Disney’s naming conventions are a mess, so let's clear the air. There is the 2005 animated movie, and then there is the sequel to the live-action remake (which is currently in production/release territory as of mid-2026).

The animated Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch is actually a direct sequel to the original 2002 film, ignoring the other spin-offs. It’s short, punchy, and focuses entirely on the core family. The upcoming 2028 live-action sequel, however, is expected to expand the "Experiment" universe, finally bringing fan-favorite characters like Angel to the big screen.

At the most recent Disney D23 showcase, the studio confirmed that a sequel to the live-action Lilo & Stitch is officially in the works for 2028. Based on the teaser and the massive popularity of the character in theme parks and merch, this movie will almost certainly introduce Angel (Experiment 624).

If your kid is obsessed with the pink Stitch-lookalike they see on backpacks and plush shelves, this is the movie they’ve been waiting for. In the original lore, Angel has a "siren song" that turns good experiments evil. From a parent’s perspective, this is a perfect setup for a conversation about influence—how one person’s "vibe" or words can change the energy of a whole group. It’s basically "mean girl" dynamics, but with Hawaiian aliens.

If you’re cueing up the 2005 animated Stitch Has a Glitch for a casual Tuesday, be warned: it’s a tear-jerker. The plot involves Stitch’s molecules "glitching" because he wasn't fully charged when Jumba created him.

He isn't just being "bad"—he is literally breaking down. It’s a transparent but effective metaphor for a kid who can’t control their outbursts or a family member dealing with a serious illness.

Why it works:

The "Ohana" concept is the franchise's heartbeat, but the sequels take it further by showing that families aren't just born—they’re maintained. In the 2005 movie, Lilo has to decide to stay by Stitch’s side even when he’s "broken" and causing chaos.

If you watch this with an elementary schooler, ask them: "What do you do when a friend is having a 'glitch' day? Do you walk away, or do you help them find their charger?" It’s a low-stakes way to build some serious empathy.

The 2005 movie features a scene where Stitch appears to actually pass away. It’s a "Disney death" (meaning it's reversed), but for sensitive kids, it’s intense. If your kid handled the beginning of Up or the end of Toy Story 3, they’ll be fine. If they’re still reeling from Mufasa, maybe keep a hand on the remote.

For the upcoming 2028 live-action sequel, the main thing to watch for will be the "creep factor" of the CGI experiments. Translating 626 aliens into "real" life can occasionally land in the uncanny valley, which might be spookier for toddlers than the original 2D animation.

Q: Is Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch scary for toddlers? It’s not "monster" scary, but the "glitching" involves Stitch’s eyes turning green and him losing control of his limbs, which can be unsettling. The emotional weight of Stitch nearly dying is the bigger hurdle for the under-5 crowd.

Q: Do I need to watch the live-action remake before the 2028 sequel? Almost certainly. Disney is building a cinematic universe here. The 2028 film will build on the relationships established in the first live-action movie, which updated some of the 2002 original’s themes for a modern audience.

Q: Who is Angel in Lilo & Stitch 2? In the 2005 animated movie, Angel doesn't appear. She is expected to be the breakout star of the 2028 live-action sequel. She is Experiment 624, designed to revert "rehabilitated" experiments back to their evil state using a musical frequency.

The 2005 Lilo & Stitch 2 is a high-quality, emotional deep-dive that’s worth the 70 minutes if you want to talk about big feelings. The 2028 live-action sequel is set to be the next big Disney blockbuster event—expect it to be louder, flashier, and filled with way more aliens.