Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Kernel Score: 96% · 6,390 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Animation, Drama, War
Released: 1988-04-16
Runtime: 89 minutes
Is Grave of the Fireflies worth watching?
Must-watch. Two orphaned children try to survive in wartime Japan. It's a devastating, honest animated film that never plays down the cost of war on the young. Watch it knowing it will hurt, and you will remember it.
Watch it if you
- want an animated film for adults
- can handle a very sad, truthful war story
- appreciate quiet, humane storytelling
Skip it if you
- want something comforting or light
- are watching with young children
Best for: Quiet night alone
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Grave of the Fireflies
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video
- Buy: Prime Video
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the final months of World War II, 14-year-old Seita and his sister Setsuko are orphaned when their mother is killed during an air raid in Kobe, Japan. After a falling out with their aunt, they move into an abandoned bomb shelter. With no surviving relatives and their emergency rations depleted, Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive.
Grave of the Fireflies parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Grave of the Fireflies is an unrated Japanese animated war drama depicting two orphaned children's struggle to survive during World War II, including hunger, loss, and death.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — The film depicts wartime bombing, death, and the physical toll of starvation on children, described by reviewers as intimate and moving depictions of war's effects.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Grave of the Fireflies
If you liked Grave of the Fireflies, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- In This Corner of the World (2016) — 86%: Japanese animated story of ordinary people in wartime
- Barefoot Gen (1983) — 85%: Animated survivor's story of the Hiroshima bombing
- The Breadwinner (2017) — 88%: Animated look at children surviving war
- When the Wind Blows (1986) — 82%: Animated, bleak look at ordinary people facing nuclear war
- The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013) — 89%: Takahata's other film, tender and deeply affecting
- A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016) — 89%: Emotional Japanese animation about guilt and kindness
Director
Cast
- Tsutomu Tatsumi as Seita (voice)
- Ayano Shiraishi as Setsuko (voice)
- Yoshiko Shinohara as Mother (voice)
- Akemi Yamaguchi as Auntie (voice)
- Masayo Sakai as Woman who takes care of Setsuko (voice)
- Kozo Hashida as Obayashi Chairman (voice)
- Kazumi Nozaki as Cousin (voice)
- Yoshio Matsuoka as Gosaku (voice)
- Masahiro Kanetake as Aunt's House Guest (voice)
- Kiyoshi Yanagawa as Patrolman (voice)
Grave of the Fireflies FAQ
Is Grave of the Fireflies worth watching?
Must-watch. Two orphaned children try to survive in wartime Japan. It's a devastating, honest animated film that never plays down the cost of war on the young. Watch it knowing it will hurt, and you will remember it.
Where can I watch Grave of the Fireflies?
In the US you can stream Grave of the Fireflies on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video.
Is Grave of the Fireflies OK for kids?
Grave of the Fireflies is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Grave of the Fireflies is an unrated Japanese animated war drama depicting two orphaned children's struggle to survive during World War II, including hunger, loss, and death.
What movies are like Grave of the Fireflies?
If you liked Grave of the Fireflies, try In This Corner of the World, Barefoot Gen, The Breadwinner and When the Wind Blows.