Latest news with #Ponyo
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best Anime Movies For Kids: A Dad's Guide By Age
As a kid growing up in the '80s and '90s, I was hooked on anime before I even knew the word for it. Titles like My Neighbor Totoro, Kimba the White Lion, Astro Boy, The Adventures of the Little Prince, and Unico lit up my childhood. These weren't just cartoons—they felt magical. They introduced me to gentler storytelling, imagination without limits, and characters that didn't resemble the ones on Saturday morning TV. That early love of anime never left me. Now, as a dad in his forties with three girls, ages 3, 7, and 13, and a 10-year-old son, I not only still watch anime, but I also share it with my children. Not everything is age-appropriate, though. Some anime movies hit hard emotionally or lean into darker themes. However, there's a lot out there that kids can enjoy and truly connect with, just as I did when I was young. A This list of the best anime movies for kids is based on my family's personal experiences. These aren't just 'kid-safe' but instead they're the ones my kids love, talk about, and return to. I organized it by age, so you can find a movie that matches your child's emotional and developmental level. Whether they're starting their first movie night or are ready for something a little deeper, this list has something that fits most kids' preferences in some way. What it's about: Ponyo is a goldfish who dreams of becoming human after meeting a five-year-old boy named Sosuke. When she escapes her underwater world, the magic she carries causes storms and sea surges. The friendship between Ponyo and Sosuke becomes the heart of a story that blends land and ocean, magic and childhood. Why it works for kids (and my family): My 3-year-old is obsessed with Ponyo. The movement, the ocean creatures, and Ponyo's energy keep her glued to the screen. The visuals are soft and easy to follow, like a watercolor picture book in motion. My 7-year-old still enjoys the themes of friendship and wonder, especially the way Sosuke protects Ponyo. There's no bad guy, no scary scenes, and the pace is slow enough for even the youngest kids to follow without getting overwhelmed. Ponyo is a movie that feels safe, curious, and full of magic—one of the best anime movies for kids discovering animation for the first time. What it's about: Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside while their mom recovers in the hospital. As they explore the forest near their new home, they meet Totoro, a gentle, magical creature who becomes their friend. The movie is a collection of quiet, magical moments with no big drama or fast-moving plot. Why it works for kids (and my family): Totoro is a massive hit with my 3-year-old and 7-year-old. Totoro himself is an instant favorite—he's big, friendly, and doesn't talk much, which makes him easy for young kids to connect with. The sisters feel real, and the way they play, argue, and imagine mirrors how my kids interact. The catbus is always a favorite moment. It's one of the best anime movies for kids who love slow, dreamy stories that invite them to explore the world at their own pace. What it's about: Totto-Chan is a curious girl who doesn't fit into her traditional school. After being expelled, she's sent to a new kind of school where learning takes place in train cars, kids explore freely, and differences are celebrated. The story is set in 1940s Japan and focuses on childhood wonder during a time of real-world challenges. Why it works for kids (and my family): This one struck a chord with my 7-year-old, who's at that age where kids start noticing when they don't fit into every classroom rule. Totto-Chan is bold, quirky, and completely herself. That's empowering to watch. Even though it touches on heavy themes like war and disability, it does so gently, through the lens of a child's perspective. The animation feels nostalgic and warm, and it moves slowly enough for younger elementary kids to follow. This one earns its place among the best anime movies for kids who march to the beat of their own drum. What it's about: After saving a cat from getting hit by a truck, Haru finds herself invited to the Cat Kingdom, where she's told she must marry the prince. With the help of the dashing Baron and other oddball allies, she tries to escape a world that becomes stranger by the minute. Why it works for kids (and my family): This one's ideal for my 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. It's fast-paced, funny, and full of weird, lovable characters. The cats wear suits, talk with flair, and act like royalty, which always gets laughs. It's quirky and full of charm, with just enough tension to keep it exciting. Kids who like slightly offbeat stories will find this one a fun ride, especially if they love animals or secret fantasy worlds. It's one of the best anime movies for kids who are ready to step into more adventurous stories. What it's about: Kai is a quiet boy in a fishing town who meets Lu, a playful mermaid who loves music. As their friendship grows, Kai begins to come out of his shell, while the town struggles to let go of old fears about mermaids and outsiders. Why it works for kids (and my family): This one clicked with my 10-year-old. Lu is pure chaos in the best way—bouncing, singing, and breaking every rule. The musical scenes are wild and full of energy, which helps keep active kids engaged. It's also an excellent movie for kids who feel shy or misunderstood. Kai's quiet nature and slow transformation feel relatable without being heavy. The combination of music, movement, and emotion makes this one of the best anime movies for kids who thrive on sound and rhythm. What it's about: Mary discovers a glowing flower that gives her temporary magical powers and whisks her to a floating school for witches. At first, the school dazzles her, but she soon uncovers a dark secret and must decide whether to speak up and take action. Why it works for kids (and my family): My 13-year-old daughter loved Mary's character. She's clumsy and unsure at first, but takes control of her story in a way that feels empowering. The action is fast enough to keep older elementary and middle-grade kids interested. There's just the right amount of tension for a 10-year-old or 11-year-old, enough to feel the stakes but not enough to be scary. It's one of the best anime movies for kids who are just starting to explore the difference between doing what's easy and doing what's right. Studio Ghibli What it's about: Kiki is a 13-year-old witch who leaves home to start a new life in a seaside city. She opens a flying delivery service but quickly learns that independence isn't always easy. The story follows her emotional ups and downs as she navigates her identity and discovers what she truly wants. Why it works for kids (and my family): My 13-year-old connected with Kiki right away. The idea of trying to be independent, getting burned out, and losing confidence hits hard at that age. There's no villain here. Just Kiki, trying and failing and trying again. It's a quiet story, but one that sticks with you. It's one of the best anime movies for kids navigating the complexities of growing up without needing all the answers yet. What it's about: Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl, stumbles into a hidden spirit world where her parents are turned into pigs. To save them, she must work at a bathhouse for spirits, facing strange creatures, odd rules, and personal growth along the way. Why it works for kids (and my family): This one is best suited for older kids. My 10-year-old son found the world to be both strange and fascinating. The visuals are packed with details and oddities that spark curiosity. It's not an easy movie—it doesn't explain everything, and the pacing can feel unfamiliar—but that's what makes it work for kids who are ready for something more profound. It's no surprise this is often named one of the best anime movies for kids ready to explore bigger emotions and big, imaginative worlds. What it's about: This is an anthology of three short films about quiet acts of bravery. One story follows tiny underwater siblings looking for their dad. Another follows a boy managing a life-threatening food allergy. The last is about a man who feels invisible—until he decides to be seen. Why it works for kids (and my family): The short format helps. Each story feels different, and none of them overstay their welcome. My 10-year-old especially liked the first story because it was adventurous and fast-paced. The allergy story hit harder for my 13-year-old. It shows real fear but balances it with warmth and support. This anthology proves that the best anime movies for kids don't always have to be feature-length to leave a lasting impression. What it's about: Miyo is a middle school girl who feels invisible at home and school. When she's given a mask that turns her into a cat, she uses it to get close to her crush. But the more time she spends hiding as a cat, the more she risks losing her human self for good. Why it works for kids (and my family): This one hit with my 13-year-old. Miyo is loud and funny on the outside, but she's working through sadness and confusion beneath the surface. That's a familiar feeling for kids navigating the emotions of middle school. The fantasy elements keep it light, but the message is strong. Hiding from your feelings doesn't make them go away. Among the best anime movies for kids during the middle school transition, this one strikes a balance between fantasy and emotional truth in a way that resonates.
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Frogtown First Fridays
This month, Frogtown Arts shifts its First Fridays series to the second Saturday of the month with a carnival-themed night of food, arts and crafts, games and music. Start at Salazar and check out 15 participating spots along the river, including Spoke Bicycle Cafe, Lingua Franca, Loreto, Frogtown Brewery and vegan bakery Just What I Kneaded. For family-friendly fun, there's a roller-skating dance party at the Taylor Yard Bridge from 7 to 9:30 pm, and Sooki Studio hosts a free screening of Ponyo at 8:30pm. Parking in Frogtown is notoriously hard to come by, so ridesharing is encouraged.
SoraNews24
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
It's officially Ponyo time as Ghibli character appears as new anime accessory line and clock【Pics】
Whether you're heading out to brave the summer heat or staying cool at home, Ponyo is ready to hang out. With summer here, it's the perfect time to head to the beach. Or, alternatively, it's the perfect time to say 'Yeah, it's way too hot to be outside' and enjoy some marine-themed anime in your air-conditioned home. But while only you can decide which of those times it is, Ponyo can tell you what time it is on the clock. Studio Ghibli's spunky fish girl, star of the anime movie of the same name, is swimming into specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku with a new lineup of summery merch, including a Ponyo Jellyfish Clock, with elegant glass beads instead of numbers serving as markers on the clockface. Donguri Kyowakoku is known for their attention to detail, and whereas some designers might have been tempted to only model the part of Ponyo that sticks up over the top of the jellyfish, the character is represented in full. The material for the jellyfish itself even has a translucent effect to it, making it seem even more realistic. Arriving at the same time as the clock is a selection of Ponyo accessories. The ring once again features Ponyo and a jellyfish, but this time she's crawled inside for a nap. With pierced ears not being quite as prevalent among Japanese women as they are in some other countries, and especially less so among teens and kids, Donguri Kyowakoku often releases its earrings in two styles, one for pierced ears and the other as clips, and that's the case for the Ponyo earrings. No jellyfish here, but Ponyo won't be lonely, because she's got some of her sisters with her! Something to bear in mind here is that the sea glass-style accents at the end of the strands vary from piece to piece. So if you're ordering the earrings online, you won't be able to choose the exact color you're getting, but you will still have something that's beautiful and somewhat unique. And finally, even more of Ponyo's siblings show up to help form this bracelet. Prices range from 2,420 yen (US$17) for the ring, 2,970 yen for the bracelet, 3,630 yen for the earrings of either type, and 8,580 yen for the clock. The whole lineup goes on sale July 5 and can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store (clock here, accessories here), meaning they'll be available in time to wear for a summer trip to the real-life town that inspired the Ponyo anime. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Academy Museum to Host Marilyn Monroe Exhibit Honoring the Late Icon on Her 100th Birthday
Never nominated for an Oscar, Marilyn Monroe is finally getting her due posthumously from the Academy. IndieWire can announce that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will host a 2026 exhibition honoring the late actress. Aptly titled 'Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon,' the exhibition will run from May 31, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Monroe would have been 100 years old in 2026; she died at her Brentwood house at age 36 in 1962. 'Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon' will include hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters, and rarely seen personal materials, as well as costumes from Monroe's most iconic roles. Highlights include the rarely exhibited famous pink dress from 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' and two costumes from 'Some Like it Hot.' There are also items from Monroe's final and unfinished film, 'Something's Got to Give.' More from IndieWire 'Jimmy & Stiggs' vs. the Gore Wars - Eli Roth Backs Joe Begos and Neon Aliens as His Answer to 'Terrifier 3' 'Lilo & Stitch': How Director Dean Fleischer Camp Followed the Chris Sanders Animation Manual in Adapting His Misfit Alien The Academy deemed Monroe a 'visionary actor and image-maker' in the announcement of the exhibition. 'Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon' is curated by Associate Curator Sophia Serrano, with the support of Curatorial Assistant Simran Bhalla. Additional Academy Museum 2026 exhibitions include Studio Ghibli's 'Ponyo' about the making of Hayao Miyazaki's 2008 film, and 'Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA' about the technology and artistry of stop motion animation from 'Coraline' to 'Kubo and the Two Strings.' LAIKA has a slew of productions in the works, ranging from an adaptation of 'Piranesi' to bringing Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest romance novel 'Atmosphere' about two female astronauts at NASA in the '70s and '80s to life with the live-action department. 'Dune' and 'A Minecraft Movie' screenwriter Jon Spaihts will also make his directorial debut at the studio with an original sci-fi thriller, which is additionally among one of the first live-action movies for the famed animation house. 'This incredible array of exhibitions demonstrates how the Academy Museum collaborates with filmmakers, studios, and collectors to bring to life the most compelling histories of cinema,' Amy Homma, Academy Museum Director and President, said. 'We all look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to celebrate their favorite films and be introduced to new behind-the-scenes stories.' The 'Ponyo' exhibition runs from February 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027, with the 'Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA' exhibition taking place from December 13, 2026 to September 9, 2027. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Tokyo Weekender
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Everything You Need To Know About the New Studio Ghibli Sculpture Exhibition in Tokyo
Securing tickets for Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is notoriously difficult. Eager fans and tourists are often left on an extensive digital waiting line, competing over the limited reservations. Not to mention that the park is located about a 3-hour train ride from the center of Tokyo. If you couldn't get your hands on the coveted theme park tickets, don't fret. Though there's plenty of Ghibli magic to be experienced throughout Tokyo, the newest attraction on the block stands out, as it invites guests to directly step inside Hayao Miyazaki's fantastical worlds. The Tokyo-exclusive Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition (website in Japanese only) lifts our favorite characters off the screen and into an interactive space, with three-dimension recreations of some of the most iconic Studio Ghibli scenes. The exhibit runs from May 27 to September 23, 2025. Here's everything to know — getting tickets, how to get there and what to expect once you arrive. List of Contents: About the Exhibit Watch An Exclusive Short Film Exhibition Merchandise How to Buy Tickets Related Posts About the Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition The Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition is being hosted inside Warehouse Terrada's B&C Hall . The venue is located in the Tennozu Isle, situated between Shinagawa and Odaiba, which is accessible by either the Tokyo Monorail or Rinkai Haneda Airport line. The isle is often nicknamed as the 'art and design island' — a little artsy hub where you can enjoy cutting-edge galleries, stock up on art supplies and grab a bite complimented by peaceful seaside dining. The surrounding area, with its steady waves and full docks, pairs well with the serenity and tranquil moments that Studio Ghibli has come to masterfully interject and be renowned for. At the entrance of the exhibit, you'll find Ponyo sprinting atop a tower of fish to greet you in. The exhibit originally debuted in 2003 and now, after 22 long years, it's making its much-anticipated comeback. Running until September 23, the gallery features several large models recreating famous movie moments, including scenes from My Neighbor Totoro , Spirited Away , Howl's Moving Castle and Pom Poko . The models use various visual elements and techniques to add a sense of wonder to the figures. Dancing strips of paper placed on top of the light fixtures give the illusion of komorebi blanketing Totoro and Mei as they nap in the forest. Intricately arranged food scraps and garbage in the Spirited Away model subtly cast the ominous monstrous shadow of No Face following the banquet at Yubaba's bath house. Creaky and slightly unsteady mechanisms bring out the charming choreography of Howl's expressive moving castle. Various interactive photo spots can also be found through the exhibition. Interactive spots include areas where you can pet Moon the cat on a train, just as Shizuku did in Whisper of the Heart , or to confront the humanoid shapeshifting heron from Ghibli's most recent release, The Boy and the Heron . Coming to the gallery alone or need a helping hand for a group photo? Staff members are available at each interactive photo spot to snap your perfect shot. On top of the impressive 3D models, the exhibit also covers extensive history on how Studio Ghibli's films reached the hearts of millions of people across the globe. A significant portion of the attraction is dedicated to explaining international distribution plans and the translation/dubbing process. International theatrical posters adorn the walls of the gallery, showing the global enthusiasm of fans. Conclude your visit to the exhibit at the Porco Rosso Piccolo-inspired warehouse, where you'll find a recreation of the Savoia S-21 flying boat. Watch An Exclusive Short Film The exhibit is running a special screening of the short animated film Kuso no Sora Tobu Kikaitachi ( Imaginary Flying Machines ). Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and accompanied by the ever-beautiful music of Joe Hisaishi, the short film was created in 2002 for the Ghibli Museum in Mikata. Exhibition Merchandise There are some exclusive goods available at the exhibit's gift shop, along with other merchandise from the Ghibli Museum and Donguri Republic. Exhibit-exclusive items include t-shirts inspired by Porco Rosso, bookmarks depicting all of the featured characters and an official catalogue book with 112 pages full of photos from the exhibit and interviews from Studio Ghibli's history. How to Buy Tickets Tickets for the Ghibli 3D Model Exhibition cost ¥1900 for adults, ¥1600 for junior and senior high school students and ¥1200 for elementary school students. You must have an advance reservation with a specific date and time selected prior to your visit; there is no same-day entry. The venue is open from 9:30 to 20:00, with last admission at 19:00. The first reservation time slot starts at 9:30 and the last slot is at 18:00. You can purchase through L-Ticket and pick up your ticket at a Lawson convenience store. A special limited-quantity ticket will be sold starting on June 27. Presented in collaboration with Nippon Television, the ticket includes a ham ramen meal as seen in Ponyo . This special ticket costs ¥2900 for adults, ¥2600 for junior and senior high school students and ¥2200 for elementary school students. Ramen vouchers can be exchanged up to three hours after the admission time written on the ticket. To purchase the special ticket, select the 'tickets with benefits' option when ordering on L-Ticket. Related Posts The Fairy Tales That Inspired Ghibli Films How To Get Ghibli Park Tickets: Everything You Need To Know 'An Insult to Life Itself': Ghibli-Style AI Images Raise Ethical Concerns
