Overview
A young witch embarks on a whimsical adventure of self-discovery and friendship in a charming seaside town.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- whimsical
- warm
- comforting
- family movie night
- cozy afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly acclaim the film as a heartwarming, gorgeously rendered coming-of-age fantasy with a realistic young protagonist and meaningful simplicity.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kiki's witchcraft, flying, work, friendships, and self-doubt are presented as ordinary parts of a believable teenage transition.
Kiki leaves home, settles in a seaside town, and builds a delivery service to continue her witch training.
The film combines broom flight and a talking cat with bakeries, clock towers, bicycles, and a picturesque seaside town.
Kiki's broomstick journeys and Tombo's aviation enthusiasm make flight a recurring expression of aspiration and identity.
Films like Kiki's Delivery Service, and why
My Neighbor Totoro
shared whimsical fantasy, coming-of-age journey, gentle humor, and emotionally warm atmosphere
Whisper of the Heart
shared studio ghibli craftsmanship, child-centered fantasy, female friendship, and comforting tone
Mary and the Witch's Flower
shared female protagonist, imaginative fantasy setting, self-discovery, and uplifting emotional register
Movie Details
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Release Date
- 1989-07-29
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (4754)
Cast
- Minami Takayama
- Rei Sakuma
- Kappei Yamaguchi
- Keiko Toda
- Mieko Nobusawa
- Koichi Miura
- Haruko Katō
- Hiroko Seki
- Yuriko Fuchizaki
- Koichi Yamadera
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Kiki's Delivery Service about?
- A resourceful young witch launches a flying delivery service in a seaside town while learning how independence, friendship, and confidence take shape.
- What is Kiki's Delivery Service like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Kiki's Delivery Service as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Kiki's Delivery Service violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Kiki's Delivery Service.
- What did critics think of Kiki's Delivery Service?
- Critics broadly acclaim the film as a heartwarming, gorgeously rendered coming-of-age fantasy with a realistic young protagonist and meaningful simplicity.
- Which films are like Kiki's Delivery Service?
- Films with a similar feel include My Neighbor Totoro, Whisper of the Heart, and Mary and the Witch's Flower.
- How long is Kiki's Delivery Service?
- Kiki's Delivery Service runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Kiki's Delivery Service?
- In United States, Kiki's Delivery Service streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
