Common Sense Media Review
A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.
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Kiki's Delivery Service
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 104 parent reviews
Parents say the film paints a gentle coming-of-age story highlighting independence and self-discovery, featuring a likable protagonist who navigates personal challenges and responsibilities, though its ending diverges into a more conventional resolution that might detract from its earlier subtleties. While many found it visually appealing and appropriate, some noted moments that could be frightening for sensitive children, emphasizing the mix of wholesome themes with occasional tense scenes.
- gentle coming-of-age
- charming protagonist
- conflicting ending
- visually appealing
- sensitive content
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 72 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a delightful and heartfelt experience with a strong, relatable protagonist that resonates well with audiences of all ages. While the animation and storytelling are praised for their beauty and depth, some viewers noted a wish for the talking cat character to speak again and mentioned that the pacing could feel slow at times.
- heartfelt experience
- strong protagonist
- beautiful animation
- fun for all ages
- mild criticisms
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, Kiki (voiced by Minami Takayama in the original version and Kirsten Dunst in the English dub) follows family tradition and settles down for a year in a foreign city to serve as the resident witch. She makes friends, finds room and board, and uses her broom-flying ability to launch a delivery service. A boy her age, the aviation buff Tombo (Kappei Yamaguchi/Matthew Lawrence), develops a crush on her. As she approaches puberty, Kiki begins to lose her powers. She strikes up a chance friendship with an older girl, the artist Ursula (Minami Takayama/Janeane Garofalo), who helps Kiki weather her loss of confidence. When a dirigible accident puts Tombo in danger, Kiki must summon up all of her powers to save her friend.
Is It Any Good?
A huge box office hit in Japan, this mystical, positive coming-of-age tale was the first film by celebrated animator Hayao Miyazaki to become available in the United States. Kiki's Delivery Service is set in a large European metropolis (an amalgam of Stockholm and other cities) in a time period suggesting the 1950s. The attention to detail, particularly in the scenes of Kiki flying over the city streets, rivals that of many a bigger-budgeted Disney feature. Such detail provides important background as small-town girl Kiki gradually acclimates herself to this new, bewildering environment. The film also realistically treats Kiki's growing pains as she copes with the twin problems of independence and peer group relations. This accounts, in part, for the film's enthusiastic reception by so many young viewers.
The English-dubbed version, released straight to video, benefits from well-cast celebrity voices, including Phil Hartman as Kiki's wisecracking black cat Jiji (voiced by Rei Sakuma in the original version) and Debbie Reynolds as Madame (Haruko Kato). The Disney-fied version's only serious flaw is the replacement of the Japanese original's delightful opening and closing songs with new, less catchy English-language ones.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Kiki. How does she compare to other characters in animated movies? Is she a role model? How does she demonstrate courage, empathy, and humility?
How does Kiki stay true to her passions of flying and helping people? What are you passionate about? How can you use your strengths and hobbies to help others?
What are the movie's messages about growing up? Can kids relate to Kiki's loss of confidence? What helps her gain back her strength?
What makes a good family movie? What kinds of movies do kids and parents enjoy watching together?
Why do you think this movie is considered an anime classic? How is it different from the majority of Hollywood animated movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : April 15, 2003
- Cast : Debbie Reynolds , Kirsten Dunst , Phil Hartman
- Director : Hayao Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Humility
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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