Ponyo
This hand-drawn Studio Ghibli gem follows five-year-old Sosuke and a goldfish princess who longs to become human, wrapping a fairy-tale adventure in gorgeous oceanic imagery and warm family love. Content is very light overall, with the main considerations being a stormy peril sequence and a couple of moments that may unsettle the youngest or most sensitive viewers.
Most children aged 4 and up will enjoy it comfortably, with a parent nearby for the storm scenes if your child is sensitive to big weather imagery.
If you’d rather skip
Ponyo becomes trapped in a glass jar and briefly appears motionless before reviving; Sosuke cuts his finger breaking her free, producing a small drop of blood.
An elderly resident at the care home screams that Ponyo is a bad omen and must go back to the sea, which may startle young children.
A typhoon floods the town; Lisa drives recklessly along a cliff road with near-misses, giant animated waves tower over the car, and Sosuke is nearly blown over a railing.