Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.
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Why Age 5+?
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My Neighbor Totoro
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 234 parent reviews
Based on 161 kid reviews
Kids say this film is charming, wholesome, and visually stunning, making it a delightful experience for viewers of all ages. While most reviewers emphasize its suitability for children, a few mention brief non-sexual nudity and some scenes that might be distressing for the very young, such as themes of illness and loss, though these elements do not overshadow the overall positive reception.
- wholesome storytelling
- beautiful animation
- suitable for all ages
- brief nudity concern
- themes of illness
- childhood innocence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, it's 1958 Japan, and 4-year-old Mei (voiced by Chika Sakamoto in the original version and Elle Fanning in the English dub) and 10-year-old Satsuki (Noriko Hidaka/Dakota Fanning) move to the countryside with their father where their mother is hospitalized with a long-term illness. As they get settled into their new home, the girls discover there are magical creatures, like dust sprites, that inhabit their house and neighborhood. One day, Mei sees two little rabbit-like creatures and follows them through the forest, where she meets a much larger version of the creature, whom she calls "Totoro." Eventually Satsuki also meets Totoro (Hitoshi Takagi/Frank Welker), who also introduces the girls to a magical soaring cat-bus. Totoro, who is "keeper of the forest," aids Satsuki and her father when Mei decides to walk to the hospital alone to present her mother with a fresh ear of corn.
Is It Any Good?
For fans of Miyazaki's later work who haven't had the chance to check out his classics, this is a perfect movie to start. My Neighbor Totoro is considered Miyazaki's breakthrough film. Re-released and dubbed in English for a wider audience by Disney, the movie introduced Americans unfamiliar with anime to Miyazaki's signature themes: strong, independent girls as protagonists; whimsical creatures; an imaginative story; and a focus on how families interact with each other and their surrounding environment.
This isn't a spellbinding all-out adventure like Spirited Away or even the gentler journey that is Ponyo, but its leisurely paced story and lushly detailed visuals are part of the charm. Unlike the majority of animated movies, this isn't full of pop-culture or consumerist references that, while funny when handled correctly, can also bog down animated films or zap them of their childlike fantasy. Satsuki and Mei need Totoro to help them through a difficult time in their lives—new home, sick mother—and it's quite lovely to see the sweet little moments that cement their friendship. It's a shame more family movies aren't as simple and beautiful as My Neighbor Totoro.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Mei and Satsuki aren't afraid of Totoro in My Neighbor Totoro. Why do you think they're able to befriend him so easily? How does he help them and their family?
How do the characters in My Neighbor Totoro demonstrate courage, curiosity, and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
How do the girls deal with their mother's sickness? Does her hospitalization affect the sisters differently?
What is the movie's animation style like? How are the humans depicted? Are the Totoros and the cat-bus scary-looking? What makes it obvious they're gentle?
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 : June 14, 1988
- On DVD or streaming : May 21, 2013
- Cast : Noriko Hidaka , Chika Sakamoto , Dakota Fanning , Elle Fanning , Tanie Kitabayashi , Pat Carroll
- Director : Hayao Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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