When was My Neighbor Totoro released?

It first premiered in Japan on 16 April 1988. In the US, TMDB lists a theatrical release on 13 July 1990, followed by later re-releases and a digital release on 17 December 2019.

Where can I watch My Neighbor Totoro in the US?

As of 24 October 2026, it is streaming on HBO Max and the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or bought on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home, and rented on Plex.

Who voices the characters in My Neighbor Totoro?

In the original Japanese version, Noriko Hidaka voices Satsuki and Chika Sakamoto voices Mei. Hitoshi Takagi voices Totoro, Shigesato Itoi voices the father Tatsuo, and Sumi Shimamoto voices the mother Yasuko.

Who directed My Neighbor Totoro?

Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Studio Ghibli with Tokuma Shoten.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988): Cast, Plot & Where to Watch

Plot Summary: What Is My Neighbor Totoro About?

Satsuki Kusakabe and her little sister Mei arrive in a quiet rural village with their father, Tatsuo. The family has taken an old house in the countryside so they can be nearer to their mother, Yasuko, who is being cared for in hospital. Settling into a new home brings plenty to adjust to: unfamiliar rooms, village neighbours such as the kindly Granny and a boy named Kanta, and long days of exploring fields and woodland.

The surrounding forest turns out to hold more than trees. The sisters begin to encounter magical creatures who live among the woods, above all a large, gentle forest spirit called Totoro. These meetings sit alongside the ordinary rhythms of family life and the girls’ worries about their mother. The film blends everyday rural detail with moments of quiet magic, a style often described as magical realism. The bond between the two siblings sits at the heart of the story.

My Neighbor Totoro — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes My Neighbor Totoro Notable

Writer and director: Hayao Miyazaki both wrote and directed the film.
Studio: It was produced by Studio Ghibli with Tokuma Shoten.
Origin: This is a Japanese animated feature. Its original title is となりのトトロ, it was first released on 16 April 1988, and its original spoken language is Japanese.
Genre: It mixes fantasy, animation and family film, with themes of sibling relationships, moving to a new home and life in the countryside.
Runtime: 86 minutes.
Tagline: “He’s your friendly neighbourhood forest spirit!”

Voice Cast (Original Japanese Version)

Character	Voice actor
Satsuki Kusakabe	Noriko Hidaka
Mei Kusakabe	Chika Sakamoto
Totoro	Hitoshi Takagi
Tatsuo Kusakabe	Shigesato Itoi
Yasuko Kusakabe	Sumi Shimamoto
Granny	Tanie Kitabayashi
Kanta Ogaki	Toshiyuki Amagasa
Kanta’s Mother	Yuko Maruyama
Kanta’s Father	Masashi Hirose
Kanta’s Aunt	Reiko Suzuki

Looking for a Review?

This page is a guide rather than a critique. For an at-a-glance rating, see the Drama4U Score shown on this page.

Who Will Enjoy It

Families looking for an animated film to watch together
Fans of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli
Viewers who enjoy gentle fantasy and magical realism
Anyone drawn to stories about siblings, new beginnings and rural life
Anime fans exploring Japanese animation from the late 1980s

Release Date & Where to Watch in the US

My Neighbor Totoro first opened in Japan on 16 April 1988. TMDB lists these US releases:

Theatrical release: 13 July 1990 (rated G)
Limited release: 7 May 1993 (Streamline dub, rated G)
Festival screening: 23 October 2005 at The Hollywood Film Festival (new English dub)
TV broadcast: 19 January 2006 on Turner Classic Movies
Theatrical re-release: 12 July 2019
Digital release: 17 December 2019 (rated G)
Studio Ghibli Fest screening: 19 July 2025 (rated PG)

A trailer is available.

Streaming: HBO Max and the HBO Max Amazon Channel.

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home and Plex.

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Availability is based on TMDB/JustWatch data as of 24 October 2026 and may change.

Trailer

Cast

Noriko Hidakaas Satsuki Kusakabe (voice)
Chika Sakamotoas Mei Kusakabe (voice)
Hitoshi Takagias Totoro (voice)
Shigesato Itoias Tatsuo Kusakabe (voice)
Sumi Shimamotoas Yasuko Kusakabe (voice)
Tanie Kitabayashias Granny (voice)
Toshiyuki Amagasaas Kanta Ogaki (voice)
Yuko Maruyamaas Kanta's Mother (voice)

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was My Neighbor Totoro released?: It first premiered in Japan on 16 April 1988. In the US, TMDB lists a theatrical release on 13 July 1990, followed by later re-releases and a digital release on 17 December 2019.
Where can I watch My Neighbor Totoro in the US?: As of 24 October 2026, it is streaming on HBO Max and the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or bought on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home, and rented on Plex.
Who voices the characters in My Neighbor Totoro?: In the original Japanese version, Noriko Hidaka voices Satsuki and Chika Sakamoto voices Mei. Hitoshi Takagi voices Totoro, Shigesato Itoi voices the father Tatsuo, and Sumi Shimamoto voices the mother Yasuko.
How long is My Neighbor Totoro?: The film runs 86 minutes.
Who directed My Neighbor Totoro?: Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Studio Ghibli with Tokuma Shoten.

Sources

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