Since June 26 is known as Stitch Day, in honor of Experiment 626, it's time to talk about everyone's favorite blue alien. If you were looking for a way to celebrate, check out this list of Stitch's movies and TV shows to see if any can bring your "ohana" together.
Though some of these offerings would probably be better exiled to an isolated planet, they are enjoyed by a diverse fan group of the destructive and fluffy "dog." That said, here is the best and worst of Stitch.
Best: Lilo & Stitch (2002)
You can never beat the OG. When this movie first came out, it wasn't as successful as Disney might have hoped. But they never could have seen the impact Lilo & Stitch would have over time. A small but destructive alien flees from capture and crash-lands on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. There, he meets a lonely girl, Lilo, who teaches him that there is more to life than chaos and being evil. With the Hawaiian music, culture, and themes of love and family, this movie is the definite go-to for the best Stitch media.
Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005)
I am not ashamed to admit that I cried during this straight-to-video sequel. This is one of the very few Disney sequels I have watched more than once, and it does a good job of expanding the story. When Stitch was created, his molecules weren't fully charged before intergalactic police captured him. Now, he keeps glitching and reverting to his evil instincts. This clashes with his desire to help Lilo win the hula competition. It will resonate with any neurodivergent kids and their parents, as it discusses behavior and actions that Stitch can't control. Lilo learns to love Stitch for who he is, and Stitch realizes that he is not inherently bad.
Stitch! The Movie (2003) and Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003-2006)
These two get put together because Stitch! The Movie is really just a feature-length pilot episode for the series. The movie and series are about Stitch's cousins, Jumba's 625 other experiments. They were all in a special holding chamber like pokeballs. But when they get wet, they are all released. Lilo and Stitch must find and collect all the cousins before Captain Gantu gets them. I thought the premise was cute and clever, and I loved all the different experiments. Plus, if we were basing the rankings on best music, this would be above Lilo & Stitch 2. The series' theme was so catchy!
The Origin of Stitch (2005)
A short film that was released with Lilo & Stitch 2, it tells more about Stitch's creation. It's a cute little video that shows a soft side to Jumba as he explains that Lilo taught Stitch to love. With the other movies and episodes of the series, though, it doesn't feel that necessary. But, if you want to check it out, you can find it under the "extras" of Lilo & Stitch 2 on Disney+.
Lilo & Stitch (2025)
I bet you thought this would be the worst on my list, right? While reviews have been mixed, the live-action Lilo & Stitch is still a good offering for kids. Most of the issues with the film, though not trivial, are ones that adults have with it. I personally am upset by the ending and some of the changes that they made to certain characters. I feel like they didn't handle the complex issues of foster care and "broken families" as well as the animated version. And, I am a bit tired of all the remakes. I much prefer the animated classics. But my kids enjoyed this one, and it was closer to the original than many other live-action remakes, so it was still worth it.
Worst: Leroy & Stitch (2006)
Unless you cannot get enough of Stitch, no matter what, this movie really doesn't need to be seen. If, after you have watched the entire series and still feel that you need more content, then you don't have to be disappointed. But Leroy & Stitch just felt like the creators of the TV series were trying to milk it for all it was worth. This left the movie about Stitch's evil twin feeling worn out and a bit boring. Really, you have plenty of other options for Stitch Day that would be more enjoyable.
So, do you agree with the rankings? And, how does your family celebrate Stitch Day? Make sure that no matter what you do, no one gets left behind on the fun!