Today, July 17, 2026, marks exactly 16 years since the most underrated Ghibli film, The Secret World of Arrietty, first hit the theatres in 2010. But it pains us to see that the film doesn’t get enough recognition compared to other Studio Ghibli works, despite having one of the most nuanced storylines.
So, as we celebrate Arrietty’s 16th anniversary, what better opportunity could there be than to give the film the spotlight it deserves? After all, we believe that the new generation of anime fans should not overlook this masterpiece.
| TITLE | The Secret World of Arrietty |
| RELEASE DATE | July 17, 2010 |
| MAL SCORE (as of July 17, 2026) | 7.90/10 |
| WHERE TO WATCH | HBO Max, Hulu, Rent or Buy on Prime Video |
What Makes The Secret World of Arrietty an Underrated Gem
Many reasons contribute to why we think The Secret World of Arrietty is a must-watch for not only Ghibli fans, but movie lovers in general, as summarized here:
1. The Narrative Thrives in Its Simplicity
Compared to some of the most popular Ghibli films, which feature many high-octane scenes, The Secret World of Arrietty is more grounded in reality. There are no sci-fi battles, no end-of-the-world scenarios, no time travel, and no airplane battles. Instead, it’s simply about finding beauty in everyday moments, like gathering supplies, exploring a garden, or sharing a meal. And still, it explores deep philosophical themes through its plot. Thus, it truly delivers a unique experience.
2. A Tale of a Refreshingly Mature Relationship
No one gives enough credit to the film’s refreshingly mature cast. Arrietty and Sho’s relationship, despite all the odds, deserves praise. The way their bond naturally grows through mutual understanding and care for each other is something many people would love to see. It’s not always about romance. The film fleshes out each of its supporting characters, too. And even without relying on battles or a central villain, the movie manages to hook us with its sheer atmospheric storytelling.
3. Great Soundtracks With Detailed Environmental Art
Interestingly, the film’s music was composed by the French singer and harpist Cécile Corbel. So yeah, that’s already a nod to how ambitious the project was. And it’s not just the soundtrack that makes the film so special. The background visuals are simply top-tier. And, of course, the breathtaking landscapes seen through the Borrowers’ tiny perspective are easily one of the cutest aspects of the film. Thus, The Secret World of Arrietty becomes a must-watch, along with other Ghibli films.
Where to Watch The Secret World of Arrietty Online Now?
The Secret World of Arrietty is currently available for streaming on HBO Max in the USA. Interested viewers can subscribe to the platform to watch the Ghibli movie. Basic plans start from $10.99/month to $109.99/year, while Standard plans begin from $18.49/month to $184.99/year. Additionally, fans can watch the film on Hulu by adding HBO Max to any Hulu plan for an additional $10.99/month.
The movie isn’t available in Crunchyroll’s library. On the other hand, fans can rent/buy the movie on Prime Video. Furthermore, Netflix is an alternative platform where you can watch The Secret World of Arrietty. However, it’s region-locked on the platform and is available only in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and India.
Hope this article has convinced you to give the movie a try if you haven’t already. And once you finish it, let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Secret World of Arrietty is currently available to watch on HBO Max.
