--- title: "Lilo & Stitch: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch" critics_score: 70 critics_reviews: 11 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): what the critics said Critics' score 70 from 11 reviews: 6 positive, 4 mixed, 1 negative. 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. ## Slant Magazine — Ed Gonzalez Rating 3.5/4. 19 June 2002. 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 the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/lilo-and-stitch/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Michael Rechtshaffen Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 17 June 2002. 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 the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lilo-stitch-animated-movie-review-1236297055/) ## Variety — Todd McCarthy Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 16 June 2002. 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 the review](https://variety.com/2002/film/awards/lilo-stitch-1200549065/) ## Empire — William Thomas Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. 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 the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/lilo-stitch-review/) ## RogerEbert.com — Roger Ebert Rating 3/4. 21 June 2002. Ebert gives the film a positive review. He singles out its distinctive Hawaiian setting and endearing characters. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lilo-and-stitch-2002) ## The New York Times — Elvis Mitchell Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 21 June 2002. Mitchell’s review is positive about the film. It highlights the Hawaiian setting and the unlikely friendship at its center. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/21/movies/film-review-escaping-deep-space-exile-and-making-friends-in-hawaii.html) ## Screen Daily — Jonathan Romney Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 2 July 2002. 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 the review](https://www.screendaily.com/lilo-and-stitch/409795.article) ## Time Out — DA Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 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 the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/lilo-stitch-1) ## Total Film — Total Film Rating 3/5. 4 October 2002. 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 the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/lilo-and-stitch-review/) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). Bradshaw finds the film cheerful but below par. He praises its cheerful tone while judging the feature cartoon disappointing overall. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/93143) ## Eye for Film — Angus Wolfe Murray Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 3 October 2002. 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 the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/lilo-stitch-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch.md