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“Ponyo” is a story of Brunhilde who’s born from a human and a sea goddess parent who’s filled with curiosity about the world above the ocean. While the tale of a sea creature yearning for a life on land might have been told many times before, “Ponyo” promises its viewers a unique take on this familiar story.
Read on to find out where to watch “Ponyo” in Canada and be mesmerized by Studio Ghibli’s retelling of a well-loved tale.
Table of Contents
What Is Ponyo All About?
“Ponyo” revolves around Brunhilde, a small fish-like girl who lives with her father, a once-human wizard named Fujimoto. One day, while they were outside of their home, she decides to sneak away and ends up getting trapped in a glass jar. While trapped, she encounters Sosuke, a five-year-old boy who rescues her but ends up wounded. Because of Sosuke’s blood, Brunhilde slowly turns to be more human-like and expresses her desire to be a human named Ponyo. She then uses her father’s magic to go back to land and meet Sosuke. They reunite but the build-up of magic results in a tsunami. The movie revolves around the newfound friendship between two unlikely friends from different worlds. They navigate the now-flooded town as Ponyo discovers the wonders of land and forms a deep bond with Sosuke.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Ponyo?
“Ponyo ” was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The movie is based on Hans Christain Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” and was produced by Studio Ghibli, a well-known Japanese animation studio with Toshio Suzuki as its producer. The movie was distributed by Toho in Japan and its English dub version was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The animated movie features a talented group of cast for both its Japanese and English versions including:
- Yuria Nara / Noah Cyrus as Ponyo
- Hiroki Doi / Frankie Jonas as Sosuke
- Tomoko Yamaguchi / Tina Fey as Lisa
- Kazushige Nagashima / Matt Damon as Koichi
- Yūki Amami / Cate Blanchett as Gran Mamare
- George Tokoro / Liam Neeson as Fujimoto
What is the Rating for Ponyo?
“Ponyo” is rated G which means that it is not restricted to any viewers and is allowed to be viewed by general audiences.
How Many People Watch Ponyo?
“Ponyo” went on to be one of the most recognizable films from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. It was received well during its theatrical release making it a box-office hit. It made over $203 million worldwide. Its re-releases for Blu-ray and the film’s 10th anniversary made it even more popular.
How Are the Reviews for Ponyo?
“Ponyo” is one of Studio Ghibli’s most recognizable films. It has an approval rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb, and an 86/100 score on Metacritic. Here are some of the reviews that critics gave for the movie:
- “In a world in which innocence is so rarely portrayed with any conviction on the big screen, Miyazaki does so with incredible majesty and grace and awe-inspiring wonder.” –Richard Propes of TheIndependentCritic.com
- “The score by Joe Hisaishi perfectly captures the essence of what’s going on throughout the entire film… It evokes emotion and helps add so much to the film to connect you to it.” –Stephanie Cooke of Rogues Portal
Where to Watch Ponyo in Canada?
“Ponyo” is available on streaming platforms in Canada.
Is Ponyo Available on Streaming?
Netflix
“Ponyo” is exclusively streaming on Netflix along with other movies from Studio Ghibli. The platform offers a wide selection of movies and series you can stream once you subscribe. Netflix offers these subscription plans for those who wish to avail:
| Plan | Price | Number of Simultaneous Screens | Streaming Quality |
| Basic with Ads | CAD$5.99 | 1 device | SD |
| Basic | CAD$9.99 | 1 device | HD |
| Standard | CAD$16.49 | 2 devices | HD |
| Premium | CAD$20.99 | 4 devices | Ultra HD |
Whether you’re looking for a new series to binge-watch or something for your next movie night, Netflix has got you covered. You can also check out other Studio Ghibli movies like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro” which are also available to stream on the platform.
Is Ponyo Available for Rent (VOD)?
Viewers can also rent or purchase “Ponyo” on different VOD platforms in Canada. Here are a few platforms where you can rent or purchase the movie. Just a heads up, rented films are only available for a limited time.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| Apple TV | CAD$6.99 | CAD$11.99 |
| Google Play | CAD$3.99 | CAD$11.99 |
| Microsoft | CAD$3.99 | CAD$7.99 |
| Youtube Movies | CAD$3.99 | CAD$11.99 |
Is Ponyo on Cable or Free TV?
“Ponyo” is not airing on any Free TV or cable networks in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Ponyo?
You don’t need to use a VPN to watch “Ponyo” in Canada since it can be accessed on Netflix without any restrictions.
A Retelling of a Familiar Tale
While “Ponyo” resembles “The Little Mermaid,” it still provides a refreshing take on the story. It hones in on the characters’ innocence and the unlikely connection that they both share making the movie lighthearted, touching, and in some parts, a bit sad as well. The movie packs in a lot of comfort as audiences are already familiar with its premise but it still keeps some surprises with how the story is told in its own unique way adding in that Studio Ghibli magic. While “Ponyo” proves itself as a movie intended for children, its important message of caring for the environment is timeless for viewers of all ages.
You can watch “Ponyo” on Netflix and VOD platforms in Canada.
