Castle in the Sky

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Castle in the Sky

PG

1989

2h 4m

Fantasy

Anime

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

29 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Young orphan Sheeta and her kidnapper, Col. Muska, are flying to a military prison when their plane is attacked by a gang of air pirates led by the matronly Dola. Escaping from a midair collision via a magic crystal around her neck, Sheeta meets fellow orphan Pazu and the pair join forces to discover the mystical floating city of Laputa while pursued by both Muska and the pirates, who lust for the city's myriad treasures.

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Critics Consensus

With a storytelling palette as rich and brilliant as its animation, Castle in the Sky thrillingly encapsulates Studio Ghibli's unique strengths.

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Kathy Huffhines

Detroit Free Press

Sep 4, 2026

What's different from the homey American animations about talking animals is animator Hayao Miyazaki's talent for large-scale fantasy, his sheer tale-spinning talent and his potpourri of animation styles.

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Caryn James

New York Times

Aug 30, 2004

Liable to strain the patience of adults and the attention spans of children.

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Richard Harrington

Washington Post

Mar 7, 2002

Frequently astounding.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Jul 31, 2023

3.5/4

Miyazaki’s characters feel tangible and human, his action scenes ripe with energy, and his film’s design, as always, abundantly imaginative.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Sep 22, 2021

3.5/4

A terrific adventure yarn.

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James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Apr 24, 2020

3.5/4

Castle in the Sky is a good enough film to benefit from multiple viewings. And, for anyone unfamiliar with Miyazaki's canon, it provides a great introduction to a wonderfully rich animated catalog.

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Wendy

Sep 4, 2026

Very sweet love story....

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Felix

Aug 29, 2026

I Love these classic anime movie styles.

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KAJUAN

Aug 27, 2026

Great film! Another Studio Ghibli classic!

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Mike B

Aug 27, 2026

Classic Masterpiece.

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Addy

Aug 27, 2026

Absolutely LOVE this movie!! Great adventure movie! So much fun!

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Sam

Aug 26, 2026

One of my favorite Ghibli movies!

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Hayao Miyazaki

Director

Anna Paquin

Sheeta

James Van Der Beek

Pazu

Cloris Leachman

Dola

Mark Hamill

Muska

Mandy Patinkin

Louis

Castle in the Sky - Studio Ghibli Fest 2018: Fathom Events Trailer

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Synopsis

Young orphan Sheeta and her kidnapper, Col. Muska, are flying to a military prison when their plane is attacked by a gang of air pirates led by the matronly Dola. Escaping from a midair collision via a magic crystal around her neck, Sheeta meets fellow orphan Pazu and the pair join forces to discover the mystical floating city of Laputa while pursued by both Muska and the pirates, who lust for the city's myriad treasures.

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Isao Takahata
Screenwriter: Hayao Miyazaki, John Semper
Distributor: Streamline Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Studio Ghibli
Rating: PG (Peril|Fantasy Action Violence)
Genre: Fantasy, Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 1, 1989, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 22, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2019
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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