Grave of the Fireflies

Name: Grave of the Fireflies
Director: Isao Takahata
Genre: Animation, Drama, War
Released: 1989-07-26
Duration: 88 min
Rating: 8.5
Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi

A young boy and his little sister struggle to survive in Japan during World War II.

Trailer

Director

Isao Takahata

Studio

N/A

Release

26 Jul 1989

Runtime

88 min

Genres

Animation, Drama, War

Cast & Characters

Tsutomu Tatsumi

Ayano Shiraishi

Akemi Yamaguchi

Did You Know?

Critical Assessment

IMDb

8.5/10

RT Critics

100%

Metacritic

94/100

Grave of the Fireflies holds 8.5/10 on IMDb (383,582 votes), 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 94/100 on Metacritic.

Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.

Ratings as of 2026-07-30

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AI Verdict

AI-generated

Based on aggregated scores (8.5/10 on IMDb (383,582 votes), 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 94/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.

Fan & Critic Buzz

AI Summary

The public reaction to the movie "Grave of the Fireflies" has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and moving performances. Many have noted how well-made the film is, without using clichés or relying on tropes.

Reviews

The terrible story of two orphaned Japanese kids during the ending of WWII. Incredibly well told and totally moving, without using clichés. A must seen in the anime arena.
Andres Gomez · 9/10
This was the first animated movie that made me cry as an adult. It still does. Two children are left as orphans in World War 2 and have to survive. Such a basic premise, but this shows intimately what the effects of war are on children (a topic not covered by other movies). And a…
sykobanana · 10/10
Grave of the Fireflies masterfully portrays the human cost of war through a deeply emotional and well-structured narrative. With powerful animation, moving performances, and a haunting soundtrack, the film delivers a timeless and heart-wrenching message about loss, survival, and…
Alunauwie · 10/10

From the trailer's comments

Can't wait to experience this masterpiece in theaters with my wife
@MsAnunnakisumerian · 16 likes
I saw this just last night on my Bluray and I am still hurting from this film
@lust4lyfe101 · 21 likes
My teacher send me to view this movie for homework ._ .
@angelogando6892 · 9 likes
Oh no oh no oh no I'm not ready for this
@goldenpink4961 · 12 likes
A lot of tears are going to washing away the theaters
@anonymous-km8fq · 14 likes
Gorgeous film and most likely the most painful film in all of history to watch. That being said, everyone needs to go see this film once more to support this brilliant masterpiece. Everyone in the world needs to get the opportunity to view this artful legend of a film. Maybe then…
@ExcelGenerations · 16 likes
I saw this tonight and believe me it made me cry like a baby literally it just broke my heart 🥺💔setsuko💔
@Godarceus-x9i · 0 likes
Will they’ll be a GKIDS DVD of that anime masterpiece when it comes out to stores? Cause I do not want to waste too much money on DVDs.
@O-DogKubrick · 3 likes