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The Cat Returns
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The Cat Returns

2002
Family/Kids
Fantasy
1h 15m
After helping a cat, a young girl finds herself involuntarily engaged to a cat prince in a magical world where her only hope of freedom lies with a dapper cat statuette come to life. (imdb)
Directed by:
Hiroyuki Morita
Written by:
Aoi Hîragi Reiko Yoshida
+1 more
Starring:
Hitomi Satô Hitomi Satô Tetsurô Tanba Tetsurô Tanba Aki Maeda Aki Maeda Tetsu Watanabe Tetsu Watanabe Chizuru Ikewaki Chizuru Ikewaki Yoshihiko Hakamada Takayuki Yamada Takayuki Yamada Kenta Satoi Yôsuke Saitô Mari Hamada
More
Genres:
Family/Kids, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
AKA:
Neko no Ongaeshi
Country:
Japan
Languages:
English, Japanese
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Cat Returns

2002
Family/Kids
Fantasy
1h 15m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 55.03% from 1052 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(1052)
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suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 17 May 2013
8
80th
Maybe it's my drug history speaking, but I love escapist fantasy and The Cat Returns is yet another high quality movie influenced by the likes of Alice In Wonderland. I'm amused that people are frustrated at its lack of thematic weight because I found its feather-light heart pitch perfect; and its running time is a breezy 75 minutes so things never drag. I'm sure it helps that I love cats, too.
Rated 17 May 2013
djrossdjross
Rated 06 Apr 2018
65
71st
Charming kids movie involving a cat in top hat, tails and cane who works at the Cat Business Office: what more do you need? Anyone who says this needs "more conflict" or a "stronger character arc" or "weightier themes" should really stop reading books about how to write a killer Hollywood screenplay.
Rated 06 Apr 2018
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 26 Mar 2012
3
45th
Terribly cute and charming, but lacking the thematic weight usually expected from Ghibli.
Rated 26 Mar 2012
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 10 Mar 2017
74
66th
Super comfy escapist fairytale-ish entertainment. Doesn't try to go deep, but luckily doesn't have any dramatic angles either. Just a cute adventure involving talking cats, hidden kingdoms, transformations, mazes, magic towers and all that jazz. I gotta watch this with my niece sometime. :3 Most importantly, it teaches kids that becoming a furry is a bad idea and is incompatible with being a part of human society.
Rated 10 Mar 2017
nepetaNepeta
Rated 30 Oct 2013
65
35th
The plotting is a bit weak, and I can't say I'm anywhere near as convinced by this world that's created as I would be in say a Miyazaki film for example, but it's just so damn charming that I can't help but like it. Pretty fun in spite of its faults.
Rated 30 Oct 2013
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 07 May 2020
74
48th
A solid outing from Ghibli, but as has been my experience this far, Ghibli de facto imparts a unique fantasy to all of their movies, but Miyazaki transforms it into a whimsical kind of magic. With no Miyazaki, it's just not the same.
Rated 07 May 2020
kingjohnbbqKingjohnbbq
Rated 09 Dec 2015
90
65th
I really enjoyed how familiar and at the same time how bizarre it all was. Being in the world at all now pretty much means you're a part of cat culture, whether you want to be or not. I liked how light and easy to digest this whole story was. Its just a fun movie to space out to. plus Peter Boyle, c'mon.
Rated 09 Dec 2015
phantom_nookPhantom Nook
Rated 07 Jun 2016
80
86th
The Cat Returns isn't the best Studio Ghibli movie, but it's definitely the funniest.
Rated 07 Jun 2016
ytadelYtadel
Rated 14 Feb 2014
6
70th
Skates by with its thin story on account of being incredibly cute. Recommended for cat lovers.
Rated 14 Feb 2014
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 08 Mar 2011
65
61st
It's an animation for kids -- short and simple -- and a very cute one.
Rated 08 Mar 2011
begoniabolbegoniabol
Rated 30 Jul 2009
86
89th
Cute!
Rated 30 Jul 2009
lennyneroLennyNero
Rated 14 Jun 2017
75
71st
Very funny and fast-paced charmer.
Rated 14 Jun 2017
randallodimRandallODim
Rated 18 Feb 2016
80
54th
It's not super deep, but it's a lot of fun. Also just notable for having a protagonist whose development actually involves them deciding they aren't interested in pursuing their earlier romantic interest. I think that's pretty cool.
Rated 18 Feb 2016
morbleMorble
Rated 04 Sep 2016
78
89th
Most great films are incredibly dark and grim and it's just so nice to see a good movie that's based completely on whimsy and happy fantasy.
Rated 04 Sep 2016
joelwatchesmoviesjoelwatchesmovies
Rated 03 Jul 2020
8
80th
"It's tough to survive in this world." In a film filled with magic and whimsy, this early line from kitten to kid stands out and foreshadows a unique undercurrent of poignant coming-of-age fare ("Where do I belong?") that comes to an excellent resolve ("It doesn't matter anymore") in an overall bizarre and marvelous fantasy adventure plot that enchants (see the mesmerizing midnight cat walk) and charms (Baron's a babe, obvs) and tickles your funny bone (see the kooky King practicing his swing).
Rated 03 Jul 2020
volumeswellVolumeswell
Rated 01 Aug 2011
55
41st
A bit too straightforward and predictable but still a solid whimsical adventure that doesn't try to be anything more than that.
Rated 01 Aug 2011
corbadCorbad
Rated 26 Jun 2020
80
79th
Its humour and slapstick delights, its characters utterly charm (can anyone blame Haru for crushing on the baron??), and its story, simple and magical, enchants. The "find where you belong" angle is weak, but never necessary, so its failure doesn't bring down the film. Absolutely lovely.
Rated 26 Jun 2020
dmcrimsonDMCrimson
Rated 16 Feb 2018
79
52nd
Not exactly Studio Ghibli's most artistic accomplishment but adorable enough to make me like it. I'd probably approve of them doing a Thin Red Line remake if it was this full of cats.
Rated 16 Feb 2018
barraocBarraoc
Rated 04 May 2013
70
64th
Those cats are crazy.
Rated 04 May 2013
vengefulkbmVengefulKBM
Rated 08 Feb 2015
75
63rd
Fun, kid-friendly follow-up/spin-off to Whisper of the Heart that's definitely worth a watch. Lighter fare, but not in a bad way.
Rated 08 Feb 2015
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 12 Jan 2019
59
50th
It’s charming in places with individual set pieces that are really lovely. But narratively it’s shambles and far too lightweight; and whilst this is not always an issue in a Ghibli picture, ‘The Cat Returns’ is never enchanting or interesting enough to paper over the cracks. Likeable and entertainingly bizarre, but clearly lacking the polish of the more substantial Ghibli works.
Rated 12 Jan 2019
hisblobhisblob
Rated 13 Jan 2013
98
97th
Very enjoyable and charming. And for god's sake, set it to the Japanese track.
Rated 13 Jan 2013
botelhudobotelhudo
Rated 25 May 2011
75
60th
Fun and wild fantasy about girl who discovers that cats hide much more than we can imagine. Metaphor for the rite of passage from childhood to adolescence, this animation has the usual excellent quality of the works of Ghibli Studios. For children, yes. And also for adults who like soft, unusual and clever cartoons.
Rated 25 May 2011
faloozaFalooza
Rated 04 Jun 2009
77
83rd
This film features the greatest cat name ever: Renaldo Moon!
Rated 04 Jun 2009
joojooJooJoo
Rated 01 Jan 2013
3
31st
Extremely lightweight material that refuses to bring an interesting conflict or character to fruition. As the animation also lacks any imaginative touches, I'm gonna go as far as to say it's barely passing (for Ghibli standards, of course).
Rated 01 Jan 2013
qtpiqtpi
Rated 04 Nov 2012
5
38th
Kawaii nekos dess!!
Rated 04 Nov 2012
larcherlarcher
Rated 22 Apr 2012
80
58th
The ending is predictable, but the movie is so beautiful you dont mind seeing it.
Rated 22 Apr 2012
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 22 Oct 2010
66
51st
While there is charm and some humor mixed in, it gets really boring at times.
Rated 22 Oct 2010
tombomtombom
Rated 09 Apr 2016
60
51st
Cute stuff and enjoyable enough although the plot feels weird cause I think it's taken from a wider story or something? i dunno it's nice but not *great* great
Rated 09 Apr 2016
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 08 Apr 2013
69
54th
Why are prolific actors so bad at voice acting when it comes to these films? Definitely one of the more forgettable Ghibli films, but it's a fun watch, especially once the characters enter the kingdom.
Rated 08 Apr 2013
thereminjamThereminJam
Rated 07 Dec 2013
85
76th
Super cute!
Rated 07 Dec 2013
turinturin
Rated 22 Jun 2009
54
28th
An Alice in Wonderland kind of story with promising beginning, introducing interesting characters and showing some of Ghibli trademark quality observant little scenes, which develops into a more ordinary kids' fairy tale without the originality the studio got us used to.
Rated 22 Jun 2009
gokhanincegokhanince
Rated 10 Dec 2007
72
47th
Though the story was too childish this time,catching up with an old chap 'Baron von Gikkingen' has made it worthwhile
Rated 10 Dec 2007
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 19 Dec 2006
63
22nd
A sequel of sorts to Whisper of the Heart, perhaps it's more accurate to call it a spin-off. It's an Alice in Wonderland kind of story, nothing much here you haven't seen before. Rather disappointing for a Studio Ghibli production, but I think it's mostly intended for the kids.
Rated 19 Dec 2006
goremeatgoremeat
Rated 15 Apr 2012
60
44th
Vaguely amusing in it's quaint take on chivalry as 'kakkoii' and somewhat charming, but also incredibly hollow and vacuous.
Rated 15 Apr 2012
kaedesmithkaedesmith
Rated 11 Nov 2012
75
56th
Lovely story, quite magical and the Baron is a fantastic character.
Rated 11 Nov 2012
feetlipsfeetlips
Rated 04 Sep 2016
95
91st
Supremely playful and imaginative.
Rated 04 Sep 2016
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 08 Nov 2017
50
38th
There's some good stuff in here, it's just not quite right. If I hadn't seen the Ghibli title card I wouldn't have believed it.
Rated 08 Nov 2017
psimpsim
Rated 29 Mar 2018
69
25th
It's fine as a funny story about a girl who's drawn into a fantasy world to be married against her will, but not much more. I think this one feels the most like a Disney film instead of a Ghibli one, although it has some nice touches like the cat parade.
Rated 29 Mar 2018
berretso4BerretSO4
Rated 23 May 2014
84
40th
It's really quite good, but the plot follows a big formula and it hurts. If it were less obvious it'd be easier to stomach. The humor is great though, as is the voice acting. Judy Greer!
Rated 23 May 2014
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 11 Sep 2015
89
60th
While I prefer Miazaki's work, The Cat Returns has an awesome story and some pretty talented voice acting. Genuine look anime movie that's hilarious and entertaining and could sit well with just about anybody. That and I'm a cat person. Cute and worth an easy watch for it's characters and story.
Rated 11 Sep 2015
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 27 Jan 2012
72
59th
Cute movie for kids (I know I would have loved it if I were 5), but ultimately falls into being incredibly predictable and nothing more. I must say though, it was pretty whimsical and fun, it just dragged a bit and lacked finesse.
Rated 27 Jan 2012
stevekimesstevekimes
Rated 02 Sep 2011
85
73rd
While it clocks in at an hour, it feels like a full feature. The title character is one of the most charming heroes ever-- I can see why she fell in love with him!
Rated 02 Sep 2011
hehejajahehejaja
Rated 01 May 2008
65
47th
A pretty funny, imaginative anime in quite the same spirit as Spirited Away.
Rated 01 May 2008
dorkovskyDorkovsky
Rated 19 Apr 2009
5
56th
An above average children's movie but a poor Studio Ghibli one.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
nuotionuotio
Rated 21 Oct 2017
60
68th
Simpler and more straight-forward than Miyazaki's films, it's a minor film in Ghibli's resume, but still a fun animation for the whole family. At 75mins It doesn't overstay it's welcome.
Rated 21 Oct 2017
shinysingershinySinger
Rated 04 Mar 2020
80
46th
its not zoophilia if the talking cat you are in love with is actually a statue, right???
Rated 04 Mar 2020
scribScrib
Rated 08 Jun 2022
65
42nd
The dub is inferior to the Japanese script, but it's not a bad effort. The humour falls flat here more often than in the original language and the westernisation sinks to planting words like "dude" and "babe". Still, it's not without its charms, some of which arguably trump the Japanese delivery. The central theme of "believe in yourself" is a bit trite, but the adventure itself is endearing.
Rated 08 Jun 2022
muttermutter
Rated 13 May 2021
60
44th
Cute but incomprehensible.
Rated 13 May 2021
soixistSoixist
Rated 30 Mar 2021
70
29th
Good
Rated 30 Mar 2021
pepsi_manPepsi-Man
Rated 20 Jul 2009
2
39th
There's nothing particularly great about this, but it's not awful either. It's thankfully very short.
Rated 20 Jul 2009
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 31 Jan 2010
40
39th
jesus christ ... I don't know what movie you guys seen but this was just terrible. I couldn't even make it to the end. I could maybe understand someone liking it if they were a 5 year old or collect Yu Gi Oh cards and live in their mom's basement.
Rated 31 Jan 2010
cosmicmonkeyCosmicMonkey
Rated 17 Dec 2020
48
7th
Ghibli's worst film? It's premise is charming enough, but it really struggles to find ways to justify it's runtime. It's weird to call a 75-minute film overly long & boring, especially one about magical cats, but that's exactly how I felt, I didn't care about the protagonist and things kind of just happened around her without any reason other than to have things happen. My friend and I were just waiting for the movie to end, only to give up and do something else with 20 minutes left in it.
Rated 17 Dec 2020
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 05 Jan 2021
66
36th
Pretty charming Alice in Wonderland type story (especially if one is a cat person) but not awe-inspiring or memorable like the best Ghibli films.
Rated 05 Jan 2021
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 06 Dec 2015
2
46th
Surprisingly dull.
Rated 06 Dec 2015
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 13 May 2024
70
53rd
The Baron: "If you find yourself troubled by something mysterious or a problem that's hard to solve, there's a place you can go where you always find help. You just need to look for it."
Rated 13 May 2024
angrypierreangrypierre
Rated 18 Jul 2011
68
45th
Charming enough little piece, but I'd guessed the plot within five minutes and generally it's a bit over-sweet and lacks punch.
Rated 18 Jul 2011
chadarnookchadarnook
Rated 27 Feb 2021
81
63rd
Breezy, charming, and watchable. I somehow wasn't expecting this to go in so hard on its concept. Cats!
Rated 27 Feb 2021
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 31 Jul 2017
76
68th
Rvw
Rated 31 Jul 2017
prowlerprowler
Rated 08 Nov 2021
72
71st
approachable and empowering movie for kids
Rated 08 Nov 2021
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 06 Jun 2020
71
53rd
I think this is definitely fun for kids. It has some cool ideas, but is also quite predictable. I enjoyed it, but it's far from essential viewing.
Rated 06 Jun 2020
nothingsgoodNothingsGood
Rated 23 Aug 2022
70
74th
Tim Curry needs more work.
Rated 23 Aug 2022
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
75
59th
???????????????????????
Rated 06 Aug 2021
kasperlKasperL
Rated 22 Jan 2022
55
39th
It's a decent little magical adventure, but it's lower-tier Ghibli.
Rated 22 Jan 2022
lofisofilofisofi
Rated 24 Jul 2020
69
71st
cute
Rated 24 Jul 2020
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 19 Jul 2008
68
72nd
good movie
Rated 19 Jul 2008
margustaMargusTa
Rated 11 Jan 2021
86
83rd
Japanese animation was very popular after brilliant "Spirited Away". The Cat Returns is simpler and it is meant to old and young viewers. With beautiful animation and therapeutic plot, everyone will enjoy it.
Rated 11 Jan 2021
excelsiorExcelsior
Rated 31 Dec 2023
40
40th
Largely by-the-numbers with the only slightly distinguishing feature being the whimsy of having a cat-themed fantasy world. There is a brief moment of magic and wonder during the climax (the only such moment) where the main characters fly to safety by walking on the back of a group of birds, but even that magic is immediately broken when the protagonist asks if this hurts the birds. Why would you undercut this fantasy with vapid dialogue about real-world logic?
Rated 31 Dec 2023

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