How to Watch Lilo and Stitch Movies in Order and Relive the Magic

In June 2002, when Lilo and Stitch premiered in cinemas, it was unexpectedly hailed as the perfect animated film that Disney desperately needed. After a prosperous period in the ’90s, dubbed the Disney Renaissance, marked by movies like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, the animation studio faced some rough patches in the early 2000s. Films such as The Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and the movie that came after Lilo and Stitch, Treasure Planet, were high-profile disappointments for the studio. To add to their woes, Treasure Planet turned out to be one of the biggest flops in the studio’s history.

Initially created by Chris Sanders, the unique idea – unrelated to any well-known fairy tale or narrative, and classified as a science fiction property – appeared an unusual choice for a Disney animated film given its prestigious background. However, the tale of an alien designed as a tool of destruction on Earth bonding with a family in Hawaii, particularly a young girl, resonated deeply with viewers. As such, Stitch has since emerged as one of Disney’s most successful characters, and this modest movie sparked a vast, intricate multimedia franchise that includes multiple spin-off films and television series.

It’s been more than two decades since the original showing of “Lilo & Stitch” in cinemas, and the series has expanded across numerous regions worldwide. Keeping up can be challenging! Given that the live-action reboot of “Lilo and Stitch” is causing a global sensation at the moment, this could be an ideal opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the initial film and the entire franchise. This beloved series instilled a vital lesson in many: “Ohana means family, and family means no one is ever left behind or forgotten”. To help you follow along, here’s the complete “Lilo and Stitch” series in order of release; if you prefer to watch each “Lilo and Stitch” production by their respective premiere dates, simply scroll down to the bottom.

‘Lilo and Stitch’ Franchise in Chronological Order

‘Lilo and Stitch’ (2002)

In the initial installment of the series, titled “Lilo & Stitch“, we’re introduced to the main characters: a genetically-engineered alien known as Experiment 626, also called Stitch, and a young human girl named Lilo. Following the tragic death of their parents in a car accident, Lilo is taken care of by her older sister, Nani. Meanwhile, Stitch’s creator, Jumba, and an expert on Earth, Pleakley, attempt to capture him. The story also features antagonists such as Gantu and Cobra Bubbles from Child Protection Services.

A Beloved & Enduring Animated Franchise Is Born

20 years following its debut, the animated film “Lilo and Stitch” stands as a remarkable milestone in animation, a significant stride in representation, and an emotionally poignant tale centered around family unity. A noteworthy aspect of “Lilo and Stitch” that would eventually become iconic within the franchise is the song “Aloha ‘Oe.” This song is a Hawaiian folk melody penned in 1878 by Liliʻuokalani, who was at the time Princess of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

In Hawaii, a particular symbol is widely recognized and has been interpreted by numerous artists throughout history. In the movie “Lilo and Stitch”, this symbol holds significant weight, being sung during one of the most poignant scenes. Specifically, when Nani thinks Lilo might be taken away by social services, she sings it to her sister as a promise that despite any hardships, they’ll reunite someday. This song serves as the emotional backbone for the entire series.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (Live-Action Remake, 2025)

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In October 2018, it was revealed that Walt Disney Pictures would be making a live-action version of their beloved 2002 animated film. Dean Fleischer Camp (known for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”) was chosen as director, while Chris Kekaniokalani Bright rewrote the script. Chris Sanders, who previously voiced and co-directed the lovable alien misfit Stitch in the franchise, is returning to his role and will share screen time with newcomer Maia Kealoha portraying Lilo. Sydney Agudong takes on the role of Nani, Lilo’s older sister, and Kaipo Dudoit replaces original actor Kahiau Machado in the part of David Kawena following his use of a racial slur in the past.

Both Old & New Faces Return for the Blockbuster Remake

In this adaptation of the blockbuster, many newcomers from Hollywood will make up the main cast, but some recognizable actors are also leading roles. These include Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and Tia Carrere, who was once the voice of Nani in the franchise, now playing Mrs. Kekoa. Similar to its cherished forerunner, this live-action remake follows the touching story of how a runaway alien befriends lonely Lilo and helps heal her heart and mend her fractured family through his incredible arrival.

Back in 2025 on May 23rd, I was part of the audience who witnessed the premiere of the revamped “Lilo & Stitch”. To nobody’s surprise, it outperformed its competitors during the Memorial Day weekend, raking in a staggering $182.6 million over four days and breaking box office records.

Initially, some old and new fans expressed doubts about the exclusion of Gantu and Jumba’s villainization. However, this big-screen reinvention proved to be a hit among moviegoers, receiving an “A” CinemaScore and a 93% approval rating from the Popcornmeter.

As of now, “Lilo & Stitch” has amassed over $627 million globally and is currently the third highest-grossing film of the year. This resurgence in popularity for Disney has made a sequel seem like an inevitable move.

‘Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch’ (2005)

People who grew up between the ’90s and early 2000s are likely familiar with the numerous direct-to-video sequels of Disney films, one unexpected example being “Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch,” which came out in 2005. This movie might have left many children puzzled since it was released after another “Lilo and Stitch” direct-to-video film and a well-liked TV series that were both still running. However, the absence of any other experiments clearly makes “Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch” a sequel to the original movie, preceding the significant events to come.

Love Conquers All in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Sequel

In a departure from its predecessors, this installment does not feature Daveighn Chase as Lilo’s voice; instead, Dakota Fanning steps into the role. The narrative delves into a malfunction within Stitch that has escalated since he was incomplete at the time of his creator, Jumba’s arrest. This flaw could prove fatal. The story tests the emotional bond between Lilo and Stitch, pushing it to its limits, with Stitch coming perilously close to death. However, it is Lilo’s love for him that ultimately saves him. The film concludes with “Aloha ‘Oe,” underscoring the idea that no matter what transpires, this family will stay united.

‘Stitch! The Movie’ (2003)

Back in 2003, I was thoroughly intrigued by the tantalizing teaser trailer for “Stitch! The Movie”. It raised a captivating query: if Stitch was experiment 626, then what about the other 625? This film served as a precursor to the small screen adventures of Lilo and Stitch with its release on video, coming just over a year after the initial movie graced our cinemas (though it chronologically follows the previously released direct-to-video sequel). Essentially, it laid the groundwork for the upcoming “Lilo and Stitch: The Series”.

Lilo & Stitch Must Capture All of Jumba’s Other Experiments

In my humble opinion, as a movie critic, “Stitch! The Movie” serves as the foundation for the ensuing series by establishing the main plot: Jumba’s other creations are loose on the island, and it falls upon Lilo and Stitch to track them down, curb their malevolent inclinations, and discover the right places for them. Simultaneously, the antagonist from the first film, Gantu, collaborates with Jumba’s former partner, Hämsterviel, in an attempt to capture all the experiments for nefarious purposes. This movie also introduces a few of Stitch’s kin, who will later be referred to as his cousins. First among them is Experiment 625, who shares all of Stitch’s abilities but was deemed a failure because he only desired to create sandwiches (he would later be christened Reuben), and Experiment 221, an electric experiment known as Sparky.

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‘Lilo & Stitch: The Series’ (2003 – 2006)

The series titled “Lilo & Stitch: The Series” follows our dynamic duo, Lilo and Stitch, as they encounter various experiments and aid them in finding their rightful places. This animated show presents a vibrant array of unique experiments with captivating talents that enrich the franchise’s universe, with Experiment 624, also known as Angel, being a fan favorite. With the power to corrupt experiments through song, Angel eventually becomes Stitch’s love interest. Debuting one month after “Stitch! The Movie,” this show aired from 2003 to 2006 over the course of 65 episodes. Similar to the first two movies in the series, the song “Aloha ‘Oe” plays a crucial role, serving as a comforting melody for Lilo during scary moments and helping Stitch conquer his fears.

The Lovable Duo Make Their Dazzling Return

One fascinating aspect of “Lilo & Stitch: The Series” lies in its creative expansion of the storyline by integrating it with other Disney animated series in unforeseen ways. Throughout the show’s run, there were four crossover episodes involving different Disney productions such as “Kim Possible,” “The Proud Family,” “American Dragon: Jake Long,” and “Recess.” These unique episodes were inspired by the teaser trailers for “Lilo & Stitch” that depicted Stitch infiltrating scenes from various Disney Renaissance films. This connection means that all these series, along with their sequels and further adventures, form a connected universe, suggesting that this franchise not only includes aliens but also spies, magical beings, and an abundance of intriguing storylines as well.

‘Leroy & Stitch’ (2006)

The animated series titled “Lilo & Stitch: The Series” is enclosed by two movies – initially introduced through “Stitch! The Movie“, and concluding with the 2006 film “Leroy & Stitch“. In the latter film, set during summer of 2006, we delve into the aftermath of Lilo and Stitch reuniting all experiments and providing them homes. Each character embarks on their own adventures to pursue lives they believe they desire, only to return and recognize that they had already found happiness within their family. Simultaneously, the antagonist Hämsterviel compels Jumba to develop a new experiment named Leroy, tasked with conquering the galaxy. He collects all remaining experiments in an attempt to destroy them, but Stitch and his companions thwart his plans, culminating in a grand celebration as one united family.

Family Is the Most Important Thing in ‘Leroy & Stitch’

Suitably, “Aloha Oe” plays a significant role in the film’s climax. Lilo gifted Jumba a record featuring Elvis Presley’s rendition of this song, which he used while creating Leroy, ensuring the experiment’s success. In the end, Lilo, Stitch, Reuben, and several other experiments unite to sing “Aloha Oe” to deactivate the numerous Leroys, ultimately triumphing in their mission. Originally a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching scene, this song now symbolizes heroic victory. Leroy and Stitch, being the conclusion of the initial part of the Lilo and Stitch series set in Hawaii, marked Lilo as the primary human character. Due to Stitch’s popularity with Disney, a spin-off series featuring him in various parts of the world would be developed in just a few short years.

‘Stitch & Ai’ (2017)

As a dedicated fan of the Lilo and Stitch universe, let me share my thoughts on the latest addition to the franchise – “Stitch & Ai”. This captivating television series, unfortunately short-lived with only 13 episodes, was produced in English Donghua style and premiered in 2016, post the events of Leroy & Stitch.

In this spin-off, our beloved Stitch finds himself as a cherished pet to a young Chinese girl named Wang Ai Ling, echoing the original bond between Stitch and Lilo. The series shifts the focus from other experiments, introducing new conflicts involving alien factions – namely, the Jaboodies and the Woolagongs. These hostile groups aim to transform our favorite blue alien into a weapon of mass destruction, making Stitch’s adventures even more thrilling!

Stitch Heads to China For a Brand New Adventure

Just as the initial story centers around Hawaiian traditions, Stitch & Ai revolves around Chinese culture and folklore. Ai resides in the mountains and wishes to remain there following her parents’ demise. However, her aunt Daiyu persistently pursues her to bring her into the city, intending to transform her into a “proper lady”, much like she is trying to do with her sister Jiejie. This portrayal offers a realistic insight into rural life in contemporary China. Additionally, Stitch searches tirelessly for a spiritual sanctuary that he sees in his dreams. The tale includes references to ancient scrolls, dragons, and other mystical beings such as the xiezhi or the nian, a legendary bond, a Lunar New Year celebration, and much more.

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‘Stitch!’ (2008 – 2011)

“Stitch!” represents the second animated installment in the franchise, serving as the initial spin-off. It shifted the setting from Hawaii to Japan and aired from 2008 to 2010, accompanied by two anime films – one in 2011 and another in 2012. The series features Stitch alongside a young girl named Yuna, as well as the reappearance of Jumba and Pleakley. Remarkably, despite receiving heroic conclusions at the end of Leroy and Stitch, both Gantu and Experiment 625 resume their villainous roles.

Lilo & Stitch Is Given an Anime Makeover

In simpler terms, it’s possible that both “Stitch!” and “Stitch & Ai” are separate storylines that follow Leroy and Stitch. The character of an adult Lilo with a daughter similar to her age when she first encountered Stitch implies that “Stitch!” occurs after “Stitch & Ai”. This is because the series reveals that Stitch and Lilo parted ways when Lilo went to college, and their planned reunion on the beach was delayed due to Nani giving birth. Lilo was thought to have forgotten Stitch, but they eventually reunite in a heartwarming manner.

If “Stitch!” is the latest chapter in the “Lilo and Stitch” saga, this provides a heartwarming conclusion to their story. Just as the song “Aloha ‘Oe” from the first movie poetically conveys, the series suggests that despite being separated, Lilo and Stitch share an unbreakable family bond that will inevitably draw them back together. As they embark on new adventures in life, it’s only a matter of time before their paths cross again.

Stream the Lilo & Stitch Franchise on Disney+

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Series in Release Order

Return to Lilo and Stitch Movies in Chronological Order

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2025-06-06 02:34