Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Lilo & Stitch

Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Lilo & Stitch

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were counting down our picks for the details, plot points and other factors that we only Stich-ed together as adults

Stitch might not be the biggest appreciator of other peoples belongingsor their art. At least, not when he first moves in. As he tears the painting on Lilos easel, you may have noticed she calls it part of her Blue Period. Now, she mightve meant blue, as in sad, but the art buffs among us know shes not the first to use that term. Unless your parents raised you in art galleries, you mightve missed the nod to Pablo Picasso, who also had a Blue Period marked by a few years of moody blue and blue-green paintings inspired by grief and struggle. Although, we wonder if Picasso ever went full Godzilla on his creations.

You cant really have a film about extraterrestrial beings without brushing up against some of the folklore, mysteries, and myths that come with the territory. Case in point: the sisters are frequently visited by one very serious [Man] in Black. Turns out, hes had prior run-ins with alienshe even tells the Grand Councilwoman this isnt their first meeting. The Roswell incident refers to a 1947 event in which a rancher near Roswell, New Mexico, discovered strange debris on his landstuff unlike anything hed ever seen. Agent Cobra Bubbles mightve popped up in the area years later because thats when Roswell lore really took off and became a cornerstone of UFO mythology.

Cobra Bubbles might seem like he fits right in with the Men in Black, but he actually shares more with a certain powerful, no-nonsense crime lord from L.A. Put them side by side, and youll spot a few similarities, but the voice really gives it away. Both characters are played by Ving Rhames, and word is his 1994 role helped inspire Bubbles during the early development stages. That said, the similarities pretty much stop there. Ones an intimidating former CIA agent turned social worker, and the other runs a criminal empire. Still, its a fun and clever nod to Rhames range and how a voice can shape a whole character.

Travel is a privilege and often an eye-opening one. But who hasnt cringed at those tourists who treat locals like part of the scenery? Its like barging into someones home with no regard for how they live or what matters to them. Lilo definitely had her fill of that type, and shes made turning the tables a bit of a pastime. In a deleted scene, she wryly mocks clueless visitors, poking fun at how they see her, her land, and her culture, even stirring up a little panic. Its a big subject to cover in a kids moviesome will laugh in recognition, others might feel a tad sheepish. Either way, its some great irreverent commentary.

Back in Disneys early days, watercolor images were standarduntil newer, faster techniques took over. But Lilo & Stitch became one of those rare films for which watercolors were brought back from retirement to give it that bright, storybook feel and create a visual link to classic Disney. Although, the filmmakers soon learned that painting every lush Hawaiian backdrop by hand was no small feat. The team even traveled to Hawaii to capture the scenery just right. The result was a dreamy yet tactile look that made the world feel real but a little magical, too. As kids, we were too busy laughing at Stitchs anticsbut as adults, we get it. This film is a work of art, literally.

As kids, our hearts probably fluttered for the perfectly coiffed hair and charming smiles of Disney princes. But with adult eyes, the appeal shifts. David Kawena embodies a more grounded, relatable ideal: a supportive partner, a kind soul, and someone who embraces the messy realities of life. He likes Nani but never pressures her. Hes that dependable friend she can lean on when things get tough, and hell do anything to help her with no expectations. Yet, he also knows when to give her breathing room. He also seems to love Lilo like a little sister. Plus hes a talented fire dancer. All that, packed into a surfers body, oh, like you didnt notice.

Before these two ever met, it was practically written in the stars that they should find each otheror should we say, in the bite marks. After Stitch bites Captain Gantu, he worries he might need medical attention. Meanwhile, lightyears away, Mertle voices a similar concern after her altercation with Lilo. Both also share similar ways of handling situations when they feel trapped. But perhaps the most telling sign lies in their names. Lilo has a few of meanings in Hawaiian including generous and lost. Lilo is incredibly generous to Stitch, making him part of their family but shes also a lost souluntil Stitch comes along. Or should we say, until he Stitch-es her life back together.

Today, Disneys known for being pretty thoughtful in how it represents different culturesbut that actually started earlier than you might think. Lilo & Stitch, is set on the island of Kauai and centers on local Hawaiian characters and their real-life challenges. The filmmakers actually visited Hawaii multiple times, studying its landscapes, traditions, and people. They worked closely with cultural experts, incorporating everything from history and traditions to the rhythms of everyday island life. Music and dance is a big part of the story, and if you know Hula, youll definitely catch the care they put in. Also check out Davids necklace, it seems to be a nod to Polynesian mythology, specifically one that would make a big Mickey Mouse-shaped splash years later.

Sometimes, its not until were grown up that we realize just how much our guardians did for usand how much we put them through. Nanis barely an adult herself, but after losing their parents, she becomes Lilos sole carer, making sure theres food on the table, a roof over their heads, and keeping child services at bay. Scrump might be the unofficial mascot for how little they have, but Nani works her heart out to give Lilo a real childhood. And those surfing trophies in her room seem to quietly hint at a life she put on pause to take care of her sister. Heres to the Nanis in our lives. Go hug yours.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

If You Know How Those Things Work, Youll Realize Pleakley Never Sees the Full Picture

We Eventually Found Out the Answer in the Spin-Off Series, but Jumbas Lying Through All Four of His Eyes

If You Hear Lilo Say Seven Days Youre in Major Trouble!

Sure, Lilos a bit of a handful, but kids typically dont act out for no reasonand shes no exception. She and Nani have been through the unimaginable: losing both parents unexpectedly and suddenly facing the very real threat of being separated. Nanis doing everything she can to hold things together, but it often feels like the worlds against them. One early moment says so much: Lilo insists she was late to Hula because she had to feed Pudge, the fish she believes controls the weather. It sounds quirky until we learn how her parents died. Suddenly, it clicks. Thats grief talking. And honestly once you realize that, you just want to hug her forever.

Did you notice anything else in the movie? How many rewatches did it take to spot it? Let us know in the comments