For over 20 years now, the Lilo & Stitch franchise has captured hearts around the globe with its natural blend of hilarious adventures, heartwarming bonds of family, and good ol’ Hawaiian charm. What started as a single Disney animated movie in 2002 eventually explored into a full-fledged multipart (and multi-language) franchise, with new movies, TV series, spin-offs, and shorts continuing to bring more of Stitch and Lilo’s stories to the screen for new generations to adore.
Over the years, the franchise spawned three direct-to-video series, inspired animated TV series, and a Chinese spin-off series. Each installment, whether it was set against the backdrop of Kauai or the shores of Okinawa, saw the mismatched but perfect duo of Lilo and Stitch taking on dangerous threats and discovering the meaning of family. The franchise’s popularity and its timeless exploration of themes of friendship and acceptance has made Stitch, originally known as Experiment 626, an iconic character in Disney’s wide catalog of creations.
Excitingly, Disney is set to release a live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch in the upcoming year. Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, the movie promises to stay true to the original’s spirit. It will star Maia Kealoha as Lilo Pelekai, with the franchise’s writer and director Chris Sanders reprising his voice role as Stitch. While details are still emerging, fans can take some time to honor the legacy of the original and understand just why Lilo & Stitch is a cherished part of Disney’s history. Here is a complete ranking of the Lilo & Stitch franchise in all its forms.
8 Stitch! New Specials (2012, 2015)
Stitch! New Specials are two post-series specials that were released on Disney+ after the third season of Stitch! ended. They are both split into two episodes each, titled “Stitch and the Planet of Sand” and “Perfect Memory” respectively. In the first one, Stitch is summoned to the desolate and war-torn planet of Katuna to help resolve a conflict that threatens the entire world.
So, he leaves his friend Yuna and Earth behind to navigate the treacherous sands, face formidable foes, and bring peace to Katuna. The second television special, “Stitch! Perfect Memory,” delves into the emotional core of Stitch’s journey as Yuna goes missing and Stitch desperately searches for her. The plot follows all his efforts to find Yuna, which is both heartwarming and intense.
Epic and Heartfelt Bonus
Both the specials arrive as little packets of bonuses for fans of the franchise, taking bold risks by creating stories that are not serialized but still as atmospheric and touching. In the first TV special, there are action-infused scenes and moments of introspection as the beloved blue alien grapples with his role in a new environment, while the second TV special is heavy on themes of friendship as it adds a poignant new layer to Stitch’s character.
Both are standouts, feature exciting appearances from new experiments, and were well appreciated by audiences, but they leave no impact on the overall franchise and are often overlooked as mere episodes within the anime series.
7 Stitch & Ai (2017)
After having ventured into the Japanese animation medium, the beloved franchise inspired a donghua spin-off and graced the small screens with Stitch and Ai. The series basically captures the adventures of the titular alien against the backdrop of China’s Huangshan mountains. It follows his journey with a Chinese girl named Wang Ai Ling, who helps Stitch in warding off the Jaboodies and Woolagongs, two rival alien factions seeking his powers to win a space war.
Stitch Takes on New Adventures
Stitch and Ai, like all other installments in the franchise, explores themes of family, loyalty, and courage. But what makes it less engaging than the rest is that it feels a little too Chinese in its portrayal of the classic Disney tale. And while that does not have to be a bad thing because the animation is so beautiful, the series appears to have changed everything that made the original so heartfelt. The supporting characters and Stitch’s cousins are replaced by mythical beasts that Jumba creates after reading Chinese scrolls, which is fun to watch.
6 Leroy & Stitch (2006)
Serving as the last installment in the Lilo & Stitch movie series, Leroy & Stitch neatly wraps up the adventures of Lilo, Stitch, and their extended family. Picking up where Lilo & Stitch: The Series left off, the plot of Leroy & Stitch sees Lilo being forced to part ways with Stitch, Jumba, and Pleakley. Meanwhile, Dr. Hämsterviel escapes prison and creates Leroy, an evil clone of Stitch. As Leroy multiplies and threatens the galaxy, Lilo, Stitch, and their friends unite to stop the menacing Leroy and his army.
An Epic Conclusion to the Series
Under Tony Craig and Roberts Gannaway’s expert direction, Leroy & Stitch concludes a saga of heartwarming storylines and beloved characters with an epic showdown between good and evil. It is packed with action and wacky powers, lacks some of the emotional depth that makes the original a standout, but is overall refreshing and fun to watch. Besides the ensemble voice cast shining in the final battle, the introduction of Leroy is an interesting aspect of the movie.
5 Stitch! (2008 – 2011)
An anime spin-off, Stitch! transports the mischievous titular alien to Japan, where he befriends a carefree girl named Yuna Kamihara, who acts as a replacement for Lilo. The series is set on a fictional island off the coast of Okinawa, and it follows their adventures as they encounter new threats and face various exciting challenges. With Madhouse behind the production, the series introduces cultural elements unique to Japan, which makes the antics of Stitch both refreshing and familiar at the same time.
Puts a Cultural Twist on the Franchise
By reimagining the franchise in a new anime format, Stitch!brings a new perspective to the original’s innate themes of friendship, community, and resilience. Directors Masami Hata and Fumihiro Yoshimura know their target audiences and in three seasons, the second and third, titled The Mischievous Alien’s Great Adventure and Best Friends Forever respectively, revive the storytelling, character dynamics, and essence of Stitch’s personality in a creative way. The world-building and sci-fi lore alone make it a notable entry in the franchise.
4 Stitch! The Movie (2003)
A direct-to-video follow-up to the 2002 movie, Stitch! The Movie is set shortly after the events of the original. Stitch is thrilled about the idea of fitting into and expanding his newfound ‘ohana but he’s also finding it hard to adapt to life in Hawaii. When Captain Gantu, the large and muscular alien antagonist, abducts Stitch’s friend and creator, Jumba, and the other experiments, Lilo and Stitch must embark on a mission to save them.
A Perfect Bridge to the Series
Expanding the franchise by introducing new characters like Experiment 625, who, despite having the same powers as Stitch, is more interested in sandwiches, the movie delivers the same charm and humor of the original. It also turns out to be an essential viewing because it lays the groundwork for Lilo & Stitch: The Series for viewers to seamlessly transition from one medium to another. The bond between Lilo and Stitch adds depth to the universe, and the engaging plot is just a feather in the cap.
3 Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005)
Chronology-wise, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch takes place between the original movie and the TV series. It serves as a direct sequel to the original and focuses mainly on Stitch’s malfunction that threatens his bond with Lilo. From the title itself, you can tell that Stitch is beginning to glitch. Meaning, he’s going back to his destructive ways, for which he was programmed, and Lilo must find a way to save him while preparing for a hula competition.
A Heartfelt and Character-Driven Sequel
Disney has always had a way creating characters that strike an emotional chord with viewers. In the Lilo & Stitch franchise, the studio achieves it by diving into Stitch’s internal struggle and Lilo’s determination, all while highlighting the themes of friendship and loyalty. The plot is both touching and thrilling, and the added element of a ticking clock to save Stitch from an impending doom makes it more compelling. Directed by Tony Leondis and Michael LaBash, the movie features effective voice acting from Dakota Fanning as Lilo.
2 Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003 – 2006)
Directly continuing the story from Stitch! The Movie, which acted as a direct-to-video pilot for the series, Lilo & Stitch: The Series follows the titular characters as they embark on a mission to capture and rehabilitate Dr. Jumba’s 625 other experiments scattered across Hawaii. Each episode of the two seasons introduces a new experiment as Lilo, with her unwavering belief in the concept of ‘ohana (family), tries to convert them from chaotic creatures to helpful members of society.
An Offbeat Adventure That Expands the Universe
Lilo & Stitch: The Series aired on Disney Channel as a series that wonderfully fleshed out the franchise’s goofy sci-fi world, infused it with rich elements of Hawaiian culture, and created a family-friendly story. With Victor Cook and Don MacKinnon’s expert guidance, the show balances action, comedy, and light-hearted moments, making it a vital part of the franchise.
The episodic format not only allows audiences to return to their favorite characters but also for the creative team to further develop them and integrate them into the movies’ narratives.
1 Lilo & Stitch (2002)
A movie that holds a special place in Disney’s post-animation renaissance era in the 2000s, Lilo & Stitch is the original hit. The place where it all started. The movie centers around two characters – a hot-headed, nearly-indestructible alien, Experiment 626, who escapes from intergalactic government agents and lands on the tropical beaches of Kauaʻi, Hawaii, on planet Earth, and a quirky, young Lilo Pelekai, who lives under the care of her older sister. Lilo adapts the alien as her new “dog” and names him Stitch, following which, the two form a close bond, and Stitch begins to rethink his intended purpose.
Breaks Ground With Its Beloved Story
Lilo & Stitch was the debut movie that established an entire franchise, along with its nexus of a heartwarming friendship that thrives against all odds. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois and based on an original story from Sanders, it was equal parts gut-busting and thoughtful. Sanders also lent his voice to Stitch, while Daveigh Chase was incredible as Lilo. A true animated adventure with a science fiction setting, it remains an utterly charming pinnacle entry in the franchise.
