Is Pom Poko Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Pom Poko is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 119 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Pom Poko Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1994, Pom Poko emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Animation, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The Raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. Unlike standard genre fare, Pom Poko attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Pom Poko features a noteworthy lineup led by Makoto Nonomura . Supported by the likes of Nijiko Kiyokawa and Shigeru Izumiya , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Pom Poko (1994) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Pom Poko Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Pom Poko is a Adventure, Animation, Fantasy film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. The Raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The Raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans in hilarious circumstances. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Pom Poko Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Pom Poko resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Pom Poko reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Pom Poko?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Pom Poko
- Makoto Nonomura – Shoukichi (voice)
- Nijiko Kiyokawa – Old Fireball / Oroku (voice)
- Shigeru Izumiya – Gonta (voice)
- Norihei Miki – Seizaemon (voice)
- Yuriko Ishida – Kiyo (voice)
Top Highlights
Makoto NonomuraShoukichi (voice)
Nijiko KiyokawaOld Fireball / Oroku (voice)
Shigeru IzumiyaGonta (voice)
Norihei MikiSeizaemon (voice)
Yuriko IshidaKiyo (voice)
Megumi HayashibaraSasuke (voice)
Yumi IchiharaKoharu (voice)
Akira KamiyaTamasaburo (voice)
Takehiro MurataBunta (voice)
Gannosuke AshiyaInugami Gyobu (voice)
Where to Watch Pom Poko Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixParents Guide & Age Rating
Pom Poko is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Pom Poko stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1994 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pom Poko movie hit or flop?
Pom Poko is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Adventure, Animation, Fantasy movies.
Is Pom Poko worth watching?
Yes, Pom Poko is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Adventure, Animation, Fantasy cinema.
Where can I watch Pom Poko online?
Pom Poko is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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How Pom Poko Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Pom Poko
Adorable pro-environment, anti-development animation feature, with a hint of anti-capitalism. Eminently watchable.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
