The ending of the 2025 film "Lilo & Stitch: A Special Look" centers on Stitch's near-drowning, his rescue by Lilo, and the ultimate acceptance of Stitch as part of the ohana (family). Despite initial conflicts and attempts to recapture Stitch, the film closes with the acknowledgment that Stitch’s bond with Lilo and her sister Nani is genuine and strong, allowing him to remain on Earth as their family member.

Expanded, Scene-by-Scene Narrative of the Ending:

After repeated struggles, Nani faces pressure from Kekoa and Cobra Bubbles, who enforce government oversight due to Stitch’s arrival. Kekoa demands Nani secure employment urgently, but her repeated job interviews fail because of the chaos caused by Lilo and Stitch. In a hopeful moment, Lilo helps Nani get hired as a surfing instructor, and they share a joyous time surfing together after Nani’s first shift, celebrating a rare peaceful familial moment.

Meanwhile, the alien scientists Jumba and Pleakley pursue Stitch on jet skis in a comical and chaotic scene. Their failed chase results in a wipeout, and Stitch inadvertently sinks underwater, nearly causing Lilo to drown as she tries to save him. This dangerous moment shakes everyone, especially Lilo, who recovers physically but is emotionally shaken.

Kekoa informs Nani of a tough choice: the Hawaiian government will pay for Lilo’s health insurance only if Nani relinquishes her guardianship of Lilo. Faced with no good options, Nani reluctantly agrees. That night, as the sisters share a bittersweet final evening at home, Stitch, filled with sorrow and a growing sense of guilt, quietly departs alone for the animal shelter.

The Grand Councilwoman, overseeing Jumba’s work, expresses frustration with his repeated failures to capture Stitch and cancels their deal, ordering Pleakley to return Jumba to prison. However, Jumba escapes and sets out on his own plan to recapture Stitch.

The next morning, Kekoa, Bubbles, and Nani find Lilo missing and commence a search. Lilo discovers Stitch at the shelter, but before they can reconcile, Jumba arrives, attempting to seize Stitch once again. A fight erupts as Lilo and Stitch flee back to the Pelekais’ home. Their conflict with Jumba causes massive destruction to the house, pushing emotions and stakes even higher. During the confrontation, Jumba confronts Stitch with harsh criticism, accusing him of exploiting Lilo’s protection as a shield. This revelation weighs heavily on Stitch, who surrenders, overwhelmed with guilt.

In a pivotal scene reminiscent of the original story’s most emotional moment, Stitch saves Lilo from drowning during a raging storm near the ocean. This act marks a turning point for Stitch, who rejects his original destructive programming. Injured and seemingly lifeless after saving Lilo, Stitch’s apparent death devastates his ohana. Lilo's tearful pleas for Stitch’s life encapsulate the movie’s core message: love and family go beyond species and origins. Miraculously, Stitch stirs and revives, bringing relief and reaffirming his place in their family.

Finally, the Grand Councilwoman, having witnessed Stitch’s transformation through love and empathy, acknowledges that Stitch is no longer the destructive weapon he was created to be. She permits him to serve out his exile on Earth, allowing Stitch to remain with Lilo and Nani. This closing resolution celebrates the themes of chosen family, forgiveness, and belonging.

This detailed sequence of events provides a vivid and emotional conclusion to the film’s story while underlining its central theme of ohana—family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.