Ponyo

Videos & Trailers

Ponyo and Sōsuke Eat Ramen

Ponyo (2008) - DVD Trailer

15th Anniversary Trailer

15th Anniversary Spot

PONYO | Official English Trailer

Movie Information

Ponyo

Released on July 19, 2008
7.7(4,464 votes)
⏱️ 1h40

Budget:$0

Revenue:$0

Content written by Cineve AI, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) that recommends movies based on your preferences. She understands your tastes and guides you to the right film.

Quick overview of the story

Boy Sosuke befriends Ponyo, a magical fish who wishes to be human. Their bond sparks magical adventures and tests the balance between land and sea.

Detailed story summary

Set in a seaside Japanese town and the magical ocean below, the story follows Sosuke, a young boy who befriends Ponyo, a goldfish princess longing to become human. As Ponyo’s magic disrupts the balance of nature, the town faces strange phenomena. Sosuke and Ponyo’s friendship is tested as they seek to restore harmony. The film blends whimsical adventure with themes of love, courage, and the wonders of childhood imagination.

What makes this story unique?

The film reimagines The Little Mermaid with a uniquely Japanese, magical twist, blending everyday life with fantastical elements.

Key emotional or narrative relationship

The innocent, heartfelt friendship between Sosuke and Ponyo drives the emotional core.

How the main character evolves

Both children learn empathy, bravery, and the importance of caring for others.

A memorable or defining scene

Ponyo’s transformation from fish to human girl is a visually stunning, pivotal scene.

Narrative style or twist

The story unfolds with dreamlike logic, using vibrant animation and gentle pacing to evoke wonder.

Narrative tone

magical, whimsical, gentle, imaginative, adventurous, lyrical

Atmosphere or emotional feel

enchanted, joyful, curious, hopeful, peaceful, serene

Main themes explored

friendship, nature, love, courage, childhood, transformation

Overview

When Sosuke, a young boy who lives on a clifftop overlooking the sea, rescues a stranded goldfish named Ponyo, he discovers more than he bargained for. Ponyo is a curious, energetic young creature who yearns to be human, but even as she causes chaos around the house, her father, a powerful sorcerer, schemes to return Ponyo to the sea.

Genres

Production Companies

  • Studio GhibliStudio Ghibli (JP)
  • TOHOTOHO (JP)
  • Nippon Television Network CorporationNippon Television Network Corporation (JP)
  • dentsudentsu (JP)
  • Hakuhodo DY Media PartnersHakuhodo DY Media Partners (JP)
  • The Walt Disney Company (Japan)The Walt Disney Company (Japan) (JP)
  • MitsubishiMitsubishi (JP)

Production Countries

  • Japan
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Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki
Director

Cast

Crew

Additional context

Runtime category for this movie: Standard

Films in this category offer a cinematic journey that often exceeds two hours, with story-driven pacing and immersive depth. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • average length
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Release period category for this movie: Modern

Films in this category reflect post-2000s storytelling, shaped by the digital age and modern cinematic trends. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • contemporary classic
  • 2000s cinema
  • early 21st century
  • millennial movies
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Popularity status category for this movie: Popular Favorite

Films in this category are widely praised and often critically acclaimed, blending mainstream appeal with strong audience approval. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • critically acclaimed
  • top rated
  • highly recommended
  • widely praised
  • blockbuster hit
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  • fan favorite
  • mainstream success
  • high score movie

Understood search styles

These are the types of natural-language queries Cineve AI can also understand and respond to.

  • best japanese animated fantasies
  • magical ocean adventure movies
  • films about nature harmony
  • princess transformation in animation
  • childhood wonder in movies
  • fantasy friendship animated films