Princess Mononoke (1997) Review: A Japanese Classic

Is Princess Mononoke worth watching?

Yes — Princess Mononoke remains one of the most celebrated films from Japan, with a 93/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 93/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 94% Audience Snapshot, 76 Metascore, 4.3 on Letterboxd, and 8.3 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of Japan” list.

What is Princess Mononoke about?

A cursed prince journeys into a forest war between industrial humans and ancient spirits, seeking balance between progress and nature. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film stars Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, and remains a reference point for Animation and Fantasy filmmaking from Japan.

Should you watch Princess Mononoke?

Yes, without hesitation — Princess Mononoke rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 134 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Miyazaki’s ecological epic proved anime could carry adult moral complexity at blockbuster scale.

Where can I watch Princess Mononoke?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. Princess Mononoke (1997) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt0119698) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from Japan on CelluloidScore.com.