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Castle in the Sky

Play trailer 0:30 Poster for Castle in the Sky PG 1989 2h 4m Fantasy Anime Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
96% Tomatometer 28 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Young orphan Sheeta and her kidnapper, Col. Muska, are flying to a military prison when their plane is attacked by a gang of air pirates led by the matronly Dola. Escaping from a midair collision via a magic crystal around her neck, Sheeta meets fellow orphan Pazu and the pair join forces to discover the mystical floating city of Laputa while pursued by both Muska and the pirates, who lust for the city's myriad treasures.
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Castle in the Sky

Castle in the Sky

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Critics Consensus

With a storytelling palette as rich and brilliant as its animation, Castle in the Sky thrillingly encapsulates Studio Ghibli's unique strengths.

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Critics Reviews

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Caryn James New York Times 08/30/2004
Liable to strain the patience of adults and the attention spans of children. Go to Full Review Richard Harrington Washington Post 03/07/2002
Frequently astounding. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 07/31/2023
3.5/4
Miyazaki’s characters feel tangible and human, his action scenes ripe with energy, and his film’s design, as always, abundantly imaginative. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 09/22/2021
3.5/4
A terrific adventure yarn. Go to Full Review James Berardinelli ReelViews 04/24/2020
3.5/4
Castle in the Sky is a good enough film to benefit from multiple viewings. And, for anyone unfamiliar with Miyazaki's canon, it provides a great introduction to a wonderfully rich animated catalog. Go to Full Review Chris Ludovici The Spool 01/18/2020
[S]ometimes a fun adventure in a unique, thrilling environment is all you need. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Felix 5d I Love these classic anime movie styles. See more KAJUAN 6d Great film! Another Studio Ghibli classic! See more Mike B Aug 27 Classic Masterpiece. See more Addy Aug 27 Absolutely LOVE this movie!! Great adventure movie! So much fun! See more Sam Aug 26 One of my favorite Ghibli movies! See more Shawn Aug 26 My favorite studio ghibli movie as a kid See more Read all reviews
Castle in the Sky

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Cast & Crew

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Hayao Miyazaki

Director

Anna Paquin

Sheeta

James Van Der Beek

Pazu

Cloris Leachman

Dola

Mark Hamill

Muska

Mandy Patinkin

Louis
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Castle in the Sky

Castle in the Sky - Studio Ghibli Fest 2018: Fathom Events Trailer Castle in the Sky - Studio Ghibli Fest 2018: Fathom Events Trailer 0:30 Now Playing View more videos
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Castle in the Sky

Poster Art Castle in the Sky (1986) Castle in the Sky (1986) Castle in the Sky (1986) A scene from "Castle in the Sky." A scene from "Castle in the Sky." A scene from "Castle in the Sky." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Young orphan Sheeta and her kidnapper, Col. Muska, are flying to a military prison when their plane is attacked by a gang of air pirates led by the matronly Dola. Escaping from a midair collision via a magic crystal around her neck, Sheeta meets fellow orphan Pazu and the pair join forces to discover the mystical floating city of Laputa while pursued by both Muska and the pirates, who lust for the city's myriad treasures.
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Producer
Isao Takahata
Screenwriter
Hayao Miyazaki, John Semper
Distributor
Streamline Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Studio Ghibli
Rating
PG (Peril|Fantasy Action Violence)
Genre
Fantasy, Anime
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 1, 1989, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Aug 22, 2026
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 18, 2019
Runtime
2h 4m
Sound Mix
Dolby
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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