Spirited Away is the most famous anime film ever made — an Oscar-winning journey into a world of spirits, gods and a magical bathhouse.
Quick Info
- Japanese title: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
- Release: 2001
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Our rating: 9.8 / 10
Spirited Away — Official Trailer
Story (Spoiler-Free)
Ten-year-old Chihiro is moving to a new town when her family wanders into an abandoned theme park. As night falls, the place fills with spirits — and her parents are turned into pigs. To save them, Chihiro must work in a bathhouse for the gods, run by the powerful witch Yubaba, and hold on to her own name.
Main Characters
- Chihiro (Sen) — a scared girl who grows brave
- Haku — a mysterious boy who helps her
- Yubaba — the greedy witch who runs the bathhouse
- No-Face — a lonely spirit, one of anime’s most iconic figures
- Kamaji & Lin — the boiler-man and worker who become her friends
Why You Should Watch It
- Stunning hand-drawn animation in every frame
- Joe Hisaishi’s unforgettable music
- A story that works for kids and adults
- Endless small details to notice on rewatch
Fun Facts
- Won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2003)
- Won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival (2002)
- Was the highest-grossing film in Japan for nearly 20 years
A perfect film. If you watch only one anime movie in your life, make it this one.
Where to Watch Spirited Away Legally
Spirited Away is on Netflix in many countries and on Max in the US, and is available to buy digitally and on Blu-ray. Streaming catalogs change by country, so check your local services. Watching legally supports the artists behind these films.
If You Liked This, Watch Next
Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and our full Ghibli ranking.
