The Cat Returns (2002)
Kernel Score: 80% · 2,410 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Family
Released: 2002-07-19
Runtime: 75 minutes
Is The Cat Returns worth watching?
Worth watching. A girl saves a cat and gets pulled into a whimsical kingdom of cats. It's short, light and charming, and a Ghibli spin-off that's easier and gentler than the big ones. Not as deep as Ghibli's best.
Watch it if you
- like gentle Ghibli-style fantasy
- want something short for kids
- enjoy whimsical adventures
Skip it if you
- expect Ghibli's most ambitious storytelling
- want complex plots or emotional weight
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Cat Returns
- 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
Young Haru rescues a cat from being run over, but soon learns it's no ordinary feline; it happens to be the Prince of the Cats.
The Cat Returns parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Cat Returns is a G-rated Studio Ghibli fantasy adventure suitable for all ages with mild fantasy peril.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes a sword fight and chase scenes typical of family fantasy adventure, rated G.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Cat Returns
If you liked The Cat Returns, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Howl's Moving Castle (2004) — 92%: Ghibli fantasy with a young heroine and a magical world.
- Mary and The Witch's Flower (2017) — 78%: A girl is drawn into a magical, colorful world.
- Castle in the Sky (1986) — 93%: Ghibli's flying-adventure classic.
- The Boy and the Heron (2023) — 85%: Ghibli's dreamlike fantasy about a boy in a magical world.
- Big Fish & Begonia (2016) — 83%: A girl crosses into a fantastical world in a lovely animated tale.
- Klaus (2019) — 92%: Warm, charming animated adventure that families enjoy.
Director
Hiroyuki Morita
Cast
- Chizuru Ikewaki as Haru Yoshioka (voice)
- Yoshihiko Hakamada as Baron (voice)
- Aki Maeda as Yuki (voice)
- Tetsu Watanabe as Muta (voice)
- Yousuke Saito as Toto (voice)
- Takayuki Yamada as Lune (voice)
- Hitomi Sato as Hiromi (voice)
- Kenta Satoi as Natori (voice)
- Mari Hamada as Natoru (voice)
- Kumiko Okae as Haru's Mother (voice)
The Cat Returns FAQ
Is The Cat Returns worth watching?
Worth watching. A girl saves a cat and gets pulled into a whimsical kingdom of cats. It's short, light and charming, and a Ghibli spin-off that's easier and gentler than the big ones. Not as deep as Ghibli's best.
Where can I watch The Cat Returns?
In the US you can stream The Cat Returns on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Cat Returns OK for kids?
The Cat Returns is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Cat Returns is a G-rated Studio Ghibli fantasy adventure suitable for all ages with mild fantasy peril.
What movies are like The Cat Returns?
If you liked The Cat Returns, try Howl's Moving Castle, Mary and The Witch's Flower, Castle in the Sky and The Boy and the Heron.