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Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch is a Disney media franchise that began with the 2002 animated film of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lilo & Stitch is a Disney media franchise that began with the 2002 animated film of the same name. It centers on Lilo Pelekai, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, an alien experiment designed for destruction who becomes part of her family through the Hawaiian concept of ʻohana. The property has expanded into sequels, television series, and a 2025 live-action remake.

Overview

Lilo & Stitch began as a 2002 animated Disney film about an orphaned girl and an alien experiment who become a family. It became a franchise with spin-offs and adaptations.

Plot and themes

The original film follows Lilo and Stitch as they form a bond while dealing with loss, belonging, and family. ʻOhana is a central theme and is repeatedly used to frame the story's emotional core.

Characters

The main characters include Lilo Pelekai, Stitch, Nani Pelekai, Dr. Jumba Jookiba, and Agent Pleakley. The franchise also introduces many supporting experiments and recurring alien and human characters.

Sequels, series, and remake

The franchise expanded into later animated instalments, a television series, and a 2025 live-action remake. These productions continue the core premise of Stitch and Lilo navigating family and identity.

Key facts

  • The original film follows Lilo, an orphaned Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, an alien experiment initially created to cause chaos and destruction.
  • Stitch is voiced in the original animated film by Chris Sanders.
  • The story is centered on ʻohana, the Hawaiian idea of extended family.
  • The franchise includes direct-to-video sequels, a television series, and a 2025 live-action remake.
  • Major recurring characters include Lilo, Stitch, Nani, Jumba Jookiba, and Pleakley.
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Canadian context

The franchise has been widely distributed in Canada through Disney releases, home video, television broadcasting, and streaming, making it familiar to Canadian audiences as part of Disney's global catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lilo and Stitch about?
It is about Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, an alien experiment who was made for destruction but becomes part of her family. The story focuses on belonging, loss, and ʻohana.
Who voices Stitch?
In the original animated film and much of the franchise, Stitch is voiced by Chris Sanders.
Who are the main Lilo and Stitch characters?
The main characters include Lilo Pelekai, Stitch, Nani Pelekai, Dr. Jumba Jookiba, and Agent Pleakley.
What is Lilo and Stitch 2?
Lilo & Stitch 2 usually refers to Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, a 2005 animated sequel released for home video.
What is the Lilo and Stitch live action film?
Lilo & Stitch (2025) is Disney's live-action remake of the 2002 animated film, retelling the story of Lilo and Stitch in a new production format.
What are the Lilo and Stitch songs?
The original film features songs associated with Elvis Presley, who is prominently used in the soundtrack and in Lilo's characterisation. The score also includes original music by Alan Silvestri.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilo_&_Stitch
    Supports: Original film plot, main characters, and release context
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilo_&_Stitch_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise overview, recurring characters, and expanded continuity
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilo_&_Stitch_(2025_film)
    Supports: 2025 live-action remake
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stitch_(Lilo_%26_Stitch)
    Supports: Stitch character background and identity
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilo_%26_Stitch:_The_Series
    Supports: Television series and franchise expansion