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How To Train Your Dragon’s Connections to Lilo & Stitch

Upon closer examination, the parallels between Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and DreamWorks’ <em>How to Train Your Dragon</em> are more profound than most viewers might initially recognize. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hawaii, Lilo & Stitch, which premiered in 2002, narrates the tale of Lilo, a misfit girl who forms a unique bond with the extraterrestrial Experiment 626, better known as Stitch. This unusual storyline propelled the film to prominence, and the endearing nature of Stitch has solidified its status as a beloved Disney classic.

On the other hand, How to Train Your Dragon, released in 2010, draws inspiration from Cressida Cowell’s book series, showcasing the adventures of Hiccup, a teenage outcast who unexpectedly befriends a dragon named Toothless. The overwhelming success of both Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon led to several sequels and spin-offs. Despite the apparent disconnection between these two animated features, there are numerous aspects in which How to Train Your Dragon mirrors Lilo & Stitch.

How Toothless’ Design Took Inspiration from Stitch

Dean DeBlois Acknowledges the Creative Inspiration

In a revealing statement from 2018, How to Train Your Dragon’s co-director and co-writer Dean DeBlois confirmed that the design of Toothless was indeed influenced by Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. In a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), DeBlois stated, “Toothless is modeled after a black panther, a salamander, and a hint of Stitch. Designed by Simon Otto and Takao Naguci.” For more details, he referenced The Art of How to Train Your Dragon.

The design similarities between these two animated characters are unmistakable. While they belong to entirely different species, with Toothless being a quadrupedal dragon exhibiting animalistic traits, and Stitch being a mysterious bipedal creature characterized by his blue fur and intelligence, it is evident that Toothless’ large, expressive eyes, wide jaws filled with sharp teeth, oversized pointed ears, and elephant-like clawed feet indicate that he possesses “a hint of Stitch” in his overall character design.

The Creative Minds Behind Both Animated Classics

The Visionary Pair Responsible for Both Masterpieces

Lilo strums a ukulele while she sits on a hammock with Stitch in Lilo & Stitch

Interestingly, the connection between these two animation classics stems from their creators. Both Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon were crafted by the talented duo of Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, who shared writing and directing responsibilities for both iconic films. Notably, Lilo & Stitch marked the directorial debuts for both DeBlois and Sanders, showcasing their artistic vision and collaborative spirit.

Movies by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders

Box Office Earnings

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

$273.1 million

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

$494.9 million

The creative concept of Lilo & Stitch originated from Sanders, who also lent his voice to the character of Stitch. The film represented a collaborative effort between Sanders and DeBlois, establishing their names in the realm of animation. Prior to this, they had contributed their talents to renowned films like Mulan and Hercules. Their directorial debut with Lilo & Stitch allowed them to shine as a dynamic duo, and since then, they have maintained their partnership, co-writing and co-directing the 2010 hit How to Train Your Dragon.

The Dramatic Introductions of Stitch & Toothless

Lilo & Hiccup’s Friends Make Memorable Landings

Hiccup looking shocked after shooting down a Night Fury in How To Train Your Dragon 2010

In a captivating opening sequence, Stitch escapes from the United Galactic Federation, resulting in his hijacked spaceship crash-landing on Kaua’i, Hawaii. This scene unfolds humorously in Lilo & Stitch, as Lilo wishes upon what she believes to be a “shooting star” (which is actually Stitch’s spaceship), exclaiming, “Maybe send me an angel, the nicest angel you have.” The moment is immediately juxtaposed with Stitch’s maniacal laughter as his ship burns behind him.

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A parallel moment occurs in How to Train Your Dragon during Toothless’ introduction. As Berk faces another onslaught of dragon attacks, Hiccup attempts to test his dragon-catching contraption. When he spots the silhouette of a Night Fury, he shoots it down, causing the dragon to crash into the forest. This introduction closely mirrors Stitch’s emergence in Lilo & Stitch, particularly in how both characters evolve into crucial companions for Lilo and Hiccup.

Exploring the Outsider Status of Hiccup & Lilo

The Young Protagonists Struggle to Fit Into Their Societal Norms

Lilo apologizes to her friends in Lilo & Stitch

In many animated films, the central characters are often portrayed as outsiders, and this theme rings true in both Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. Lilo is depicted as an eccentric child, raised by her older sister, Nani, following the tragic loss of their parents. Her deadpan sense of humor and unconventional ideas frequently land her in precarious situations, as illustrated by her tardiness to a rehearsal for feeding Pudge the fish, who she believes “controls the weather.”

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Similarly, Hiccup also faces loss, having lost his mother in How to Train Your Dragon. Raised by his father, Stoick, Hiccup’s physical frailty and perceived cowardice create a significant rift between him and the Viking community, particularly his father. As a result, Hiccup is driven to prove himself as a capable dragon slayer, but his attempts often lead him into trouble. This shared journey of both Lilo and Hiccup highlights their evolution from being outsiders to discovering a sense of belonging forged through meaningful friendships.

The Artistic Expressions of Hiccup and Lilo

Illustrative Drawings Showcase Character Development in Both Films

Toothless watches Hiccup draw in How To Train Your Dragon 2010

On a more nuanced level, How to Train Your Dragon incorporates subtle elements from Lilo & Stitch. In a pivotal moment, Lilo attempts to reform Stitch’s unruly behavior by sketching him and assigning colors to represent his good and bad traits. This drawing becomes essential to Stitch’s character development, illustrating his transition from mischievous to benevolent.

The scene is crucial in revealing Toothless’ true nature, showcasing his transformation from aggressive to submissive (or “bad” to “good”) depending on Hiccup’s actions.

<em>How To Train Your Dragon</em> echoes this concept when Hiccup sketches Toothless in the hidden cove, documenting the dragon’s physical form. Although Toothless initially shies away, Hiccup’s drawing captivates him, leading to a moment where Toothless creates his own drawing in the dirt. This scene highlights Toothless’ true nature, reflecting his shift from ferocity to gentleness (or “bad” to “good”) based on Hiccup’s demeanor.

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The Transformation of Stitch & Toothless Over Time

Lilo & Hiccup Contribute to Taming Their Companions’ Behaviors

Stitch was engineered through illegal genetic experimentation conducted by Dr. Jumba Jookiba, designed to be an aggressive and nearly indestructible being. This is evident right from the beginning of Lilo & Stitch, where Stitch wreaks havoc after escaping the United Galactic Federation and crash-landing on Earth. However, Lilo’s nurturing influence gradually transforms Stitch’s aggressive tendencies as he learns the meaning of “ohana.”

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Similar to Stitch, Toothless exhibits a transformation from aggression to gentleness throughout How to Train Your Dragon. In the film’s test drive scene, dragons are initially portrayed as destructive and perilous, particularly during their attacks on the village of Berk. Toothless, upon his first encounter with Hiccup, displays aggression by baring his teeth and roaring, which reinforces the notion of dragons as fearsome creatures. However, as the narrative unfolds, just like Stitch, Toothless becomes increasingly docile by the film’s conclusion.

Mirroring the Drowning Scene from Lilo & Stitch in How To Train Your Dragon

The Recurring Theme of Child Rescuers in Both Films

Stoick rescues Hiccup and Toothless from drowning at Dragon's nest in How To Train Your Dragon 2010

With both Sanders and DeBlois involved in the creative process behind Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, it is natural that some scenes would bear a resemblance. The drowning sequence, however, stands out as a near replica. In Lilo & Stitch, Stitch is swept off his surfboard by Jumba and Pleakley, leading to Nani and David rescuing Lilo as she attempts to save Stitch, who sinks due to his molecular density.

In a similarly iconic moment from How to Train Your Dragon, Toothless finds himself trapped in a sinking vessel at the dragon’s nest. During the rescue attempt, Hiccup struggles to keep afloat and is saved by Stoick, who carries him back to shore before returning to rescue Toothless. Both Stoick and David express their apprehensions regarding their children’s companions, yet their willingness to save Stitch and Toothless highlights their deep-seated care and love.

The Transformation of Enemies to Allies in Both Films

Dragons and Aliens Find Acceptance Within Their Communities

Nani and Lilo looking at Stitch as he talks at the end of Lilo and Stitch (2002)

From the outset of Lilo & Stitch, extraterrestrial beings wreak havoc in Hawaii; Stitch, Jumba, and Pleakley navigate their new environment while trying to conceal their alien origins. The United Galactic Federation emerges as an antagonist as Stitch develops deeper bonds with Lilo and her family. However, by the film’s conclusion and throughout the subsequent Lilo & Stitch TV series, these alien characters transition into allies.

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In a similar vein, How to Train Your Dragon introduces dragons as the primary antagonists of the Viking settlement, depicted as fierce predators that raid their food supplies and set fire to their homes. Yet, as Hiccup forms a bond with Toothless, the perception of dragons shifts significantly. By the conclusion of the 2010 film, dragons are embraced as beloved companions by the people of Berk.

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Mid-Air Rescues by Toothless & Stitch

Similar Scenes of Heroic Rescues in the Climax of Both Films

Hiccup falling into fire followed by Toothless in How To Train Your Dragon 2010

In a thrilling climax during the spaceship chase scene of Lilo & Stitch, while Stitch successfully escapes, Lilo remains trapped aboard Gantu’s ship. Convincing Jumba and Pleakley to assist him, Stitch performs a daring midair rescue, snatching Lilo from the ship mid-flight before disappearing into a cloud of smoke. Ultimately, Stitch’s courageous act pays off, as both he and Lilo are later seen safely on Jumba’s ship.

In the climax of How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup’s battle against the Red Death is heightened when Toothless’ prosthetic tail fin is scorched.

In a parallel scene at the end of How to Train Your Dragon, after Hiccup successfully confronts the Red Death, Toothless’ prosthetic tail fin is damaged, leading to Hiccup losing control. This results in Hiccup tumbling from Toothless’ back into a swirling mass of fire and smoke, with Toothless diving in after him. Just as in Lilo & Stitch, Toothless rescues Hiccup, bringing him to safety on the beach of the dragon’s nest.

Upcoming Live-Action Remakes of How To Train Your Dragon & Lilo & Stitch

The Return of Sanders & DeBlois for the Live-Action Adaptations

Given the thematic and narrative similarities between Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, it is no surprise that both films are receiving live-action remakes. The remake of How to Train Your Dragon is set to compete against Lilo & Stitch’s live-action adaptation at the box office. Lilo & Stitch’s remake is scheduled for release on May 23, 2025, while How To Train Your Dragon’s remake is slated for June 13, 2025, mirroring the original animated films’ release timeline.

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Interestingly, Dean DeBlois has returned to helm the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, while Chris Sanders returns to voice Stitch in the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch. However, both creators are working independently of each other for these remakes. Despite this, their enduring collaboration has left an indelible mark on the legacy of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon’s original animated films.

Sources: X