Grave of the Fireflies

1988

1h 28m

Drama

War

Anime

List

100%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A teenager (J. Robert Spencer) is charged with the care of his younger sister (Rhoda Chrosite) after an Allied firebombing during World War II destroys their home and kills their mother.

Critics Consensus

An achingly sad anti-war film, Grave of the Fireflies is one of Studio Ghibli's most profoundly beautiful, haunting works.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

It’s one thing to have a film really sadden you, but I also found it sublime in its beauty... [Setsuko and Seita's] happiness together is transcendent.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 7, 2022

Full Review

Glenn Kenny

New York Times

One of the most startling and moving animated films ever.

Jan 3, 2019

Full Review

Chris Cabin

Slant Magazine

Isao Takahata makes survival the thematic core of the story, but he never degrades his characters or fetishizes their suffering.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 30, 2018

Full Review

Carson Timar

ClapperCast

The film has so much to say not just about war and death but also about pride. This is an incredibly worthy film that is a unique piece of Studio Ghibli's filmography.

Mar 26, 2024

Full Review

Charles Solomon

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A flower on the grave of all the children who have died needlessly in war. It is eloquent, moving, and beautiful.

Sep 7, 2023

Full Review

Jordan Brooks

Vague Visages

A gripping drama whose defiant youths refuse to bow to war, hunger and indifference, Grave of the Fireflies is a film for children to learn the harsh realities of life so that they can do all in their power to prevent the cycle from continuing.

Aug 1, 2023

Full Review

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Jana L

No comment, just watermelon scene. [heart_broken]

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/21/24

Full Review

Koffee K

Depressing, not for young viewers

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

Full Review

Daniel V

Spirited Away was my favorite but this has taken the spotlight, the animation was beautiful and the way that this movie makes you feel about war...will make a grown man cry. 10/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

Full Review

mai p

I was lowkey mad bc of how the brother just left his aunt’s house causing his sister’s death so it was just frustrating and wasn’t really touching for me. Maybe my expectations were too high

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/20/24

Full Review

Steven O

Not surprised it holds #1 spot - totally deserving of it. One of (if not) the best, and most moving war movies I have ever seen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

Full Review

afonso z

One of the best movies I’ve ever watched. The slow burn was done so well. Despite knowing the outcome, I could not stop crying even after the movie ended. Truly a masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/04/24

Full Review

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Isao Takahata

Director

J. Robert Spencer

Seita

Rhoda Chrosite

Setsuko

Amy Jones

Aunt

Kathleen McInerney

Mother

Isao Takahata

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

A teenager (J. Robert Spencer) is charged with the care of his younger sister (Rhoda Chrosite) after an Allied firebombing during World War II destroys their home and kills their mother.

Director: Isao Takahata
Screenwriter: Isao Takahata
Genre: Drama, War, Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 11, 2017
Runtime: 1h 28m