While the most badass feline on the big screen made his return at the end of 2022 in a very successful second part, finally available on Netflix, here are 3 other films with cats that are just as cute (or not), to watch in streaming: The Kingdom of Cats, Far from me, close to you, as well as Nimona.
It’s a fact: the simple sight of an adorable cat can sometimes brighten up the dullest day of a gloomy week. And since these felines are regularly featured in animated films, such as in the excellent Puss in Boots 2, on Netflix, you might as well not deprive yourself of a good dose of comforting cuteness. Here are 3 feature films to discover on the streaming platform, so as not to give the cat its tongue, obviously.
The Kingdom of Cats on Netflix, to admire (again) the talent of Studio Ghibli
If you already know by heart Spirited away, My Neighbor Totoro or even The Grave of the Firefliesyou have perhaps never entered the lesser-known world of Kingdom of Cats, another gem from Japanese studio Ghibli. In this initiatory tale, we follow the character of Haru, a high school student whose life is turned upside down when she saves the life of a talking feline. He then introduces himself as Loon, the prince of the Kingdom of Cats, to whom the teenager will now have to marry.
Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, whose only feature film to date, this fantastic adventure features characters from the film If you listen, in which our four-legged friends already play a big role. Without being the best creation of Studio Ghibli, The Kingdom of Cats still distills a poetic reflection on the transition to adulthood, perfect for a sweet moment with the family.
- To see if you liked: If you listen ; Kiki, the little witch ; The Aristocats ; Alice in Wonderland
- To see if you are looking for: Japanese animation; fantastic ; drama ; humor ; cats; action ; adventure ; teenagers but not only; love ; to get better ; magic; initiatory tale; to see with family; being worshiped by cats by proxy (in a slightly creepy way, admittedly)
Far from me, close to you on Netflix, to remove the masks
Miyo is a Japanese schoolgirl like the others, but suffers from school bullying from her classmates. Desperate to be loved by Hinode, another student, she then finds a mysterious mask that transforms her into an endearing little kitten, Taro. Thanks to this magic, the teenager gets closer to the one she loves, without worrying about the consequences…
Far from me, close to you explores a well-known genre of Japanese animation: that ofisekai, in which the main character discovers a parallel universe. This time, the heroine, in the midst of an adolescent crisis, transforms into a feline, with obviously disastrous repercussions.
Despite a slightly confusing beginning, we let ourselves be carried away by this fantastic romance, which recalls the heyday of Studio Ghibli, without ever equaling it. Far from me, close to you remains a lovely ode to happiness, with hints of magic, which makes you want to enjoy life to the fullest.
- To see if you liked: the video game Stray ; The Kingdom of Cats ; Spirited away ; The Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki ; Your Name ; Suzume
- To see if you are looking for: Japanese animation; fantastic ; drama ; humor ; cats; teenagers but not only; period of teenage rebellion ; magic; heartache ; adventure ; Mental Health ; middle school students; worrying; dual identity; to get better ; learn to be wary of cats (especially if they talk)
Nimona on Netflix, to meet a cat-gorilla-whale
We admit it: we’re cheating a little with the last film in this selection, in which a cat only appears for a few moments. But since it is the charismatic Nimona, a shapeshifter with the ambitions of an evil genius, who perfectly matches the offbeat spirit of the Puss in Boots 2, we obviously had an obligation to mention it. Adapted from the graphic novel by ND Stevenson, this Netflix production has established itself as one of the best of the year 2023.
We follow Nimona, a teenager who meets by chance a knight, accused of murder by mistake, and who will seize this opportunity to become an agent of chaos (or not). Thanks to her infinite metamorphoses, between a cat, a gorilla or even a whale, this punk heroine offers a good concentration of futuristic action and hilarious punchlines, while touching our heartstrings.
Nimona thus addresses important themes on rejection and mental health, becoming a lively refuge for many people queer. A must-have in the Netflix catalog: political, fun and full of love.
- To see if you liked: Shrek ; Rebel ; The Iron Giant ; Dragons ; Red alert ; The Legend of Vox Machina ; The Prince of Dragons ; The New Heroes
- To see if you are looking for: animation ; fantasy; action ; adventure ; humor ; fighting; chills; emotion; gags; feel-good ; improbable duo; queer ; futuristic city; to see with family; friendship ; gay couple; shed a little tear; regret not having Nimona in his entourage; DEADLY !
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