Movie -- 2002 -- Netflix
The Cat Returns
Haru saves a cat from a truck and is thanked by a cat kingdom that will not take no for an answer -- including a marriage she does not want. Baron, Muta, and a white cat named Yuki help her get home. Light and speedy, with a 'cannot go home' stretch and a maze.
Not suitable under 6; parental guidance to 8 (other-world trap); ok from 9.
- Not suitable
- Parental guidance
- Ok
GentleGuide scale for sensitive kids. Not an ACCM or Classification Board rating.
About this title
- Classification
- G
- Length
- 75 minutes
- Consumer advice
- Very mild in impact
Netflix AU availability rotates. If this title has moved, use the Netflix search link.
Not affiliated with Netflix, Disney+, Stan, or ABC iView.
Before you press play
A brisk Studio Ghibli spin-off: cats in waistcoats, a hidden bureau, and a kingdom that looks like a feast. The load is being claimed by another world, a body that starts to change, and a king who will not hear no.
- A near miss with a car
- Another world
- Cannot go home
- An unwanted marriage
- Turning into a cat
- A maze and a fight
What may feel big
A cat almost hit by a truck; being followed; a night visit from a king; whiskers appearing; a banquet she cannot leave; Baron fighting guards; a maze; a tower that blows apart; Yuki's quiet rescue.
4-6. Four and five are below this scale. Six needs a grown-up for the truck, the trap, and the maze. Funny cats do not cancel 'they will not let her leave'.
7-9. A fair try with someone beside them. Pause for the kingdom feast and the tower. The joke tone helps; the no-exit still lands.
10-12. They can hold a light other-world. The marriage pressure is the ick, not a scare. Fine to skip the explosion.
Triggers in this guide
Counts are how often that theme shows up in the notes -- not when it happens.
- Sadness 1
- Separation 1
- Scary Imagery 2
- Peril 3
- Violence 1
- Relational Conflict 2