--- title: "Lilo & Stitch" year: 2002 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch" fi1m_id: "lilo-and-stitch" imdb_id: "tt0275847" tmdb_id: 11544 wikidata_id: "Q36092" fi1m_score: 82 critics_score: 70 critics_reviews: 11 published: "2026-10-05T02:45:19.114270+00:00" updated: "2026-10-05T02:45:19.402782+00:00" region: "VN" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Lilo & Stitch (2002) Directed by Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders · 1h 25m · Animation, Family, Comedy, Science Fiction ## Identity Lilo & Stitch - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** lilo-and-stitch - **IMDb ID:** tt0275847 - **TMDB ID:** 11544 - **Wikidata ID:** Q36092 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0275847/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/11544, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36092 **Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 70 from 11 reviews *In a sentence:* A small alien makes a reasonable case for being the second most difficult person in the household > *Lilo & Stitch* gives its family quarrels as much attention as its alien mischief, and earns its sentiment. The pursuit gets tiresome, but the voices and watercolour backgrounds make this a warm recommendation. ## Synopsis In Hawaii, Lilo (voiced by Daveigh Chase) is at odds with her sister Nani (Tia Carrere). She finds an unlikely friend in Stitch (Chris Sanders), an alien with pursuers of his own. Lilo wants companionship, but getting along with Nani is already difficult, and Stitch gives the sisters something else to contend with. His alien captors bring a science-fiction chase into the middle of their family quarrels. As Lilo grows attached to Stitch, the sisters face the difficulty of making room for a companion who does not readily fit into their lives. ## Review [*Lilo & Stitch*](https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch-2025) is a funny, tender family film that occasionally gets distracted by the business of chasing an alien. We recommend it for the friendship and the quarrels, both of which Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois take seriously without making them solemn. Their Hawaiian setting allows a sense of everyday life to survive alongside the science-fiction commotion. There are people here with things to do and disagreements to finish, even when the plot would prefer another interruption. Daveigh Chase makes Lilo’s difficult streak funny without asking us to excuse everything she does. Her voice can be demanding and blunt, and the writing does not insist that every awkward remark conceal some convenient wisdom. Tia Carrere gives Nani enough exasperation to make their arguments feel like conversations that started before we arrived. We were moved by the sisters’ quarrelling, because both voices let affection remain audible when neither character is being especially kind. The film lets them be cross with each other for longer than a tidier family comedy might. Chris Sanders also voices Stitch, and understands how much comedy can come from making the creature sound difficult to reason with. The performance is funny without smoothing away the strangeness that makes the friendship interesting. Stitch’s design gives the animators a character whose misbehaviour is pleasurable to watch, even when the gag itself is slight. The bond with Lilo grows out of their awkwardness, and the writing wisely leaves some of that awkwardness in place when it begins asking for our sympathy. Paul A. Felix’s production design is a substantial part of the welcome. The watercolour backgrounds make Hawaii feel like a place worth paying attention to between jokes. Their softness leaves room for the characters’ broad expressions without making every part of the picture compete for attention. There is pleasure in simply looking at the setting, even when the alien comedy begins to feel repetitive. Darren T. Holmes keeps the film brisk across its 85 minutes, though the pace can feel impatient around the sisters’ arguments. We wanted more time with them before returning to the science-fiction business. Alan Silvestri’s music sometimes presses the tenderness too hard, although its warmth suits these characters. The Elvis songs provide some welcome swagger, loosening up a film whose music can otherwise seem too eager to make a touching moment register. The weaker writing belongs to the alien captors. Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois get fewer laughs from these interruptions, and the pursuit starts to feel like something the film has promised to supply regardless of how well the family story is going. The comedy becomes busier, with less surprise in the jokes. This is a noticeable weakness in such a short film, though it never quite displaces the pleasure of spending time with Lilo and Stitch. Family animation often hurries to make difficult behaviour acceptable, supplying an explanation and a correction before anyone has become too uncomfortable. This film gives its characters enough room to remain awkward, which makes the affection between them convincing. It also trusts us to care about an argument without needing someone to win it. Choose it for family viewing without expecting the family on screen to set an example. *Fi1m score 82, published 5 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond warmly to Lilo & Stitch, with praise clustering around its Hawaiian setting, watercolour backgrounds and unlikely central friendship. The animation’s inviting atmosphere earns repeated approval, while several reviews find the culturally specific setting a refreshing change of pace for Disney. The stronger notices also value the film’s modest scale and emotional warmth, finding believable characters and mature themes beneath the alien mischief. Stitch’s wit and distinctive design attract praise too. The spread is fairly wide, with humour and consistency dividing opinion more than the artwork. Total Film enjoys the adventure but finds weaknesses in the plot and comedy, judging it better suited to children than adults. Eye for Film admires the sharp script while finding the energy and emotional restraint uneven. The Guardian is the clearest dissent, acknowledging the cheerful tone but finding the film disappointing. The consensus is favourable, though enthusiasm is far from uniform. ## Straight answers **Is Lilo & Stitch worth watching?** *Lilo & Stitch* is worth watching for its funny, affectionate treatment of family quarrels and an unlikely friendship; we score it 82 out of 100. We recommend it for family viewing, with the caveat that the alien pursuit grows repetitive and interrupts the more rewarding business between Lilo and her sister. **How long is Lilo & Stitch, and what is it rated?** *Lilo & Stitch* runs 1h 25m. It is an animation and family film. **Where can I watch Lilo & Stitch in Vietnam?** *Lilo & Stitch* is not on any streaming or rental service in Vietnam at the moment. It is available in 48 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How does Lilo & Stitch compare to The Iron Giant?** *Lilo & Stitch* is the better fit for family squabbles and unruly comedy, while [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) suits those wanting a tender friendship with more to worry about. We recommend both for making an alarming creature lovable without smoothing away its strangeness, though Stitch’s repetitive pursuit is a drawback, while the robot’s story sometimes draws its adults too neatly. **What should I watch after Lilo & Stitch?** After *Lilo & Stitch*, try [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) (1999, Fi1m 88): Another unlikely friendship that lets an alarming creature earn our affection. Then [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro) (1988, Fi1m 89): Patient attention to sisters whose difficult feelings deserve more than a lesson; and [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): Softly drawn outsiders find company, with enough mischief to keep sentiment honest. ### Reviews we read (11) - **Slant Magazine**, Ed Gonzalez (3.5/4): Gonzalez finds the film warm, intimate, and subversive, ultimately praising its heartfelt message. He singles out the lovingly rendered island rhythms and cultural influences, along with Stitch’s sharp wit. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/lilo-and-stitch/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Michael Rechtshaffen (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film fresh and delightful, praising its energetic humor and emotional warmth. He singles out the vivid watercolor backgrounds and the film’s culturally specific Hawaiian setting. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lilo-stitch-animated-movie-review-1236297055/) - **Variety**, Todd McCarthy (80/100, inferred): McCarthy finds the film a refreshing, agreeably modest change of pace for Disney animation. He especially praises its lovely watercolor backgrounds, which give the film an inviting atmosphere. [Read](https://variety.com/2002/film/awards/lilo-stitch-1200549065/) - **Empire**, William Thomas (75/100, inferred): Thomas finds the film enjoyable, with its sentiment made more effective by mature themes and believable characters. He particularly praises the confident animation and Elvis songs, while noting that the alien captors provide fewer laughs than intended. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/lilo-stitch-review/) - **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (3/4): Ebert gives the film a positive review. He singles out its distinctive Hawaiian setting and endearing characters. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lilo-and-stitch-2002) - **The New York Times**, Elvis Mitchell (70/100, inferred): Mitchell’s review is positive about the film. It highlights the Hawaiian setting and the unlikely friendship at its center. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/21/movies/film-review-escaping-deep-space-exile-and-making-friends-in-hawaii.html) - **Screen Daily**, Jonathan Romney (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but the review itself is inaccessible. Its verdict and any specific praise or criticism cannot be determined from the available text. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/lilo-and-stitch/409795.article) - **Time Out**, DA (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a film review, but its verdict is not visible in the accessible material. The available text describes Lilo's conflict with her sister but offers no discernible praise or complaint. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/lilo-stitch-1) - **Total Film**, Total Film (3/5): The review finds it an enjoyable sci-fi adventure, though aimed more at children than adults. It praises Stitch’s design and the film’s warm, inventive watercolour backgrounds, while noting shortcomings in the plot and comedy. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/lilo-and-stitch-review/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (40/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the film cheerful but below par. He praises its cheerful tone while judging the feature cartoon disappointing overall. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/93143) - **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the film subversive, sharp and witty, though its energy and emotional restraint come and go. He praises the lively script and the unlikely friendship at its center. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/lilo-stitch-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) ## Details - **Director:** Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders - **Director:** Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders - **Writer:** Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders - **Editor:** Darren T. Holmes - **Music:** Alan Silvestri - **Production design:** Paul A. Felix - **Producer:** Clark Spencer - **Cast:** Daveigh Chase as Lilo (voice); Chris Sanders as Stitch (voice); Tia Carrere as Nani (voice); David Ogden Stiers as Jumba (voice); Kevin McDonald as Pleakley (voice); Ving Rhames as Cobra Bubbles (voice); Zoe Caldwell as Grand Councilwoman (voice); Jason Scott Lee as David Kawena (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 25m - **First release (the US):** 16 June 2002 - **Genres:** Animation, Family, Comedy, Science Fiction - **Budget:** $80 million - **Box office:** $273 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAtaSKQ4-T0 ## Where to watch in Vietnam Not streaming, renting or buying in Vietnam at the last check. Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2003: Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2002: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Critics' Choice Awards 2002: Best Animated Feature (nominated) ## If you liked this - *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: Another unlikely friendship that lets an alarming creature earn our affection. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md) - *My Neighbour Totoro* (1988), Fi1m 89: Patient attention to sisters whose difficult feelings deserve more than a lesson. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro.md) - *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: Softly drawn outsiders find company, with enough mischief to keep sentiment honest. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md) - *The Kid* (1921), Fi1m 84: An improvised family faces real hardship without losing its appetite for trouble. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-kid.md) - *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: Sibling friction and hand-drawn landscapes make the fantasy feel close to home. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch