Howl‘s Moving Castle cover art

Howl‘s Moving Castle

Howl no Ugoku Shiroハウルの動く城Hauru no Ugoku ShiroDas wandelnde Schloss

2004 · Movie Finished

AniList average score
85%
On AniList users' lists
367,903

What is Howl‘s Moving Castle about?

Howl‘s Moving Castle is an anime film animated by Studio Ghibli, adapted from a novel. It was released in November 20, 2004. AniList classifies it as adventure, drama, fantasy and romance.

Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a spell on Sophie. In a life-changing adventure, Sophie climbs aboard Howl's magnificent flying castle and enters a magical world on a quest to break the spell.

Synopsis from AniList, which credits Disney. The summary above it is written by FreeAnime.xyz from AniList's data.

Themes AniList users associate with it: Magic, Female Protagonist, Steampunk, Witch, Elderly Protagonist, Found Family, War, Shapeshifting, Curses, Heterosexual.

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Where to watch and learn more

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Streaming rights differ by country and change over time. A listed title page means AniList records it for this entry; it does not confirm the title is available in your region today.

Other official links listed on AniList

Official trailer on YouTube

Main characters

Characters AniList lists in a main role, with spoiler-free notes.

  • Howl ハウル

    Main character

    Wizard Howl is a mysterious, reclusive wizard. He is twenty-seven years old and known for being very flamboyant and wicked. His notorious moving castle has recently been spotted near Market Chipping and rumours have begun to spread that he is searching for beautiful young women whose hearts he may steal.

    Japanese voice: Takuya Kimura

  • Sophie Hatter ソフィーハッター

    Main character

    She is a plain looking 18-year-old young adult, who passes all of her time working in a hat shop. She has big brown eyes and matching hair, tied with two pink ribbons, in a long braid. She has thick eyebrows, and Howl says that her smile is beautiful. She wears a cerulean dress with a white neck and black buttons.

    Japanese voice: Chieko Baishou

Supporting characters

  • Markl マルクル

    Supporting character

    Howl's apprentice. He is an orphan who lives in Howl's castle. His apprenticeship in magic largely consists of running errands and doing the shopping. In the book he is a fifteen year old boy named Michael Fisher, in love with Sophie's half-sister, Martha.

    Japanese voice: Ryuunosuke Kamiki

  • Arechi no Majo 荒地の魔女

    Supporting character

    A terrifying witch who doggedly chases after Howl. She is a master of magic, and dispatches her magical creations, the spooky blob men.

    Japanese voice: Akihiro Miwa

  • Kakashi no Kabu かかしのカブ

    Supporting character

    Sophie rescues him from the wasteland, and now he follows her around.

    Japanese voice: You Oizumi

  • Calcifer カルシファー

    Supporting character

    Calcifer is a fallen star who was caught by Howl. He didn't want to die, so he struck a deal with the wizard. Calcifer got Howl's heart and a prolonged life, and Howl received full access to all of Calcifer's considerable powers.

    Japanese voice: Tatsuya Gashuin

  • Heen ヒン

    Supporting character

    Heen is an odd dog who follows Sophie around. He is Madame Sulliman’s errand dog. He is introduced when Howl asks Sophie to go to the Royal Castle as "Mrs. Pendragon", while Howl follows behind disguised, and tell Madame Suliman that Howl is cowardly and of no use.

    Japanese voice: Daijiro Harada

  • Suliman サリマン

    Supporting character

    Madame Suliman serves as the king's royal sorcerer and is Howl's former mentor in magic.

    Japanese voice: Haruko Katou

  • Kokuou 国王

    Supporting character

    AniList has no description for this character yet.

    Japanese voice: Akio Ootsuka

  • Madge マッジ

    Supporting character

    AniList has no description for this character yet.

    Japanese voice: Rio Kanno

  • Lettie Hatter レティー・ハッター

    Supporting character

    AniList has no description for this character yet.

    Japanese voice: Yayoi Kazuki

  • Honey ハニー

    Supporting character

    AniList has no description for this character yet.

    Japanese voice: Mayuno Yasokawa

Related works

Prequels, sequels, side stories and source material, as linked on AniList.

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