Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

In a Japan where ancient spirits still roam the wilderness, Ashitaka, a young prince of the dwindling Emishi people, defends his village from a raging boar god that has been twisted into a demon. He survives, but the encounter leaves him with a deadly curse spreading through his body. With no cure at home, he sets out on a long journey westward in search of answers.

The road leads him into the middle of a bitter struggle. On one side stands San, a fierce young woman who lives among the forest’s wolves and fights to protect the woodland and its gods. On the other is Lady Eboshi, a determined leader whose ambitions are driving industry deeper into the forest. Both sides have reasons Ashitaka can understand, and neither is willing to back down.

Caught between humans and the spirits of nature, Ashitaka tries to find a path that does not end in total destruction. Princess Mononoke is less a simple tale of heroes and villains than a sweeping fantasy adventure about territory, survival and the cost of progress.

What Makes Princess Mononoke Notable

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke (original title: もののけ姫) is one of the most ambitious films from Studio Ghibli, produced with dentsu, Tokuma Shoten and Nippon Television Network Corporation. It first opened in Japan on 12 July 1997 and runs 134 minutes, with Japanese as its original spoken language.

The film blends animation, fantasy and adventure with historical fiction, setting its story in a rural, spirit-filled Japan. Its central themes are environmentalism, deforestation and industrialisation, explored through a human-versus-nature conflict that the film treats with philosophical depth instead of easy answers. It is also firmly adult animation. Battles are intense and violent, which is reflected in its US PG-13 rating.

Japanese voice cast:

• Yoji Matsuda as Ashitaka
• Yuriko Ishida as San / Kaya
• Yuko Tanaka as Eboshi Gozen (Lady Eboshi)
• Kaoru Kobayashi as Jikobo
• Masahiko Nishimura as Kouroku
• Tsunehiko Kamijô as Gonza
• Akihiro Miwa as Moro
• Mitsuko Mori as Hii
• Hisaya Morishige as the Chief of Affairs
• Sumi Shimamoto as Toki

If you are looking for a review-style overview before watching, the key points are an epic scale, morally complex characters, mythic creatures such as giant wolves and boar gods, and a thoughtful ecological message. A trailer is available.

Who Will Enjoy It

• Fans of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s other films
• Viewers who like epic fantasy adventures with mythological creatures and spirits
• Anyone interested in stories about nature, environmentalism and the clash between progress and the natural world
• Teens and adults looking for animation with mature themes and intense action
• Audiences who prefer morally complex conflicts over clear-cut good versus evil

Release Date & Where to Watch in the US

Princess Mononoke had its US premiere on 26 September 1999 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, followed by a limited theatrical release on 29 October 1999, rated PG-13. It came out on DVD on 19 December 2000 and aired on Turner Classic Movies on 5 January 2006. Its US digital release is listed for 17 December 2019.

The film has returned to US cinemas several times. It screened theatrically on 3 April 2022. A 4K restoration opened in IMAX on 26 March 2025, with a wider theatrical run beginning on 4 April 2025. It also screened as part of Studio Ghibli Fest on 26 September 2026.

Where to watch: as of 24 October 2026, JustWatch data lists the following US options:

• Streaming: HBO Max and HBO Max Amazon Channel
• Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home

Availability can change, so check the platform before watching.

Trailer

Cast

• Yoji Matsudaas Ashitaka (voice)
• Yuriko Ishidaas San / Kaya (voice)See credits →
• Yuko Tanakaas Eboshi Gozen (voice)
• Kaoru Kobayashias Jikobo (voice)See credits →
• Masahiko Nishimuraas Kouroku (voice)
• Tsunehiko Kamijôas Gonza (voice)
• Akihiro Miwaas Mrs. Moro (voice)See credits →
• Mitsuko Morias Mrs. Hii (voice)

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Princess Mononoke released?

Princess Mononoke first opened in Japan on 12 July 1997. In the US, it premiered in New York on 26 September 1999 and began a limited theatrical release on 29 October 1999. A 4K restoration returned to US cinemas in 2025.

Where can I watch Princess Mononoke in the US?

As of 24 October 2026, JustWatch data lists Princess Mononoke for streaming on HBO Max and the HBO Max Amazon Channel. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Who is in the cast of Princess Mononoke?

The Japanese voice cast includes Yoji Matsuda as Ashitaka, Yuriko Ishida as San, Yuko Tanaka as Lady Eboshi, Kaoru Kobayashi as Jikobo, Akihiro Miwa as Moro and Sumi Shimamoto as Toki. The film is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

How long is Princess Mononoke?

Princess Mononoke has a runtime of 134 minutes.

Is Princess Mononoke suitable for children?

Princess Mononoke is rated PG-13 in the US. It contains intense, violent battle scenes and mature themes, so it is better suited to teens and adults than to young children.

Sources

1. TMDB
2. IMDb