Common Sense Media Review
By Liz Perle
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spirited Away
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 115 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a visually stunning and beautifully crafted experience, though it contains some intense and potentially frightening content that may not be suitable for younger children. Many recommend watching it with older kids or those who are not easily scared, as the themes and imagery can evoke a range of complex emotions and serve as powerful lessons in courage and growth.
- visually stunning
- complex themes
- intense imagery
- family-friendly
- age-sensitive content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 272 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a mesmerizing and beautifully animated experience that captivates both children and adults, with themes of bravery, kindness, and the journey to self-discovery. However, it also features unsettling imagery, including characters transforming into pigs and scenes of blood, making it more suitable for older children and families prepared for its darker elements.
- mesmerizing animation
- themes of bravery
- unsettling imagery
- suitable for older kids
- captivating experience
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SPIRITED AWAY, Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi in the original version and Daveigh Chase in the English dub) is a sullen 10-year-old girl who wanders into a world ruled by witches and spirits, where humans are changed into animals. The film centers on Chihiro's quest to save her parents after they're transformed into pigs by Yubaba (Mari Natsuki/Suzanne Pleshette), the scary witch who rules over the spirit world. Chihiro must overcome her selfish and self-pitying nature to win back her parents' humanity. Along the way, she's aided by Haku (Miyu Irino/Jason Marsden), Yubaba's right-hand helper, who becomes Chihiro's friend.
Is It Any Good?
This is a thrilling, spectacularly beautiful movie, though it's not for little kids who get scared. Despite the animation similarities, Spirited Away is not Totoro, the beloved "feel-good" classic, but an edgy portrayal of what a young girl needs to do to grow up and take responsibility for more than herself. She fights Yubaba, she rescues Haku and aids a wounded spirit, triumphing where others do not because she is not sidetracked by greed. Those old enough to handle the movie's more intense visuals will be rewarded by a compelling story -- and by the dazzling quality of animation that Studio Ghibli is well known for.
Excellent voice-overs are provided by Daveigh Chase as Chihiro, Jason Marsden as Haku, Suzanne Pleshette as Yubaba, Michael Chiklis as Chihiro's father, Lauren Holly as Chihiro's mother, and John Ratzenberger as the Assistant Manager. John Lasseter of Toy Story fame directed the English voices.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Spirited Away compares to other animated films, such as those by Pixar or Disney. What's different? What's similar?
What aspects of the movie reflect Japanese culture? How does this contribute or add nuance to the movie?
What parts of the movie did you find frightening and/or creepy? Why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Is Chihiro a role model? How does she demonstrate perseverance and courage? What about humility and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
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 : April 20, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : April 15, 2003
- Cast : Daveigh Chase , Jason Marsden , Suzanne Pleshette
- Director : Hayao Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Gratitude , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some scary supernatural scenes
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate