Kiki's Delivery Service poster

Kiki's Delivery Service

1989102 minutesG
3.7
Arcplot Score
📝 Unconventional
Unverified
7.8IMDb
Ⓜ️ 85/100Metacritic
🎬 7.8TMDb
📊 7.9Popularity
🏆4 wins total
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Written by: Eiko Kadono, Hayao Miyazaki
This is the story of a young witch, named Kiki who is now 13 years old. But she is still a little green and plenty headstrong, but also resourceful, imaginative, and determined. With her trusty wisp of a talking cat named Jiji by her side she's ready to take on the world, or at least the quaintly European seaside village she's chosen as her new home.

Box Office

Budget:$6.9M
Revenue:$4.5M
Profit:$-2.4M

Arcplot Score Breakdown

Beat Timing Precision6.1/10
Emotional Arc Impact1/10
Thematic Consistency4/10
Overall Score3.7/10

Beat Sheet

15 plot points

Kiki's Delivery Service Arcplot
1
Opening Image
1 min
2
Theme Stated
5 min
3
Set-Up
10 min
4
Catalyst
20 min
5
Debate
30 min
6
Break Into Two
35 min
7
B Story
45 min
8
Fun and Games
55 min
9
Midpoint
70 min
10
Bad Guys Close In
78 min
11
All Is Lost
85 min
12
Dark Night of the Soul
90 min
13
Break Into Three
95 min
14
Finale
100 min
15
Final Image
102 min

Emotional Arc

+100-10

Plot Points

#1

Opening Image

1 min

Kiki, a young witch, prepares to leave home for her training town. The world is bright, whimsical, and filled with possibility.

#2

Theme Stated

5 min

Independence, responsibility, and self-confidence are central. Kiki’s mother reminds her: growing up is about finding one’s own path.

#3

Set-Up

10 min

Kiki arrives in a coastal town, meets new people, and discovers opportunities and challenges. She struggles to find her place but opens a delivery business.

#4

Catalyst

20 min

Kiki faces her first major delivery challenge. She meets friends and allies, including Tombo, who will play a pivotal role in her personal growth.

#5

Debate

30 min

Kiki struggles with self-doubt and loneliness. She questions whether she is capable of being independent and providing value to others.

#6

Break Into Two

35 min

Kiki fully commits to her delivery work, exploring her magical abilities in the real world. She takes initiative and faces challenges head-on.

#7

B Story

45 min

Kiki’s friendship and budding romance with Tombo provide emotional depth and support. Their connection helps her navigate the challenges of independence.

#8

Fun and Games

55 min

Kiki’s delivery adventures showcase her creativity, magical skills, and determination. Joyful sequences of flying across town highlight the whimsy and charm.

#9

Midpoint

70 min

Kiki loses confidence in her powers, leading to a symbolic “falling from the sky.” The central theme of self-belief is tested, raising tension and stakes.

#10

Bad Guys Close In

78 min

Kiki faces increasing pressures from customers, the town, and her own self-doubt. Her isolation and struggles compound, threatening her progress and morale.

#11

All Is Lost

85 min

Kiki is unable to fly or deliver, seemingly losing her identity as a witch. Failure and despair peak, creating emotional stakes for the character.

#12

Dark Night of the Soul

90 min

Reflecting on her journey, Kiki finds clarity and determination. She realizes that believing in herself and relying on her support system is key to regaining her powers.

#13

Break Into Three

95 min

Kiki regains her magical abilities, ready to confront her challenges and help others. She takes a bold action to save the day.

#14

Finale

100 min

Kiki completes her deliveries successfully, reconnects with friends, and solidifies her independence. The town celebrates her courage and skill.

#15

Final Image

102 min

Kiki flies confidently through the skies, symbolizing growth, independence, and self-belief. Her adventure concludes with hope and empowerment.