Spirited Away
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
- Prismere17h agoWatching it for the 4th (or 5th) time and always something new that catches my eye! The beauty of the art and story, with every character on screen exuding character - even if it's a hopping lamp, is amazing to watch. And having seen behind the scenes of how these movies were made, painted, the inspiration for certain themes and characters, makes it even more charming. Watched it with my wife who's new to (and hesitant with) anime - she loved it too! Highly recommended to watch Miyazaki's inspiration for this, some behind the scenes of how they were made (you don't need full documentaries, but some art YT peeps were invited to their studio and got a chance to see how the backgrounds are painted). They add soo much more appreciation for these movies - esp in this day and age. The scene with Zenibaba saying "...it's not the same when done with magic" has even more relevance in the age of AI eh?
- CubaneJanuary 16, 2026Some of the most memorable characters that have ever been created for an anime, full stop. I would only say I found most of it pretty strange without researching Japanese oni mythology, which made it a lot less accessible than some of the other Ghibli works. Still, if you only care about understanding references friends and coworkers make, this is the singular Japanese movie to watch.
- flavo43January 2, 2026Spirited Away is an extraordinary film that showcases Studio Ghibli at the height of its imagination and emotional depth. Every aspect of it—the richly detailed setting, the unforgettable characters, the dreamlike story—works together to create an experience that feels both otherworldly and deeply human. Through Chihiro’s journey into the spirit world, the film gently introduces elements of Japanese culture, mythology, and tradition, making the fantastical feel grounded and meaningful. What makes the film especially powerful is its message for younger viewers. Chihiro’s transformation from a timid girl into someone brave, loyal, and determined is inspiring without ever feeling forced. Her courage grows through quiet moments as much as grand ones, giving the story a timeless resonance. With its breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and imaginative world‑building, Spirited Away stands as one of Studio Ghibli’s finest achievements—a masterpiece that continues to enchant audiences of all ages.
- RichardAugust 3, 2025I bought Spirited Away on DVD, and it was my first-ever Studio Ghibli experience. That alone made it unforgettable. The animation is stunning, every frame hand-drawn with care. It’s a story about courage, identity and empathy, told with quiet magic and emotional depth. Sure, the pacing is gentle and some of the logic is abstract, but that’s part of its charm. It doesn’t explain everything, it invites you to feel your way through. Bottom line: Spirited Away was my gateway into Ghibli and it set the bar high. That DVD wasn’t just a movie, it was the start of something magical.
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Spirited Away Trivia
Spirited Away was released on July 20, 2001.
Spirited Away was directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Spirited Away has a runtime of 2h 4m.
Spirited Away was produced by Toshio Suzuki.
The fanciful adventures of a ten-year-old girl named Chihiro, who discovers a secret world when she and her family get lost and venture through a hillside tunnel. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, Chihiro must fend for herself as she encounters strange spirits, assorted creatures and a grumpy sorceress who seeks to prevent her from returning to the human world.
The key characters in Spirited Away are Chihiro (voice) (Rumi Hiiragi), Haku (voice) (Miyu Irino), Yubaba / Zeniba (voice) (Mari Natsuki).
Spirited Away is rated PG.
Spirited Away is a Fantasy, Adventure, Family film.
Spirited Away has an audience rating of 10 out of 10.
Spirited Away had a budget of $19M.
Spirited Away has made $274.9M at the box office.