When was Spirited Away released?

Spirited Away was first released in Japan on 20 July 2001. In the US, it premiered on 2 April 2002 and had a limited theatrical release on 20 September 2002. A theatrical re-release is listed for 18 October 2025.

Where can I watch Spirited Away in the US?

You can stream Spirited Away on HBO Max, including via the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. Plex offers it to rent.

Who is in the cast of Spirited Away?

The Japanese voice cast includes Rumi Hiiragi as Chihiro, Miyu Irino as Haku and Mari Natsuki as Yubaba and Zeniba. Takashi Naito and Yasuko Sawaguchi voice Chihiro's parents, and Yumi Tamai voices Rin.

How long is Spirited Away and what is it rated?

Spirited Away runs 125 minutes and is rated PG in the United States.

Who directed Spirited Away?

Spirited Away was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.

Spirited Away (2001): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Spirited Away plot summary (no spoilers)

Chihiro is a young girl whose ordinary family trip takes a strange turn. While travelling with her mother and father, she wanders into what looks like an abandoned amusement park. It turns out to be the edge of a hidden realm. This parallel world runs on its own rules and is home to spirits, magic and creatures drawn from Japanese mythology.

Things quickly go wrong. Her parents undergo an unsettling transformation, and Chihiro is left alone in a place where humans are not welcome. To survive, she must find her way through a vast bathhouse that caters to spirits. Along the way she meets allies such as the mysterious Haku and the worker Rin. She also faces the formidable witch Yubaba.

Chihiro starts out frightened and uncertain. To have any chance of saving her family and returning home, she will have to discover strengths she did not know she had. The story blends wonder with moments of darkness. At its heart is a coming-of-age journey about courage and the bond between parent and child. It also explores what it means to hold on to who you are.

Spirited Away — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Spirited Away review: what makes it notable

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away (original title: 千と千尋の神隠し) is a Japanese animated fantasy produced by Studio Ghibli. Its production partners included Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network Corporation, dentsu and The Walt Disney Company (Japan). The film first opened in Japan on 20 July 2001 and runs 125 minutes. Its original language is Japanese.

The film sits at the crossroads of animation, family entertainment and fantasy. It draws on youkai folklore and Japanese mythology to build a richly imagined spirit world centred on a bathhouse. Audiences continue to respond strongly to it. On TMDB, it holds an average user score of 8.5/10 from more than 19,000 votes, which places it among the most highly rated animated films on the platform.

Main voice cast (Japanese version)

Rumi Hiiragi as Chihiro
Miyu Irino as Haku
Mari Natsuki as Yubaba / Zeniba
Takashi Naito as Father
Yasuko Sawaguchi as Mother
Yumi Tamai as Rin
Tatsuya Gashuin as Aogaeru
Ryunosuke Kamiki as Boh
Yo Oizumi as Bandai Frog
Koba Hayashi as River Spirit

Who will enjoy Spirited Away

Fans of anime and hand-crafted animation, especially Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s work
Families looking for an imaginative PG-rated film with depth for both children and adults
Viewers drawn to Japanese mythology, spirits and folklore-inspired worlds
Anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories about courage and self-discovery
Fantasy lovers who appreciate a mix of wonder and darker, eerie atmosphere

Release date & where to watch Spirited Away (US)

Release history in the United States:

Premiere: 2 April 2002
Limited theatrical release: 20 September 2002 (rated PG)
Physical media: 15 April 2003, with a later release on 16 June 2015
TV premiere: 5 January 2006
Digital release: 17 December 2019
Theatrical re-release: 18 October 2025 (rated PG)

Where to watch in the US:

Stream: HBO Max, or HBO Max via Amazon Channels
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 can change, so check your preferred service for current pricing and options. A trailer is available for the film.

Trailer

Cast

Rumi Hiiragias Chihiro (voice)See credits →
Miyu Irinoas Haku (voice)See credits →
Mari Natsukias Yubaba / Zeniba (voice)See credits →
Takashi Naitoas Father (voice)
Yasuko Sawaguchias Mother (voice)
Tatsuya Gashuinas Aogaeru (voice)See credits →
Ryunosuke Kamikias Boh (voice)See credits →
Yumi Tamaias Rin (voice)

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Spirited Away released?: Spirited Away was first released in Japan on 20 July 2001. In the US, it premiered on 2 April 2002 and had a limited theatrical release on 20 September 2002. A theatrical re-release is listed for 18 October 2025.
Where can I watch Spirited Away in the US?: You can stream Spirited Away on HBO Max, including via the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. Plex offers it to rent.
Who is in the cast of Spirited Away?: The Japanese voice cast includes Rumi Hiiragi as Chihiro, Miyu Irino as Haku and Mari Natsuki as Yubaba and Zeniba. Takashi Naito and Yasuko Sawaguchi voice Chihiro's parents, and Yumi Tamai voices Rin.
How long is Spirited Away and what is it rated?: Spirited Away runs 125 minutes and is rated PG in the United States.
Who directed Spirited Away?: Spirited Away was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.

Sources

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