triumph, Disney quickly confirmed in June 2025 that a sequel was in development. Original co-creator Chris Sanders will return to pen the script, promising a continuation of Lilo and Stitch’s adventures that expands on themes of family and belonging. The announcement instantly sparked speculation about new characters and settings.
Streaming on Disney+ will open the door for millions more to experience the billion-dollar hit from the comfort of home. For those who saw it in theaters, it’s a chance to relive the magic; for new viewers, it’s an introduction to a story that blends heartfelt drama, comedy, and stunning visuals.
With its mix of nostalgia, cultural respect, and box-office muscle, Lilo & Stitch has secured its place as one of 2025’s defining films. And with a sequel on the horizon, it seems this ohana is only getting bigger.
