The Secret World of Arrietty

Name: The Secret World of Arrietty
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Family
Released: February 17, 2012
Duration: 94 min
Rating: 80
Cast: Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler, Will Arnett

2012

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 28 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 283 Ratings

See All

8.1

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.1	Your Score
8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 283 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

The Secret World Of Arrietty: That Wasn't So Hard

Now Playing: The Secret World Of Arrietty: That Wasn't So Hard

Movie Details & Credits

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: February 17, 2012 | G

Starring: Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler, Will Arnett

Summary: Arrietty, a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to "borrow" scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her humanArrietty, a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to "borrow" scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn, a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty's family from the home and straight into danger. (Walt Disney Pictures)… Expand

Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Family

Rating: G

Runtime: 94 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Peter Rainer

Feb 17, 2012

A marvelously captivating animated feature. Read full review

100

Sam Adams

Feb 14, 2012

It's hardly the first movie to deal with thimble-size protagonists, but it's one of few animated fairy tales to genuinely transport the audience into their world and, in the process, let us see our own with fresh awe and respect. Read full review

Steven James Snyder

Feb 16, 2012

Arrietty brings the same magic to the mundane, elevating the ordinary confines of everyday life into sumptuous surprises. And while Arrietty lacks the sweep of "Spirited Away," "Princess Mononoke," or "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," it preserves all the trademark sensitivity to the emotional turmoil of adolescence. Read full review

Amy Joyce

Feb 16, 2012

Upon leaving the theater, a girl of about 6 turned to her grandmother and said dreamily, "That.Was.The.Best.Movie.Ever." And that sums up why this little movie is so very big. Read full review

Bob Mondello

Feb 21, 2012

The Secret World of Arrietty may be too gentle and meditative to be the studio's breakout hit in this country, but it's another sweet advance, and further evidence that the Ghibli secret must soon out. Read full review

Lou Lumenick

Feb 17, 2012

A feast for the eyes that will engage the entire family. Read full review

Joe Neumaier

Feb 16, 2012

Sadly suffers from more than a dollop of boredom. Like the ornate dollhouse that plays a part, "Arrietty" is lovely and well-appointed, but filled with only what you bring to it. Read full review

SEE ALL 28 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

ShawnDawn

Feb 21, 2012

The Secret World of Arrietty is a spectacular film from Ghibli, the story is not really original to me but I guess that's because its adopted, and the visuals are out of world as ever. Should you watch it, yes, there is many reasons why you should watch this. One its from Ghibli, 2 its fromThe Secret World of Arrietty is a spectacular film from Ghibli, the story is not really original to me but I guess that's because its adopted, and the visuals are out of world as ever. Should you watch it, yes, there is many reasons why you should watch this. One its from Ghibli, 2 its from Ghibli, 3 yeah I guess you get it by now. The story is very similar to other movies from them, there a boy and a very brave girl who would do anything to help others or to help herself.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

PrinceHamlet

Feb 24, 2012

I should preface this review with an admission, I love Studio Ghibli's work, all of it, so I am a little biased when it comes to their films. The Secret World of Arrietty is one of their finest works to date, beautifully animated (and by beautifully I really mean stunning), a wonderful storyI should preface this review with an admission, I love Studio Ghibli's work, all of it, so I am a little biased when it comes to their films. The Secret World of Arrietty is one of their finest works to date, beautifully animated (and by beautifully I really mean stunning), a wonderful story with great voice acting. You really can't help but smile and be happy at the end, even if the ending is somewhat bittersweet. Certainly more approachable Ghibli film then others for American audiences. Go see it, take yourself, your spose, your children, your friends children, your niece, your nephew, your parents, your grandparents, and anyone else I haven't mentioned. It is truly a beautiful film and should be enjoyed by all.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

heyitsmegrif4

Feb 17, 2012

The Secret World of Arrietty is enduring, beautifully animated, beautifully voice acted, funny, heartwarming film ,and should be a model for other animated movies soon to come. Studio Ghibli creates yet another beauty. I give this movie 98%.

14 of 21 users found this helpful147

GagaForGhibli

May 28, 2012

Studio Ghibli Does It Again!
Another Great Movie, But The Ending Seems Rushed! It Would Of Been A 10!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

EpicLadySponge

Feb 21, 2016

What a great anime-made Disney movie. Seriously, it looks like anime just by the very minute after I review this movie. You'll probably want to give this movie an 8 or so.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MossyCDL

Mar 17, 2012

Lush and magical and delightful all at the same time. It may not be as thrilling or epic as Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke or Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, yet it is still ten times better than most animated films that America spews out. Like most other Studio Ghibli films, ArriettyLush and magical and delightful all at the same time. It may not be as thrilling or epic as Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke or Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, yet it is still ten times better than most animated films that America spews out. Like most other Studio Ghibli films, Arrietty treats its audience like intelligent people, making the film exciting not just for the young ones, but for any age. I have never read The Borrowers, but based on what I saw in the film, it appears that Mr. Miyazaki did a decent job adapting the novel for the screenplay. The only thing is, he may have stayed too true to the novel's simple style, and in the process, may have detracted slightly from his studio's usually distinct imaginative qualities. The movie is calm, reserved, ans slow-paced. It's not about action, it's about detail. Feast your eyes and enjoy.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

LynnHardy

Apr 6, 2012

Having watched The Borrowers as a child, I really looked forward to taking my kids to this film. It was so slow moving... it dragged on forever. Rent this one, but don't expect much.

2 of 16 users found this helpful214

SEE ALL 60 REVIEWS

39	#39 Best Movie of 2012
79	#79 Most Discussed Movie of 2012