The Lilo & Stitch movie franchise, also referred to as Stitch, was created by the Disney franchise in 2002 with the release of its animated film directed and written by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. This family-favorite movie has been delighting audiences ever since!

The series follows the escapades of two characters: Lilo Pelekai, an orphaned Hawaiian girl voiced by Daveigh Chase, and Stitch, created initially as Experiment 626, a little blue alien and adopted by Lilo. Both are mischievous beings who make for a funny duo full of eccentric adventures.

If you love comedy and animation, then the Lilo & Stitch movie series is perfect!

Here is a list of all the films in this franchise in order:

All the “Lilo and Stitch” Movies in Order of Release Date

  • Lilo and Stitch (2002)
  • Stitch! The Movie (2003)
  • Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a Glitch (2005)
  • Leroy and Stitch (2006)

Lilo and Stitch (2002)

“Lilo & Stitch” stands as an iconic 2002 animated science fiction comedy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, masterfully produced and directed by the talented duo of Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois.

The compelling plot of the film focuses on two protagonists, Lilo Pelekai from Hawaii and Experiment 626, who is adopted as her “dog” by Lilo and renamed Stitch. After their parents’ passing, Nani raises her younger sister solo with a little help from an unconventional friend.

Initially, Stitch utilized Lilo to elude recapture from the intergalactic federation after him, as he was specially designed for chaos and destruction. However, an indelible bond formed between them through their new-found connection to ʻohana or extended family that they experienced in Hawaii. This altered Stitch’s purpose entirely and led him to protect his family rather than cause mayhem as initially intended.

The film beautifully depicts the importance of family, even if each individual is unique. It was a massive hit with audiences and raked in an impressive $273 million worldwide box office! So if you delight in animated movies that possess strong themes of love and familial bonds, then the Stitch franchise is for you!

Stitch! the Movie (2003)

The second film in the series was released after a year of its predecessor and followed the story of Stitch, who was accidentally launched into outer space. To protect his ʻohana, he attempts to return home with the help of some new friends and his wits.

Lilo desperately attempts to lift Stitch’s spirits, pointing out how unique he is, which unfortunately only worsens the situation. It reminds her of Frankenstein’s Monster- a creature also ostracized from society due to his differences.

At the same time, Gantu, after suffering the destruction of his spaceship during a misguided attempt to capture Lilo and recapture Stitch, ex-captain Gantu, has acquired a new spacecraft. This time, he is employed by Dr. Jacques von Hämsterviel, an eccentric creature that resembles a combination of hamster, poodle, and rabbit; his mission is to locate all 625 other experiments scattered across the universe!

Roberts Gannaway and Jess Winfield’s filmography may not have been as victorious as the prior installment. Yet, it is highly recommended for viewers of all ages with a fondness for animation and surrealist comedy.

If you have watched the first part, you should watch this one too!

Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a Glitch (2005)

The third film of the Lilo & Stitch franchise chronologically falls between 2002’s “Lilo & Stitch” and 2003 direct-to-video movie, “Stitch! The Movie”. Serving as both a sequel to one and a prequel to the other, it follows our heroes’ journey before they capture all 625 experiments. With this captivating feature, you want to experience all the fun that awaits in their space adventures!

The story starts when on a cold morning, Stitch awoke from an unsettling dream that ended him reverting to his previous mischievous ways and hurting Lilo. To make sure he would never cause her harm, she challenged him by encouraging acts of kindness.

Suddenly realizing they were behind schedule for their hula class, the two hurriedly hopped into a hovercraft and zoomed toward it! After much practice, Kumu declared that all the students were ready to participate in the upcoming May Day festival performance. Initially, this glitch results in Stitch reverting to his mischievous tendencies. Unless Jumba can construct a charging pod before Stitch’s energy runs out, it will eventually destroy our beloved character.

Although some of the original cast members reprised their characters, unfortunately, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ving Rhames, and Zoe Caldwell were unable to return for the production.

Michael LaBash, Tony Leondis, Eddie Guzelian, and Alexa Junge wrote this 68-minute-long film.

Leroy and Stitch (2006)

The grand finale of the beloved Lilo & Stitch franchise, “Leroy and Stitch,” was released in 2006. Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, this third installment is based on the original 2002 animated feature film and follows up with The Series’ conclusion. With Hawaii as its primary setting, fans follow along to witness an unforgettable ending for the main character Lilo Pelekai’s story arc!

Despite its spotty critical reception, the 2007 film was lauded with a nomination for the Golden Reel Award by the Motion Picture Sound Editors.

As the grand finale of the entire series, Lilo and Stitch’s mission to round up all of Dr. Jumba and Pleakley’s inventions for repurposing on Earth is accomplished with a fantastic flourish! Consequently, the Galactic Alliance celebrates these four heroes for their courageous deeds.

As a farewell, Lilo graciously bestowed Jumba with her favorite Elvis record, Pleakley got an endearing rock to use as a paperweight, and Stitch was given a necklace adorned by the symbol of Kū.

Additionally, Jumba had his confiscated key returned to him while Pleakley obtained the role of chairman at G.A.C.C.’s Earth Studies department; most notably, Stitch was named Captain of the Galactic Armada in command over BRB-9000.

To conclude this special moment for all parties involved, Lilo accepted an ambassadorship from The Galactic Federation on behalf of Earth and assumed sole guardianship over every experiment onboard their ship.

The “Lilo and Stitch” movie series is one of the most beloved in Disney history and is a must-watch! With three full-length films and an animated television series, this franchise is the perfect choice for anyone looking for some fun family entertainment.

From comical intergalactic space adventures to heartfelt Hawaiian moments, these movies provide enough laughs and feels to make you want to watch them repeatedly!

Lilo and Stitch Movies Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration?

Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration was a breathtaking live performance with Stitch as the star of Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World Resort. In 2008, the building began on the east side of Tomorrowland, and by April 2009, it had been completed – just in time for everyone to witness this one-of-a-kind show!

What is The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha?

You can enter enchantment with The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha E Komo Mai! This stunning theatre in the round Audio-Animatronics show is in Tokyo Disneyland’s Adventureland and awaits your exploration!

What is Stitch Encounter?

It is undoubtedly a thrilling journey at Stitch Encounter, an interactive show housed within the Walt Disney Studios Park and Tomorrowland of Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland.

What is the later spin-off material after 2006?

After 2006, the anime series features Stitch. Where a young Japanese girl, Yuna Kamihara, took Lilo’s place. It is set on an imaginary island in Okinawa Prefecture instead of Hawaii. Furthermore, there is Chinese animated series called Stitch and Ai, which introduces us to Wang Ai Ling, who replaces Lilo as the main protagonist. Additionally, we have the manga version of Stitch and The Samurai, which focuses mainly on our beloved alien leading character.

How many Lilo and Stitch movies and shows are there?

The original Lilo and Stitch movie’s combined critical and commercial success (2002) led to three direct-to-video and television sequel films, a short film, three animated television series with characters like a Chinese girl named Wang Ai Ling, several video games like Game Boy Advance, some theme park attractions, and various merchandise.

Will there be more Lilo and Stitch movies?

According to the sources, there will be a Lilo and Stitch live-action remake of Disney’s film with the same name, to be released in 2024 by Walt Disney Pictures.

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