The film opens on the planet Turo, where a scientist named Dr. Jumba Jookiba is put on trial for illegal genetic experimentation. Jumba’s latest creation, Experiment 626, is a small, blue, and mischievous creature designed for destruction. Despite Jumba’s protestations, Experiment 626 is sentenced to exile.
Experiment 626, now named Stitch, escapes to the planet Earth and crash-lands in the Hawaiian town of Kauai. There, he is mistaken for a dog and taken to an animal shelter. Meanwhile, we meet Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl who lives with her older sister Nani after the death of their parents. Lilo is a lonely and misunderstood girl who struggles to fit in with her peers.
Nani decides to adopt a pet for Lilo to help her feel less lonely, and they visit the animal shelter. Lilo immediately takes a liking to Stitch and adopts him, unaware of his extraterrestrial origins. Despite his destructive tendencies, Lilo sees something special in Stitch and believes he can be taught to be good.
As Lilo tries to teach Stitch how to behave and integrate into their family, they encounter challenges, including the interference of social worker Cobra Bubbles, who threatens to remove Lilo from Nani’s custody if they cannot provide a stable environment for her.
Meanwhile, Jumba and Pleakley, an Earth expert sent to recapture Stitch, arrive on Earth to track down Experiment 626. They discover Stitch living with Lilo and realize that he has begun to develop feelings and bonds with his new family. Jumba and Pleakley decide to observe Stitch’s progress before attempting to capture him.
As Stitch learns about love, friendship, and ohana (family), he begins to change for the better. However, his past catches up with him when Captain Gantu, a relentless alien bounty hunter, arrives on Earth to capture Stitch and take him back to Turo.
In a climactic showdown, Stitch must confront his past and save his new family from Gantu’s clutches. With the help of Lilo, Nani, Jumba, Pleakley, and the support of the people of Kauai, Stitch proves that he is capable of love and selflessness.
In the end, Stitch is granted a second chance and officially becomes a part of Lilo and Nani’s family. The film concludes with a message about the importance of love, acceptance, and ohana, as Lilo, Nani, Stitch, Jumba, Pleakley, and their friends celebrate their newfound bonds and happiness together.
“Lilo & Stitch” is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning animation. It has become a beloved classic in the Disney canon, spawning several sequels, television series, and merchandise, and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages around the world.