Let’s be honest—when people talk about Studio Ghibli movies, Ponyo doesn’t usually top the list. It’s not as mystical as Spirited Away, as melancholic as Grave of the Fireflies, or as adventurous as Castle in the Sky. But does that mean it’s not worth watching?
Some fans love Ponyo for its dreamlike visuals and adorable characters, while others feel like it’s one of Miyazaki’s weaker films. There’s a whole Reddit debate about it (and we’ll get into that), but regardless of where you stand, one thing is certain: Ponyo is unique. And if you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out on a charming, whimsical journey that captures the magic of childhood.
So, what’s the deal with this movie? What’s it about, and where can you stream it? Let’s dive in.
What Kind of Anime Is Ponyo?
If you’re expecting a deep, philosophical film like Princess Mononoke, this isn’t it. Ponyo is a whimsical, family-friendly fantasy that feels more like a bedtime story brought to life. It’s bright, colorful, and incredibly simple, which might explain why some people don’t connect with it the same way they do with other Ghibli films.
The animation? Stunning. The characters? Endearing. The plot? Well…
What Is Ponyo About?
Picture this: a tiny goldfish escapes from the sea, gets trapped in a glass jar, and washes up on shore—only to be rescued by a five-year-old boy named Sosuke. The fish, who he names Ponyo, turns out to be no ordinary fish. She’s actually the daughter of a powerful underwater sorcerer and a sea goddess, and she’s got one big wish: to become human.
The problem? Ponyo’s magic is wildly unstable, and every time she taps into it, it throws the natural world into chaos. As she transforms into a little girl, she unknowingly triggers massive storms, rising sea levels, and other strange occurrences that put her newfound friendship—and the fate of the world—at risk.
At its core, Ponyo is about love, childhood wonder, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic Miyazaki film, just with a much more childlike sense of storytelling.
Is Ponyo’s Dad a Human?
Not exactly. Fujimoto, Ponyo’s father, is actually a human-turned-sorcerer who now lives underwater, studying magic and trying (unsuccessfully) to keep Ponyo from running off to the surface.
Unlike other Ghibli father figures (looking at you, Porco Rosso and Howl), Fujimoto isn’t particularly heroic or wise. In fact, he’s… kind of a mess? He’s neurotic, frantic, and wildly overprotective, which some viewers find hilarious and others find unsettling. One Redditor even said, “The way he moves makes me uncomfortable.”
Is Ponyo on Netflix?
That depends on where you live. In some countries, Netflix does have Ponyo as part of its Ghibli collection. But in the U.S. and Canada, Ghibli films are exclusive to Max (formerly HBO Max).
If you’re not sure whether it’s on Netflix in your region, a quick search will tell you. Otherwise, you might need a VPN to access it from a different country.
Where to Stream Ponyo?
If Ponyo isn’t on Netflix where you live, don’t worry—there are other ways to watch it.
- Max (HBO Max) – The best place to stream it in the U.S.
- Amazon Prime Video – Available to rent or buy digitally.
- Apple TV & Google Play – Also offer digital rentals and purchases.
- Blu-ray/DVD – If you’re a collector, the Ghibli Blu-ray editions are gorgeous and worth owning.
Why Ponyo Is One of Ghibli’s Most Controversial Films
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While most Studio Ghibli films are universally praised, Ponyo has a surprisingly divided fanbase.
Some people absolutely love it, calling it a masterpiece of animation and a pure expression of childhood wonder. One Redditor put it beautifully:
“Ponyo is my favorite Miyazaki movie. The first minutes until she pops her head out of the water? A wonderfully abstract symphony of visual and audio. I can watch that again and again.”
But others… not so much. Some fans feel that compared to Miyazaki’s other works, Ponyo feels rushed and underdeveloped. One particularly blunt Redditor summed it up like this:
“It was poorly written, poorly plotted, with not-so-good music. And I’m not the only one who thinks so.”
And then there are those who love it but still think it’s Miyazaki’s weakest film:
“I love the characters. I love the visuals. But something about it doesn’t feel solid like his other movies do.”
Even among Ghibli fans, Ponyo is a bit of an outlier.
So… Is Ponyo Worth Watching?
Yes! But with some expectations.
If you go into it expecting the depth of Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke, you might be disappointed. But if you take it for what it is—a joyful, visually stunning, and heartwarming kids’ movie—you’ll probably love it.
Personally, I don’t think Ponyo feels that different from Miyazaki’s other films. It still has his signature themes: environmentalism, childhood innocence, and a touch of magical realism. Sure, the story is simpler, but does that make it bad? Not at all.
If you’ve never seen it, give it a chance. And if you have, maybe it’s time for a rewatch. Who knows? You might find a new appreciation for it.
