Howl's Moving Castle

A young girl embarks on a magical journey to reclaim her youth and discover love.

Critics broadly praise Miyazaki's visual imagination, lush landscapes and gentle storytelling, though some find the plot meandering and loosely structured.

• Howl's castle moves across the countryside and is central to the plot and imagery
• Calcifer's deal with Sophie to free himself from Howl drives the plot
• Wartime aircraft and the futility of war are recurring motifs

• Spirited Awayshared whimsical hand-drawn fantasy, pacifist anti-war undertone, and young heroine on a journey
• Kiki's Delivery Serviceshared Studio Ghibli romantic fantasy tone, war backdrop and magical transformation curse
• The Castle of Cagliostroshared gentle epic fantasy with a cursed heroine and a moving magical dwelling

Director

Hayao Miyazaki

Release Date

2004-09-09

Runtime

119 min

Rating

8.4 / 10 (11617)

What is Howl's Moving Castle about?

A cursed young woman, transformed into an old woman, wanders into the moving castle of a capricious wizard and his fire demon.

What is Howl's Moving Castle like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Howl's Moving Castle as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is Howl's Moving Castle violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Howl's Moving Castle as moderate.

What did critics think of Howl's Moving Castle?

Critics broadly praise Miyazaki's visual imagination, lush landscapes and gentle storytelling, though some find the plot meandering and loosely structured.

Which films are like Howl's Moving Castle?

Films with a similar feel include Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and The Castle of Cagliostro.

How long is Howl's Moving Castle?

Howl's Moving Castle runs 119 minutes.

Where can I watch Howl's Moving Castle?

In United States, Howl's Moving Castle streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.