Common Sense Media Review
Great characters, life lessons in Hawaii-set Disney film.
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Lilo & Stitch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 67 parent reviews
Parents say that the movie features intense themes and a significant amount of violence that may not be suitable for young children, with many highlighting disturbing elements such as threats from social workers and aggressive behavior among characters. While some appreciate the underlying message about family and acceptance, many reviewers express concern that the film could be frightening or negatively influence children's behavior, making them act out or feel anxious about familial separation.
- violence concerns
- themes of family
- frightening elements
- mixed reviews
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 82 kid reviews
Kids say this animated classic is heartwarming, funny, and perfect for families, with strong messages about friendship and the importance of family. While some reviewers caution that certain scenes might be intense for very young children, most consider it suitable for ages 6 and up, praising its humor and relatability.
- family importance
- suitable for kids
- heartwarming messages
- humorous elements
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
LILO & STITCH opens on a faraway planet with all kinds of alien creatures. One of them, a scientist (voiced by David Ogden Stiers), has been experimenting with genetics and has created an indestructible destruction machine called 626 that takes the form of a mischievous little blue creature (Chris Sanders). The scientist is imprisoned, but the experiment escapes and races off to a planet they refer to as "E-Arth." So the scientist and an Earth expert (Kevin McDonald) are sent to recapture him with as little damage as possible. 626 lands in Hawaii and disguises himself as a dog, getting adopted by a little girl named Lilo (Daveigh Chase) who's grieving the loss of her parents. She names him Stitch and teaches him that even a creature designed to destroy can learn to create—and love.
Is It Any Good?
A cute story, endearing characters, a sensational soundtrack of Elvis classics, and glorious hand-painted animation make this Disney film a winner. At its heart, Lilo & Stitch is an old-fashioned story of a child and a pet. But this isn't the usual movie child, and it's definitely not the usual pet. The Hawaiian location and gorgeous visuals give it a fresh feeling. And instead of the usual Disney heroine who's waiting to be saved, there's Nani (Tia Carrere), Lilo's older sister, who's struggling to grow up quickly so that she can care for Lilo the way her parents did.
Lilo is adorable, and her relationship with her sister is a believable mixture of affection, resentment, and connection. Both are deeply affected by the loss of their parents, and their behavior and how they treat the people around them reflect the trauma and grief they're enduring. Ving Rhames adds just the right note of wry authority to his role as Cobra Bubbles, the social worker with a surprising past, and Jason Scott Lee is fine as Nani's friend who would like to be more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how ohana and family are defined in Lilo & Stitch. As Lilo puts it: "No one gets left behind or forgotten." What does family mean to you?
Is this movie scarier than other Disney movies (or other cartoon movies in general)? Why, or why not?
Why didn't Stitch stay the destructive monster he was designed to be? Did anything surprise you in the scenes at the end that showed what happened to Lilo and Stitch and Nani?
How does Lilo show compassion to Stitch and her sister despite her behavior at the beginning of the movie?
How does Nani demonstrate courage and perseverance as she tries to keep her family together?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 21, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : December 3, 2002
- Cast : Chris Sanders , Daveigh Chase , Tia Carrere
- Directors : Chris Sanders , Dean DeBlois
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some peril and scariness
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Winner , Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee
- Last updated : January 29, 2026
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