Wolf Children (2012)

Kernel Score: 89% · 2,438 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Animation, Family, Drama, Fantasy

Released: 2012-07-21

Runtime: 117 minutes

Is Wolf Children worth watching?

Must-watch. A woman raises two half-wolf children alone after their father dies. It follows them from toddlers to teens with warmth and honesty about parenting and growing up. Viewers love it, and it's among the best of its kind.

Watch it if you

  • like emotional, beautifully animated dramas
  • enjoy stories about parenting and growing up
  • want an anime that isn't about fighting

Skip it if you

  • want fast action or comedy
  • dislike sad, slow-moving stories

Best for: Quiet night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Wolf Children

  • 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

After her werewolf lover unexpectedly dies in an accident, a woman must find a way to raise the son and daughter that she had with him. However, their inheritance of their father's traits prove to be a challenge for her.

Wolf Children parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that this PG anime deals with the death of a parent and the challenges of single motherhood.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Minimal violence; focuses on family drama rather than conflict.

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

Movies like Wolf Children

If you liked Wolf Children, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Mirai (2018) — 79%: Same director's gentle story about a family and a child growing up.
  • The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) — 88%: Same director's heartfelt, time-bending coming-of-age tale.
  • The Boy and the Beast (2015) — 86%: Same director's story of a boy raised between two worlds.
  • Summer Wars (2009) — 85%: Same director's warm story about family and community.
  • Wolfwalkers (2020) — 90%: Beautiful animated fable about wolves, family and belonging.
  • My Neighbor Totoro (1988) — 89%: Gentle, magical story about children and nature.

Director

Mamoru Hosoda

Cast

  • Haru Kuroki as Yuki (voice)
  • Yukito Nishii as Ame (voice)
  • Aoi Miyazaki as Hana (voice)
  • Takao Osawa as Wolf Man (voice)
  • Momoka Ohno as Yuki as a Child (voice)
  • Amon Kabe as Ame as a Child (voice)
  • Takuma Hiraoka as Sohei (voice)
  • Megumi Hayashibara as Sohei's Mother (voice)
  • Tadashi Nakamura as Hosokawa (voice)
  • Tamio Ohki as Yamaoka (voice)

Wolf Children FAQ

Is Wolf Children worth watching?

Must-watch. A woman raises two half-wolf children alone after their father dies. It follows them from toddlers to teens with warmth and honesty about parenting and growing up. Viewers love it, and it's among the best of its kind.

Where can I watch Wolf Children?

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

Is Wolf Children OK for kids?

Wolf Children is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that this PG anime deals with the death of a parent and the challenges of single motherhood.

What movies are like Wolf Children?

If you liked Wolf Children, try Mirai, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, The Boy and the Beast and Summer Wars.