There are great movies, and then there are movies that change you. Spirited Away is the latter.

This 2001 masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki isn’t just a beautiful, whimsical adventure—it’s a film that lingers with you, unfolding new layers every time you watch it. From its breathtaking animation to its deeply human story, it’s no wonder this became one of the most celebrated animated films of all time.

But what makes Spirited Away so special? Why does it resonate with people decades after its release? And is there more than one version of it? Let’s dive into the magic.

Are There Two Versions of Spirited Away?

Yes, but not in the way you might think.

There are two main versions of Spirited Away: the original Japanese version and the English dub produced by Disney. While both tell the same story, the English dub features some script changes to help Western audiences understand certain cultural elements.

For example, in the English version, Haku explicitly tells Chihiro to remember her name, while in the original, this theme is more subtly woven into the story. Small dialogue tweaks like this don’t change the core narrative, but they do slightly alter how the story is perceived.

There’s also been debate over whether early DVD releases altered the ending to imply that Chihiro forgot her journey, but this was never Miyazaki’s intention.

What Is Spirited Away About?

At its heart, Spirited Away is a coming-of-age story wrapped in a fantasy adventure.

It follows Chihiro, a sullen 10-year-old girl who, while moving to a new town with her parents, stumbles upon an abandoned bathhouse. Before she knows it, her parents are turned into pigs, and she’s trapped in a world of spirits, ruled by the powerful witch Yubaba.

Forced to work in Yubaba’s bathhouse to survive, Chihiro sheds her old identity (literally—her name is taken away) and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She befriends Haku, a mysterious boy with secrets of his own, and meets a cast of unforgettable characters, from the enigmatic No-Face to the grumpy but kind-hearted Kamaji.

Through trials and hardships, Chihiro grows stronger, braver, and more compassionate, proving that courage isn’t about fighting—it’s about adapting, persevering, and holding onto who you are.

Why Is Spirited Away So Popular?

Few films capture the magic of childhood as well as Spirited Away.

One fan put it best:

“Kids don’t act like kids in most movies. Spirited Away gets what kids are like. They’re complex, conflicted, selfish, selfless, enduring, tiring creatures. Chihiro isn’t a perfect hero—she’s real. And watching her grow throughout the movie is one of the most rewarding things about it.”

Beyond its beautiful storytelling, Spirited Away is packed with stunning visuals, rich world-building, and layered themes. The film doesn’t rely on a traditional “good vs. evil” plotline. Instead, as another fan put it:

“Miyazaki doesn’t do simple heroes and villains. In Hollywood, you always have a clear-cut bad guy. In Spirited Away, there are no true villains—just characters with their own motivations. Chihiro isn’t here to defeat evil; she’s here to find balance.”

And that’s exactly what makes the film so compelling. Every character has depth, from Yubaba—who is both ruthless and caring—to No-Face, who mirrors the energy of those around him.

What Is the Message Behind Spirited Away?

Miyazaki never gives one single meaning to his films, and that’s part of their magic.

Some people see Spirited Away as a metaphor for growing up—a child entering the adult world and learning responsibility. Others interpret it as a critique of capitalism, with the bathhouse symbolizing a consumer-driven society that erases identity. Some even believe it’s a commentary on Japan’s changing cultural landscape, where the old and new world collide.

But at its core, Spirited Away is about finding oneself. It’s about remembering who you are, even when the world tries to change you.

It’s also deeply nostalgic, capturing the fleeting nature of childhood—a time when everything feels magical but also uncertain. And that’s why it resonates with so many people, no matter their age.

Where to Watch Spirited Away

If you’re ready to experience (or rewatch) Spirited Away, here’s where you can stream it:

• Max (formerly HBO Max) – The best place to stream Spirited Away in the U.S., as it holds exclusive Studio Ghibli streaming rights.
• Netflix – Available in many international regions, but not in the U.S. or Canada. If it’s not in your country, you might need a VPN to access it.
• Amazon Prime Video – Offers Spirited Away for rent or purchase in digital format.
• Apple TV & Google Play – You can buy or rent the movie here as well.
• Blu-ray/DVD – If you want a physical copy, the Studio Ghibli Blu-ray releases are high quality and often include bonus features.

If you’re in the U.S., Max is the best option for streaming, while Netflix works in other parts of the world. And if you prefer owning the movie, digital or Blu-ray copies are always a great investment!

Our Take: Why Spirited Away Is a Masterpiece

I could go on and on about why Spirited Away is perfect, but let’s keep it simple:

• It’s visually breathtaking—every frame is a painting.
• It has one of the best film scores ever composed (thank you, Joe Hisaishi).
• Chihiro’s growth feels genuine and inspiring—you root for her every step of the way.
• The world-building is unparalleled—it feels like a living, breathing world, not just a fantasy setting.
• No matter how many times you watch it, you always discover something new.

Even people who don’t normally watch anime fall in love with Spirited Away. It’s that universally magical.

As one fan put it:

“It’s beautifully animated, full of great imagery, complex, has many different emotions/themes, deceptively dark, and has a great score. What other animated/children’s films were like this?”

Exactly.

Final Thoughts

Spirited Away isn’t just one of the best animated movies of all time—it’s one of the best movies, period. It’s a work of art, and if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on an experience.

So if you’re looking for something magical, meaningful, and deeply moving, Spirited Away is the perfect choice. And if you’ve already seen it? Watch it again—because just like childhood, some things only get more beautiful with time.