Only Yesterday (1991)

Kernel Score: 84% · 1,220 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Animation, Drama, Romance

Released: 1991-07-20

Runtime: 119 minutes

Where to watch Only Yesterday

Stream: HBO Max
Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

In lyrical switches between the present and the past, Taeko contemplates the arc of her life, and wonders if she has been true to the dreams of her childhood self.

Only Yesterday parents' guide: ages 6+

Parents need to know that Only Yesterday is a gentle Studio Ghibli drama reflecting on childhood memories and adult life choices, with no objectionable content.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Only Yesterday

If you liked Only Yesterday, these are the movies we'd watch next.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) — 88%
When Marnie Was There (2014) — 90%
Whisper of the Heart (1995) — 89%
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013) — 89%
The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie (2022) — 89%
Dou kyu sei – Classmates (2016) — 90%
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) — 84%
Ride Your Wave (2019) — 84%

Director

Isao Takahata

Cast

Miki Imai as Taeko Okajima (voice)
Toshiro Yanagiba as Toshio (voice)
Yoko Honna as Taeko (voice)
Mayumi Izuka as Tsuneko Tani (voice)
Masahiro Itou as Father (voice)
Chie Kitagawa as Taeko's Grandmother (voice)
Yuuki Masuda as Hirota (voice)
Yuki Minowa as Yaeko (voice)
Michie Terada as Mother (voice)
Yorie Yamashita as Nanako (voice)

Only Yesterday FAQ

Is Only Yesterday good?

Only Yesterday has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,220 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Only Yesterday?

In the US you can stream Only Yesterday on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Only Yesterday OK for kids?

Only Yesterday is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Only Yesterday is a gentle Studio Ghibli drama reflecting on childhood memories and adult life choices, with no objectionable content.

What movies are like Only Yesterday?

If you liked Only Yesterday, try The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, When Marnie Was There, Whisper of the Heart and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.