Labubu-Like Characters Are Everywhere in Movies

Labubu dolls are nearly sold out all across the world, as people frantically open online purchasing apps and rush to local stores to just get a peak at these creatures. However, nearly every movie release features a Labubu-like character: cute but menacing. Below are some of the most popular franchises released after May of 2025 that feature similar character tropes.

Perhaps the most well-known franchise is “Lilo and Stitch”, an iconic Disney film about a maniac blue alien, Stitch, who gets adopted by a Hawaiian girl named Lilo. Through “ohana”, the Hawaiian concept of family, Lilo is able to unlock Stitch’s heart and his ability to empathize with others. This blue furry monster captures the heart of many who loved his destructive nature and snugly outside. His teeth and appearance closely resemble that of a Labubu, making fans craze over both the doll and the character simultaneously.

In June, “Toothless” from “How to Train Your Dragon” also made a huge hit, as fans are mesmerized by the wild look and pet-like nature of the dragon. The story unfolds as Toothless, a fearless predator and dragon, got shot by Hiccup, a member of the Viking community. They form a close bond and Toothless becomes Hiccup’s loyal and intelligent dragon “pet”. Toothless’s retractable teeth resemble those of Labubus, making him another member of the in-film Labubu counterpart.

In James Gunn’s adaptation of superman, “The Man of Steel”, Krypto is perhaps the cutest character of them all. Inspired by Gunn’s real-life dog, Krypto is the perfect mix of cute and destructive. He wins viewer’s hearts purely by his adorable appearance and his tendency to bite at anyone’s feet and chase flying gadgets.

However, these characters do a bit more than just take viewer’s money. These characters inspire the wholesomeness everyone needs in their life, especially when every piece of news on our phones and social media is somewhat depressing. They not only allow children to have a lovable character in their lives that accompany them growing up, but they also make it easy for adults to reminisce over their childhood innocence. According to Esther Zuckerman, seeing “Javier Bardem holding up a Labubu and gleefully declaring, ‘I got Baba,’ made me smile, even if the interaction felt like a forced viral moment.”

These creatures, whether in screens or in doll forms, bring joy into people’s lives. Their cuteness and their destructiveness creates an “aww” moment in anyone who sees them, whether in real life or behind a screen.

References:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0275847/plotsummary/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/movies/labubu-movie-sidekicks-stitch-toothless.html