Questions

What is the plot?

The movie begins with Nani Pelekai being visited by Kekoa and Cobra Bubbles, a CIA agent disguised as Kekoa's social director, who are investigating Stitch's arrival. Kekoa insists that Nani must find new employment immediately. Nani goes through many job interviews but is rejected repeatedly due to the disruptive antics caused by Lilo and Stitch. Lilo then helps Nani secure a job as a surfing instructor. After Nani's first shift, they both enjoy surfing together.

Meanwhile, Jumba and Pleakley attempt to capture Stitch while jet skiing, but their efforts fail. The Pelekais and Stitch wipe out during this chase, and Stitch sinks, almost causing Lilo to drown. Lilo recovers from this incident, but Kekoa informs Nani that the Hawaiian government will cover her health insurance costs only if she relinquishes her guardianship of Lilo. Nani reluctantly agrees to this condition.

That night, Nani and Lilo share a final night together. Stitch reflects on his actions and, feeling forlorn, returns alone to the animal shelter. The Grand Councilwoman, frustrated with Jumba's failure to capture Stitch, cancels their deal and orders Pleakley to return Jumba to prison. However, Jumba escapes from Pleakley and plans to capture Stitch himself.

The next morning, Kekoa and Bubbles arrive to find that Lilo is missing. They join Nani in searching for her. Lilo finds Stitch at the animal shelter, but Jumba arrives to recapture Stitch. Lilo and Stitch escape to the Pelekais' home, where they confront Jumba. A fight ensues, during which their house is destroyed. During the battle, Jumba reveals that Stitch used Lilo for his own protection. Feeling guilty, Stitch surrenders.

In a mid-credits scene, Nani, now attending the University of California, San Diego to study marine biology with Lilo's blessing, uses Jumba's portal gun to visit Lilo and Stitch in Kauaʻi.

What is the ending?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

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.

Is there a post-credit scene?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

Yes, the 2025 movie Lilo & Stitch | A Special Look includes a mid-credits scene, but not a full post-credits scene like those in Marvel movies.

In this mid-credits scene, Nani is shown boarding a plane to go to college, studying marine biology at UCSD. Meanwhile, Lilo is living with neighbors Tūtū and David. Nani video calls Lilo and then unexpectedly appears in Lilo’s room through a portal gun. Cobra Bubbles is at the house checking on Stitch, and Pleakley, in his alien form, is also present. Cobra checks on Lilo upstairs, and Nani struggles to close the portal but manages to do so at the last second. Instead of immediately returning to school, Nani cuddles in bed with Lilo, showing their close bond.

There is no additional scene after the credits end, so if you stay through the credits, this mid-credits scene is the only extra footage you will see.

Is this family friendly?

The movie Lilo & Stitch | A Special Look (2025) is generally family-friendly and rated PG, suitable for most children with parental guidance due to some mild themes and violence.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects for children or sensitive viewers include:

  • Themes of family loss and grief, as Lilo and Nani are coping with the death of their parents.
  • Social worker involvement and the threat of family separation, which may be distressing for some children.
  • Mild violence and action scenes involving Stitch and alien characters, including attempts to capture Stitch.
  • Some scenes may involve animal distress or cruelty, as Stitch is initially mistaken for a dog and there is tension around his presence.
  • Emotional moments related to loneliness, family pressure, and belonging.

No explicit or intense content such as strong language, graphic violence, or adult themes is reported. The film focuses on themes of love, family, and acceptance with colorful animation and emotional storytelling. Parents of very young or sensitive children may want to be prepared for the emotional weight of family struggles depicted in the story.

Who dies?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

In the 2025 film Lilo & Stitch | A Special Look, no characters die. The narrative focuses on Lilo, her sister Nani, and Stitch as they navigate challenges following the loss of Lilo and Nani's parents, but no deaths occur during the movie itself.

Key plot points include Nani struggling to maintain guardianship of Lilo, the involvement of social worker Kekoa and CIA agent Cobra Bubbles, and various conflicts with characters like Jumba and Pleakley. Although there are tense moments such as near-drowning incidents and a physical fight that destroys the Pelekais' home, these do not result in any fatalities. Stitch even surrenders at one point but remains alive throughout the story.

By the film’s end, Lilo remains with her foster guardian Tūtū, while Nani goes to college; the family dynamic evolves but all characters survive. The emotional moments focus on family bonds rather than loss of life, with scenes of the sisters and Stitch together underscoring the theme of an unconventional but loving family.