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Ponyo

Ponyo

2008
Family/Kids, Fantasy
1h 41m
An animated adventure centered on a 5-year-old boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human.
Your probable score
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Ponyo

2008
Family/Kids, Fantasy
1h 41m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 61.32% from 3602 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3602)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 27 Dec 2017
80
81st
I didn't expect my physical self to be able to experience any positivity anymore after the shitstorm that was 2017, but damn if Ponyo didn't tear at my heartstrings and got me all smilin' an' shit. Fantastic animation, colorful, filled with humanistic characters. Sosuke's mom is a badass. I don't know how I feel about using an apocalyptic scenario to sort of force two kids into a relationship, much like my parents trying to get me hitched during the Y2K scare. Nice try, suckers!
Rated 17 Dec 2009
55
39th
Two things just about ruined this movie for me: For one, like in 'Howl's Moving Castle', there is no real conflict. Secondly, while I loved many a peculiar moment and gorgeous shot on land, the fairy-tale parts taking place at the sea and beneath it I found lacked the magical feel of 'Spirited Away'. Wanting to appeal to smaller kids, Miyazaki settles for silly and whimsical. If these quibbles don't discourage you then, by all means, see it.
Rated 17 Apr 2020
88
75th
The story feels slight and simplistic compared to other Miyazaki films (it's obviously intended for very young kids), but the colorful visuals, creative details, and overwhelming sweetness of it all make it well worth watching.
Rated 03 Apr 2018
80
88th
Now that I've finally gotten around to seeing the original, I have to say, I think Guillermo Del Toro really missed the mark with his interpretation, The Shape of Water.
Rated 22 Jan 2010
86
85th
I'd ultimately rank this below most other Ghibli films, but in 2009, at a time when I was starving for traditional animation (in the midst of a sea of soulless computer-generated tripe, moe, etc.), this was manna from heaven, vibrant (those colors!) and exuberantly fantastical, lovingly childish as ever. It was so wonderful, I smiled all through it and felt my breath flutter as if I could burst into tears at any moment, out of sheer joy that such a delightful treasure could still be made.
Rated 18 Sep 2009
54
29th
Sure it looks nice, sure it's heartwarming, but am I the only one who noticed that there is basically no narrative conflict in this movie whatsoever?
Rated 15 Aug 2009
90
92nd
One of the most beautiful films I've ever seen, both visually and aurally. It's charming, cute, sweet, a good twist on the Little Mermaid story, and made with love. However, this suffers from the usual problem of Miyazaki movies in that the ending is rushed...and that song at the end is TERRIBLE. Still, I'll watch anything Miyazaki and it's yet another triumph from the world's greatest animator.
Rated 08 Nov 2009
52
31st
It could have turned out to be a fun, family-oriented feature in the vein of Kiki's Delivery Service (don't expect the next Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke), but Ponyo fails at explaining any sort of central conflict, and at introducing a variety of eccentric characters that you come to expect from Miyazaki. The surreal imagery is, however, fantastic.
Rated 13 Jun 2009
75
54th
Definitely not as sophisticated as Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. It's more geared towards children, with a classic Disney feel. Kind of like My Neighbor Totoro meets Pinocchio or The Little Mermaid. But it is very, very charming and Ponyo is adorable. Miyazaki's storytelling skills are finely honed, and in this case much tighter than the often messy Howl's Moving Castle. If you go in expecting some fun, escapist entertainment and not a masterpiece, you should be satisfied, and moved.
Rated 25 Nov 2012
4
74th
Just about the most charming thing in the world. The animation is brilliant. The lines are a little more primitive (or amoebic, as Spunkie cleverly put it), but every frame is packed with vibrant detail. The water looks especially terrific. It may lack the thematic substance of Miyazaki's more notable works (it does contain a little of the typical environmentalist concerns) but his humanism is in overdrive.
Rated 07 Sep 2012
80
88th
I don't know why but this is the first Miyazaki film I really enjoyed. It's incredibly sweet & cute & despite not being a fan of anime, I vastly preferred it over the mainstream western animations of the last decade. But I wasn't a fan of the Goddess of Mercy. Besides looking like she climbed out of Sailor Moon, her appearance negated the humanness of the other characters, erasing their struggles and doubts in a rather uncinematic fashion. Stole the show unfairly.
Rated 08 Oct 2010
50
41st
While Miyazaki's trademark overbearing environmentalism and hatred for the human race are fully present, the characters are at least more believable than in Mononoke or Nausicaa. The story is dull - there is absolutely no tension or conflict - but this might be alright for very young children. Imaginative animation and a solid soundtrack bring this one up from a 30 to a 50.
Rated 28 Oct 2013
73
28th
Possibly the first Ghibli film not to do much for me. I enjoyed the setting, the weather, and fantastical mythological elements. Hated the child characters, especially Ponyo in girl form. Too much of this film is simply taking place on a child's level with nothing of interest for the grown-up. There's nothing more vomit-inducing than seeing the recently potty-trained claiming to be in love with each other. Foreigner sang "I wanna know what love is" and they were 39.
Rated 25 Aug 2010
90
97th
"Ponyo" is basically animated perfection. Certainly aimed at a younger audience, more so that many of Miyazaki's other works, in many ways it is reminiscent of "My Neighbour Totoro". That however should not put off adults & doesn't prevent "Ponyo" from being one of Miyazaki's very finest works. "Ponyo" is genuinely funny, moving & sweet, and full of lovely animation and several beautifully judged scenes. Not Miyazaki's deepest work, but perhaps his most endearing.
Rated 31 May 2011
85
90th
So cute. Not since Totoro have Miyazaki created such charming and innocent characters. The master himself really captures the beauty of a child.
Rated 17 Jul 2009
80
73rd
Simply plotted, but completely adorable.
Rated 04 Feb 2010
72
48th
The visual style is as well-crafted as any Miyazaki film, but the story isn't quite as deep (most of the film deals with friendship and overprotective fathers). It's fine for younger audiences, but doesn't have the replay value of Spirited Away or Mononoke.
Rated 30 Apr 2017
82
77th
A very cute movie, with wonderful animation. However, it's tempting to rate it lower due to the almost inexplicable world-threatening crisis and Ponyo's role in thwarting it. The kids' innocent affection was endearing enough that the fate of the world didn't need to hinge on their true love. But the film really was charming, such that I didn't take it too seriously. Just a quibble, but the movie poster makes it look like there's CGI involved. There is none, nor does it need any.
Rated 26 Jan 2010
80
74th
Don't let the trailers and the awful theme song fool you: Ponyo may be targeted at an even younger audience than Miyazakis other works, but he still knows how to entertain viewers of all ages, and how to make them accept a world where waves have eyes and fish grow legs without a second thought.
Rated 15 Aug 2009
91
82nd
Ponyo on a Cliff is a sparkling and conversantly animated family film that is redolent and resonant of other Miyazaki fulfilments. Less intricately refined and precocious than say Spirited Away. More cheerful and harmless.
Rated 07 Mar 2010
75
37th
Childish. i loved it.
Rated 01 Jul 2020
75
66th
Neither the world-ending stakes nor Fujimoto's character are ever properly established, somewhat marring the finale, but the kids are adorable and easily innocent enough to smooth over the "she needs a man to become human" angle. Ponyo's pattering feet and enormous grin as she runs with the tsunami and Lisa's sensitive parenting and reckless driving are the highlights here, and they're delightfully memorable.
Rated 07 Aug 2009
84
77th
Cute and pretty, it's a very enjoyable children's tale. The story's simple but expertly crafted, with never a dull moments.
Rated 19 Aug 2013
70
44th
It's sort of hrrrr, mmmm, errrr, gaaah in it's effects on me (sorry for the lack of elegance, I cannot articulate that into any standard language). Of course the animation is beautiful, polished, gorgeous studio Ghbli stuff, but that's where our little tale ends really. Aside from the pretty pictures you're dropped into a pretty empty pool, swimming about in some vast body of water, with no coherent thread or story to latch on to. It's almost Miyazaki doing mediocre Disney fairy tale.
Rated 07 Jul 2012
94
90th
A real triumph for Ghibli, yet again. Visually it's amazing, and the story actually balances disaster, bravery, family bonding, and silliness quite well. The ecological angle fits well into a story of a world uprooted.
Rated 13 Mar 2013
81
77th
Beautiful, touching, but above all cute. If you don't like your anime saccharine, then this will not be for you. Coincidentally watched this as the third of a triptych with Grave of the Fireflies and Pom Poko. Quite the progression there and no mistake.
Rated 24 Nov 2012
60
10th
Miyazaki's weakest link. Disappointment.
Rated 02 Jan 2018
92
78th
Hayao Miyazaki has created a piece of work here that is nothing short of art. Each frame is so carefully realized that they could all appear in museums and still be considered beautiful. The story is cute and even white knuckle intense in some parts. As well as flawed and perhaps a touch to long. Nothing comes close to how astoundingly gorgeous the film is as a whole. Possibly Studio Ghibli's best looking film.
Rated 23 Oct 2011
87
54th
This was never my favorite Miyazaki movie. Five-year-olds falling in love seems a little hard to believe when you think about it, and the film also has a bit of drag in the middle. I don't typically go romance films, but this was still told beautifully well and the animation is some of best I've probably ever seen. Someone give Sôsuke's mother a mom of the year award. Her scenes had my constantly dying of laughter. Not Ghibli's strongest film narratively, but still very much worth seein
Rated 15 Aug 2009
93
91st
It has been a year since I saw this movie in Japan without any subtitles, and now I finally know what they were saying! Beautiful, heartfelt, magical, elegant, original, and a bit strange, everything we expect fom Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's 2D masterpieces. Major negtive points to Disney for the absurd radio Disney style remix of the theme song at the end though. Solid performances from Liam Neeson and the Bonus Jonas.
Rated 25 Apr 2011
60
44th
Soft and dreamy story about childhood responsibility and growth - Ponyo lets its children explore adult responsibilities without losing an eye for the imaginative world - but without really settling into its own ideas as well as Totoro. Not the best Ghibli but not bad.
Rated 08 Apr 2013
85
67th
Miyazaki has reached his peak in terms of animation with Ponyo. Less serious than his other more recent works, so what it has going for it instead is all charm and heart, and it's nothing short of beautiful.
Rated 15 Aug 2009
65
65th
The Little Mermaid done right.
Rated 30 Dec 2009
90
79th
Ponyo, Miyazaki's neweest masterstroke is full of brilliant and cute scenes. He's spreading his magic charme from North to South, and created a wonderful movie for the whole family. Maybe this one is a bit more for the younger generation compared to chihiro or howl's moving castle but it's an awesome movie in any way!!
Rated 20 Apr 2015
73
19th
One of the strangest Miyazaki movies considering it's unusual world and head-scratching "where-is-this-even-going" plotline. This didn't resonate with me as much as his other works, which are also explore unfamiliar child-wonder lands but with better execution, characters, and ideas. I agree with other reviews that wish this script underwent more revisions. Try this after watching his other classics.
Rated 26 Apr 2018
91
98th
There is a fish. Magic happens. Now she is human. More magic happens. Disastrous Water action. Magic strikes again. Everything is fine. And everybody is ok with it? Nice
Rated 28 Aug 2010
75
80th
Ponyo is not Miyazaki' greatest, but must be certainly one of his cutest.
Rated 29 Aug 2009
65
15th
Serious misfire from Miyazaki.
Rated 05 Nov 2009
70
84th
Ponyo is a real relief after Howl's tissue mismatch. It's hard to describe the level of detail and vibrancy of this animation. The ever ameobaic textures match well with the perception of reality of a child. Being born into new millenia has it's moments. I hope the generation on the rise gets influenced by Miyazaki's permeating message.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
65
44th
One of Miyazaki's lesser works.
Rated 21 Mar 2009
8
78th
One of Miyazaki's best, very much reminiscent of "My Neighbor Totoro". Nice, very nice...
Rated 21 Dec 2009
7
65th
Stunning animation and an impressive list of voice actors made this a good movie. Held back by a choppy narrative which prevented the adventure to unfold and after 100 minutes it all felt a bit empty.
Rated 16 Jan 2010
72
68th
Awesome mermaid variation. Beautifully done and cheerful and harmless. The story was a bit narrow and imagination was not as free as in the other Miyazaki films.
Rated 29 Dec 2009
70
55th
The animation is amazing, but the story wraps up *far* too quickly. The ending comes very easily, and it seems like the main characters don't have to overcome many challenges at all.
Rated 08 Jun 2010
42
19th
Good Gawd Almighty! Ponyo (the character) was supposed to be cute and adorable?? She's fucking loud and obnoxious!
Rated 21 Mar 2011
83
34th
The English dubbing was very well done, even though I've been told that to get the most out of anime you have to watch it with subtitles or original dubbing. My question to this is "Why?" If I'm sitting there watching subtitles then I can't pay as much attention to the emotions the artists spent painstaking hours on making convincing. I enjoyed how expressive the movie was through art and fantastic direction. If the dubbing took me out of the experience, I cannot remember when it happened.
Rated 06 Nov 2016
80
86th
Simple story, beautifully told. It's a simple retelling of the little mermaid story with buckets of Miyazaki charm thrown on top, combined with dramatic elements that play upon the Japanese cultural fear of tsunamis and the power of the ocean.
Rated 08 Feb 2015
80
75th
I really enjoy Ponyo. Though at times it threatens to be a little too cutesy for its own good, it never quite crosses that threshold, and the sheer Miyazaki-an creativity is on a wonderful overload.
Rated 04 Apr 2010
95
80th
very fun movie, not my favorite of Miyazaki's films, but still it's awesome.
Rated 18 Aug 2009
80
29th
Charming and with impressive visuals but with a meandering and unfocused story. While Miyazaki's intentions are clear and his imagination is as fruitful as ever, he should consider external input on his screenplays.
Rated 24 May 2010
70
52nd
I loved the gentle and somehwat meandering quality (though there are moments of excitement) of the film, and the artwork is like a beautiful storybook, but I didn't feel fully absorbed in it. I did like that the musical score wasn't modern in any way, and it was rather lovely. Well worth your time.
Rated 28 Dec 2009
75
66th
Not one of Miyazaki's best. But even his lesser works are better than most.
Rated 15 Nov 2010
65
12th
Very surreal, though I guess I should expect that from Miyazaki. It was not a masterpiece. It was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen classic, "The Little Mermaid," but it came across to me like something manufactured to be watched while taking hallucinogenic drugs. It had beautiful and vivid animation, but the story was bland and lacking in any type of conflict or challenge to overcome. The tremendously talented voice dubbing actors pull only enough weight to turn this minnow into a guppy.
Rated 07 Feb 2014
8
93rd
I somehow had it in my mind before watching that this was going to be low-stakes, zero-action Miyazaki - Totoro with a goldfish girl instead of a giant catbear, basically - so I was kind of delightfully shocked by the spectacle of wizards and goddesses and flooding towns and car chases against tsunamis that unfolded before me. Yet the emotional impact was still clear and impactful. The children aren't as convincingly childlike as some other Ghibli films, but I really enjoyed it a whole lot.
Rated 24 Aug 2019
87
69th
PONYO PONYO-PON UHHHH I FORGOT HOW THE SONG GOES,,,,
Rated 15 Jul 2020
77
68th
I feel like its pacing is very, very strange, but besides that Ponyo is a delightful animated film that says a lot even while being geared towards kids more than other Ghibli films. It has a lush environment both in its animation and its score to the point that it at times just sucks me into its world. The pro-environmentalism themes are appreciated yet subtle, but by the conclusion they are largely abandoned for a simpler message which helps the film feel more focused and true to itself.
Rated 25 Dec 2020
59
17th
Really boring to be honest, this might have worked as a short film but not as a standard feature. Ponyo is a really annoying character and almost nothing happens in the plot. Visually it's nice at times but not nearly enough to make this worth watching. Probably fun for kids but clearly not made for me.
Rated 15 Jan 2021
20
11th
Honestly really bad.
Rated 03 Jan 2022
72
29th
too cutesy-poo
Rated 03 Jul 2023
8
81st
Jesus has returned and she's a little fish girl named Ponyo, sprinting on waves towards me, licking my wounds and saving my soul with soup and silliness. Meanwhile, there's a tsunami but it's a good thing because the fish get to swim on the road and the grannies are running about out of their wheelchairs. Mom is gone but no matter, the kids can make a boat with magic and a candle. Beautiful, adorable, and occasionally odd (see Fujimoto's confusing character and the abrupt climactic kid wedding).
Rated 29 Feb 2012
80
90th
Best Miyazaki (not best Ghibli), but thinking I'm not exactly Miyazaki's fan... This one is simple and is shown simple, having a few great elements and done beautifully. It may be childish, but at least isn't explaining us every single step they do as we were idiots who need everything to be told four times. Other over-rated movies by him like Mononoke or Chihiro (also childish) are just simple boring movies full of more elements that needed and over-explaining the main topic over and over.
Rated 20 Jan 2013
75
78th
Great Ghibli.
Rated 03 Nov 2021
93
80th
totorodan sonraki en tatlı karakterlerin oldugu cizik filimi dünyası yine efsane miyazakinin
Rated 16 Oct 2017
70
60th
Subpar for Miyazaki - there's so much promise there, but the premise is never really seized. Due to its visual excellency (as is par for the course) it still makes for an enjoyable viewing
Rated 22 Nov 2017
85
79th
Unbearably adorable.
Rated 18 Jan 2011
84
84th
One of my least favorite Miyazaki films. I just didn't think it made much sense, the plot was absolutely retarded, and a little disturbing if you think about it. By the end of the film I wasn't sure who I was supposed to like. Still, it's Miyazaki, and if you only watch for the animation, this film is brilliant.
Rated 11 Mar 2011
84
86th
"Ponyo" is a great movie filled with some great voice acting by a whole host of recognizable names. The storyline is riveting enough to make this movie feel like it's only a half hour long, but when it ended I was satisfied.
Rated 12 Feb 2013
40
32nd
Lots of points for creative imagination and animation on this story with many Japanese overtones. Some of this is very cute, but the story is also weak. There are a few amusing visuals, and it is good for kids. The ending was particularly lack luster especially considering all the efforts made up to that point. Still parts of this movie are adorable, even if the overall story is not very engaging. Also, the voice overs were fairly well done. Worth watching but not that great.
Rated 07 Jun 2015
90
85th
At times maybe slightly either weird or idle on story department, but characters are charming, and animation and sceneries looks gorgeous.
Rated 27 Sep 2009
75
76th
The plot was nonsense but the movie is beutifully drawn, super cute and full of lovely characters, who cares about a plot anyways..
Rated 18 Mar 2010
70
39th
A modern retelling of the Little Mermaid with cute characters and nice visuals. Aimed at a younger audience, but a little slow in parts.
Rated 26 Sep 2010
85
84th
I liked it really, even more because I watched it with my 5-year-old niece. This movie really works well for children. It's hand-drawn animation is awesome, but it's also true that it isn't as stunning as Miyazaki's older works (at least for a grown-up).
Rated 16 Aug 2011
5
38th
A usual Miyazaki visual masterpiece, but I found the plot to be too childish and nonsensical for my tastes.
Rated 14 Feb 2012
100
0th
2nd only to totoro, miyazaki at his best.
Rated 04 Aug 2009
75
54th
Cute, but still doesn't stack up against some of the earlier HM works.
Rated 08 Sep 2009
75
64th
Two thirds of genius with a terrible ending.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
73
88th
Not my favorite Miyazaki but it's still pretty charming and well made.
Rated 07 Feb 2012
92
87th
Great!
Rated 16 Nov 2014
93
97th
Cutest movie I've ever had the pleasure of watching, breathtaking animation
Rated 20 Jul 2009
4
72nd
A modern Miyazaki I didn't hate.
Rated 22 Mar 2010
84
85th
It's good but it's not the brilliance of other Ghibli works. Credits to the poor sods who had to hand draw all those shoals of fish and squid and so on.
Rated 13 Jul 2010
90
88th
Insane. Illogical. AWESOME!
Rated 03 Dec 2010
75
76th
Charming, innocent and imaginative but not nearly a folklore epic like Ghibli's previous films were.
Rated 20 Jun 2009
82
71st
The movie is well-made, but something is missing... For me I wasn't as good as other Miyazaki's works.
Rated 31 Oct 2016
64
67th
Re-watched this recently and am glad I did. One of my favorites by Miyazaki, though it can be a bit cloying at times like most kiddy movies. With Miyazaki it's mostly about the animation anyways and the sincerity of the environmental message makes me hopeful that they will actually have some subconscious effect on the next generation.
Rated 04 Aug 2009
80
50th
Damn, i had a good time watching this super-sweet flick of an animated tale. Ponyo is cute as hell and makes you feel good. What you should just forget is the Nemo-like-Trailer - it's so misrepresenting what's really going on in the film. From a stock of 100 tons of ham i would deliver 80 directly to PONYO ON THE CLIFF BY THE SEA.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
75
32nd
This is not a masterpiece, but it is pretty good. The animation is awesome and make me miss hand drawn animation, and made me wish studios would go back to hand drawn animation. Children will enjoy and so would adults.
Rated 23 Nov 2014
80
73rd
Ponyo is a terribly charming kid's anime that just makes one feel so good inside. Although it isn't Miyazaki's best story, it is quite an animation feat. Along with this, the story is a bit weak yet its charm and messages live on. The English voice actors also do a very very good job, and Liam Neeson was perfect for his character. I liked this, though not my favorite Miyazaki movie.
Rated 16 Aug 2013
8
85th
Enjoyment: 8/10, Plot: 7/10 Themes: 8/10 Animation: 10/10 Direction: 8/10 Acting: 8/10 Writing: 9/10 Score: 7/10 Editing: 8/10 Design: 8/10
Rated 20 Aug 2009
90
82nd
Very cute. It's not as visually stunning as some of Miyazaki's past films (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, etc....), but it is a cute story and well animated.
Rated 07 Apr 2010
73
71st
interesting and a visual amazement to me. I always enjoy miyazaki films
Rated 16 Aug 2011
73
5th
Very pretty, and pretty adorable. But the plot is somewhat uninteresting, even if the characters are well done.
Rated 27 May 2010
60
40th
"The Little Mermaid" meets "The Water Horse." Enjoyable for adults in a beautiful, silly sort of way: you can't help but mock the story and dialog a few times, but (of course) the animation is so carefully crafted as to demand respect.
Rated 17 Jan 2014
90
81st
Cute and fun movie. A bit strange at times. But very enjoyable!
Rated 31 Aug 2009
80
80th
(Revised review)I've upped it from 70 to 80 after re-watching it on DVD. The kids I've watched it with at home and in the theater were heavily drawn to it. It's style is almost Impressionist compared to the more realistic animation common today. The storm sequence is particularly memorable and the music is a big plus. Some big name English voice talent.
Rated 28 Sep 2012
70
24th
Feels incomplete, like something was cut out before the ending. Art style is amazing though, but the art is the only part that has the Miyazaki charm
Rated 02 Sep 2009
5
80th
I had to bump this up a little in my mind cause the animation - even by Miyazaki standards - is just astounding. I can't stop thinking about it.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
89
83rd
Su análogo porquería es la sirenita de disney
Rated 19 Apr 2013
76
71st
Cute and has small touches of a labor of love that I really appreciated.
Rated 13 Dec 2009
66
73rd
From technical viewpoint - as good as anything studio Ghibli has done. Colorful, surreal and detailed animation is a treat for eyes, and beautiful, vibrant classical soundtrack by Hisaishi is a treat for ears. But the story of Ponyo doesn't compare to the Miyazaki greats. Great movie for kids, a bit less for adults.

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