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Howl's Moving Castle

Play trailer Poster for Howl's Moving Castle PG 2005 1h 59m Fantasy Anime Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 185 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Sophie (Emily Mortimer) has an uneventful life at her late father's hat shop, but all that changes when she befriends wizard Howl (Christian Bale), who lives in a magical flying castle. However, the evil Witch of Waste (Lauren Bacall) takes issue with their budding relationship and casts a spell on young Sophie, which ages her prematurely. Now Howl must use all his magical talents to battle the jealous hag and return Sophie to her former youth and beauty.
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Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Exquisitely illustrated by master animator Miyazaki, Howl's Moving Castle will delight children with its fantastical story and touch the hearts and minds of older viewers as well.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek 03/13/2018
Howl's Moving Castle has the logic of a dream: behind every door lie multiple realities, one more astonishing than the next. Go to Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard 12/08/2014
[Miyazaki] may have made better films than Howl's Moving Castle, but it still exhibits his amazing imagination and astonishing detail. Go to Full Review John Lyttle New Statesman 12/08/2014
Howl's Moving Castle is Japanese and anime, and therefore automatically more artistic than its US counterparts. The right cultural cachet gives you a lot of leeway. Go to Full Review Adele Campisi Loud and Clear Reviews 07/05/2025
5/5
Hayao Miyazaki’s endeavour to achieve perfection and attention to detail find their apex in Howl’s Moving Castle, Studio Ghibli’s most eccentric and intense masterpiece. Go to Full Review Lisa Laman Culturess 10/07/2024
Howl's Moving Castle's blending of 2D animation and CG firmly solidifies it as a mid-2000s hand-drawn animated affair. Go to Full Review Mary Kassel Screen Rant 10/02/2024
4.5/5
20 years later, Howl's Moving Castle is still a thrilling and gorgeous addition to Miyazaki's filmography and will continue to connect with viewers. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Shannon Jul 15 Loved seeing one of my favorite Ghibli films on the big screen! See more Geraldine H Dec 18 It was awesome finally seeing this in the theaters! One of my favorites, and the story about growing out of your fears to face life. See more Obito Uchiha Nov 18 Can’t wait for the 30yr anniversary See more Idget58 Nov 17 definitely one of my favorite movies. If you disagree then may all your bacon burn😁 See more Facebook U Nov 17 Awesome Movie of all time amazing storyline I recommend this movie big-time. This was a worth that movie. See more gabryela Oct 29 great story and animation See more Read all reviews
Howl's Moving Castle

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Cast & Crew

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Hayao Miyazaki

Director

Jean Simmons

Old Sophie

Christian Bale

Howl

Lauren Bacall

Witch of the Waste

Blythe Danner

Madam Suliman

Emily Mortimer

Young Sophie
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Howl's Moving Castle

Poster Art Howl's Moving Castle (2004) A scene from the film HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. A scene from the film HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. A scene from the film HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. A scene from the film HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. A scene from the film HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. A scene from the film HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. Howl's Moving Castle (2004) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Sophie (Emily Mortimer) has an uneventful life at her late father's hat shop, but all that changes when she befriends wizard Howl (Christian Bale), who lives in a magical flying castle. However, the evil Witch of Waste (Lauren Bacall) takes issue with their budding relationship and casts a spell on young Sophie, which ages her prematurely. Now Howl must use all his magical talents to battle the jealous hag and return Sophie to her former youth and beauty.
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Producer
Rick Dempsey, Toshio Suzuki, Ned Lott
Screenwriter
Hayao Miyazaki
Distributor
Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co
Studio Ghibli
Rating
PG
Genre
Fantasy, Anime
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 10, 2005, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Sep 20, 2025
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 15, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.7M
Runtime
1h 59m
Sound Mix
SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)