My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Two sisters move to the country with their father in order to be closer to their hospitalized mother, and discover the surrounding trees are inhabited by Totoros, magical spirits of the forest. When the youngest runs away from home, the older sister seeks help from the spirits to find her.
Rated G • 1988 • 1h 26m
This beloved animated classic is rated G and is suitable for all ages, though it centers on themes that may be challenging for the most sensitive young viewers. The story deals with the prolonged illness of a parent and the anxiety this causes her two young daughters. The film's most intense sequence involves the younger sister running away and getting lost, leading to a brief but frightening community search. There is no violence… Sign up for the full guide
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Is My Neighbor Totoro appropriate for kids?
This beloved animated classic is rated G and is suitable for all ages, though it centers on themes that may be challenging for the most sensitive young viewers. The story deals with the prolonged illness of a parent and the anxiety this causes her two young daughters. The film's… Read more — free account
Content severity in My Neighbor Totoro
What happens in My Neighbor Totoro, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:24 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
Sex and nudity in My Neighbor Totoro
One brief scene shows the father taking a bath with his two young daughters, Satsuki and Mei. No genitals are visible, though there are fleeting glimpses of buttocks and torsos. The scene is entirely non-sexual and presented as a normal family activity, reflective of Japanese culture, but may be unfamiliar to some Western audiences.
Violence and gore in My Neighbor Totoro
None. The film contains no violence or gore. Moments of peril are gentle and fantastical, with no characters ever in physical danger from conflict.
Language in My Neighbor Totoro
None. There is no profanity in the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in My Neighbor Totoro
None. There is no depiction of alcohol, smoking, or drug use.
Mature themes in My Neighbor Totoro
The film's emotional core revolves around the mother's long-term illness and the anxiety it causes her children. This leads to a key sequence where four-year-old Mei runs away and gets lost, prompting a frantic search by the village. There is a brief, tense moment where it is feared she may have drowned. An argument between the sisters also causes some emotional upset. These themes, while handled gently, may be worrisome for very young or sensitive viewers.
Scary moments in My Neighbor Totoro
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for My Neighbor Totoro yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Neighbor Totoro appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests My Neighbor Totoro is best for ages 4+. It's rated G. This beloved animated classic is rated G and is suitable for all ages, though it centers on themes that may be challenging for the most sensitive young viewers. The story deals with the prolonged illness of a parent and…
What age rating does My Neighbor Totoro have?
My Neighbor Totoro is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 4+.
What is My Neighbor Totoro about?
This beloved animated classic is rated G and is suitable for all ages, though it centers on themes that may be challenging for the most sensitive young viewers. The story deals with the prolonged illness of a parent and the anxiety this causes her two young daughters. The film's most intense sequence involves the…
Is there sex or nudity in My Neighbor Totoro?
One brief scene shows the father taking a bath with his two young daughters, Satsuki and Mei. No genitals are visible, though there are fleeting glimpses of buttocks and torsos. The scene is entirely non-sexual and presented as a normal family activity…
How violent is My Neighbor Totoro?
None. The film contains no violence or gore. Moments of peril are gentle and fantastical, with no characters ever in physical danger from conflict.
Is the language in My Neighbor Totoro appropriate for kids?
None. There is no profanity in the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in My Neighbor Totoro?
None. There is no depiction of alcohol, smoking, or drug use.
What mature themes appear in My Neighbor Totoro?
The film's emotional core revolves around the mother's long-term illness and the anxiety it causes her children. This leads to a key sequence where four-year-old Mei runs away and gets lost, prompting a frantic search by the village. There is a brief, tense…
How long is My Neighbor Totoro?
My Neighbor Totoro runs 86 minutes, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released in 1988.
Where can I read the full My Neighbor Totoro parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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