Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 animated fantasy follows ten-year-old Chihiro as a wrong turn during her family’s move leads into a realm inhabited by spirits. After her parents are transformed, Chihiro must find work in a vast bathhouse ruled by the sorceress Yubaba. Helped by the mysterious Haku and several unexpected allies, she learns the rules of this world while trying to remember her identity and free her family. The story moves between wonder and danger without reducing its spirits to simple heroes or villains: greed, fear, kindness and obligation shape nearly every encounter. Miyazaki uses Chihiro’s work, choices and growing confidence to create a coming-of-age story grounded in responsibility rather than conquest. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the film combines Japanese folklore, environmental imagery and an intimate account of a child learning how to act with courage in an unfamiliar place.

Where to watch (checked October 7, 2026): North American distributor GKIDS lists Apple TV and Prime Video rental or purchase options. Services and audio versions vary by region, so check the local storefront.

Key facts

• Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed the 2001 film.
• Studio Ghibli produced the film.
• The original runtime is 125 minutes.
• Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival.

Official source: GKIDS.