105 Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes That Are Memorable

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ is a famous Japanese animated fantasy film that was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle” is an anti-war film deeply influenced by the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Set in a country at war, it explores themes of humanity, selfhood, compassion and belonging.

The film opens with a young girl, Sophie, whose mundane life is interrupted by the enigmatic wizard Howl and the vindictive Witch of The Waste.

Transformed into an elderly woman, Sophie’s journey with Howl, his apprentice Markl and fire demon Calcifer forms the core of the narrative.

The film examines war’s disruption to everyday life and the loss of youth and vitality it demands.

Through Sophie’s transformation, the narrative subverts ageist tropes and embraces the wisdom and kindness associated with age.

Related: Winnie the Pooh Quotes

It also provides nuanced portrayals of women in roles that eschew binary categorizations.

Miyazaki’s film reiterates that life, with its small joys, is worth living despite war and loss, and finds its enduring message in its anti-war stance.

Here are some of the best quotes from Howl’s Moving Castle.

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Best Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes

It looks like your true love is in love with someone else! ~ Witch of the Waste.

I didn’t let them in here! Sophie crash-landed her plane into my face! ~ Calcifer.

Do listen. He’s not wicked at all! ~ Sophie.

Apply your fiendish mind to the matter. Or even think, if you know how. ~ Howl.

I’m dying of boredom – or maybe just dying. ~ Howl.

A fickle heart is the only constant in the world. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

You’ve no right to walk into people’s castles and take their guitars. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

She was once quite beautiful, so I decided to pursue her. Then, I realized she wasn’t, so then, as usual, I ran away. ~ Howl.

It’s not easy being old. ~ Sophie.

When you’re old, all you want to do is stare at the scenery. It’s so strange. I’ve never felt so peaceful before. ~ Sophie.

And you’re too nice, I was relying on you being too jealous to let that demon near the place. ~ Howl.

You shouldn’t keep flying around like that. Soon, you won’t be able to turn back into a human. ~ Calcifer.

Look. Survey. Inspect. My hair is ruined! I look like a pan of bacon and eggs! ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

I know where I am! I’m in Howl’s childhood! ~ Sophie.

I think we ought to live happily ever after. ~ Sophie.

I’m delirious. Spots are crawling before my eyes. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Knowing you’d be there gave me the courage to show up. You saved me, Sophie. I was in big trouble back there. ~ Howl.

Famous Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes

Doors are very powerful things. Things are different on either side of them. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

It can’t be good for the table. ~ Howl.

So you think you’ve got it bad? I’ve never once been beautiful in my entire life! ~ Sophie.

He was remorseless, but she lacked method. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

She likes my spark! ~ Calcifer.

I’ll be okay if you do it, I think. I mean, you dumped water on me and Howl and we both survived. ~ Calcifer.

Here you are, sweetheart. Sorry, I’m late. I was looking everywhere for you! ~ Howl.

Some people are thoroughly self-centered. This thing goes with me. I need it for moral support. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Don’t bother me now, I only did it for the money. ~ Howl.

You must admit, I have a right to live in a pigsty if I want. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

This charm will guarantee your safe return. Don’t worry, I’ll follow behind you in disguise. Now, off you go. ~ Howl.

If I give you a hint and tell you a hint, it will be information. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

It is quite a risk to spank a wizard for getting hysterical about his hair. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

I feel terrible, like there’s a weight on my chest. ~ Howl.

I give up. I see no point in living if I can’t be beautiful. ~ Howl.

They say the best blaze burns brightest when circumstances are at their worst. ~ Sophie.

We can’t all be Mad Hatters. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Of course, you hate getting angry! You don’t like anything unpleasant, do you? You’re a slitherer-outer, that’s what you are! You slither away from anything you don’t like! ~ Sophie.

Go to bed, you fool. You’re drunk. ~ Calcifer.

I’ve got a hangover! ~ Howl.

Top Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes

See that new color on the dial? There’s a new portal. It’s a present for you. Come see. ~ Howl.

I’m a failure! Garbage! You just never stop to think. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

I wonder what Howl disguised himself as? Surely not a crow. Can’t be a pigeon, he’s too flamboyant for that. ~ Sophie.

By now, it was clear that Howl was in a mood to produce green slime any second. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Wow, Sophie, your hair looks just like starlight. It’s beautiful. ~ Howl.

You know this could kill me, don’t you? Look at the bright side, it could be me it kills. ~ Howl.

That’s why I love spiders. If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

It seems as if those of high ability cannot resist some extra dangerous stroke of cleverness which results in a fatal flaw and begins a slow decline to evil. ~ Diana Wynne jones

You who swallowed a falling star, o heartless man. Your heart shall soon be mine. ~ Howl.

I’m the worst kind of witch ever – the kind that cleans. ~ Sophie.

Interesting things did seem to happen but always to somebody else. ~ Sophie.

Sorry, I’ve had enough of running away, Sophie. Now, I’ve got something I want to protect. It’s you. ~ Howl.

I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t torment my friend. ~ Howl.

Whatever you don’t want me to clean, better hide it now! ~ Sophie.

Popular Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes

After the war, they won’t ever recall they ever were human. ~ Howl.

If I give Howl back his heart, what will happen to you? ~ Sophie.

I’m so sorry, but that would be confidential information. ~ Calcifer.

Stop it! Stop it at once! You are behaving just like a baby! ~ Sophie.

Are you sure you’re not a witch? ~ Markl.

Don’t you want your heart eaten? ~ Calcifer.

Yeah, I kinda missed you guys, and it looks like it’s gonna rain. ~ Calcifer.

Sophie! You have sabotaged me! Look! Look at what you’ve done to my hair! Look! ~ Howl.

This is terrible, they bomb from the southern coast to the northern border. It’s all in flames now. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Perhaps she was a little mad, but then old women often were. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

I can’t stay. I’ve got to rescue that fool Sophie. ~ Howl.

Nobody can buy a hat without gossiping. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Save my room for last, okay? ~ Markl.

My shining dishonesty will be the salvation of me. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

He’s calling the Spirits of Darkness. I saw him do this once before when a girl dumped him! ~ Markl.

Typical! I break my neck trying to get here, and I find you peacefully tidying up! ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

It’s all so familiar, yet I know I’ve never been here before. I feel so at home. ~ Sophie.

Look at that! They call this a castle? ~ Sophie.

I’m just setting things up so all of you can live a comfortable life, Sophie. ~ Howl.

Is that all you can do in the face of tragedy? Make toast? ~ Howl.

I missed you too, Calcifer. ~ Sophie.

I’m sure Howl won’t eat the heart of a shriveled old lady like me. ~ Sophie.

Amazing Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes

I don’t cook! I’m a scary and powerful fire demon. ~ Calcifer.

I’m going up to my room now – where I may die. ~ Howl.

What a dump. When I think of castles, it’s not what I picture. ~ Sophie.

All right, Calcifer. Let’s get cooking. ~ Sophie.

Your head’s like a turnip. I’ve always hated turnips ever since I was little. Well, at least you’re not upside down now. So long. ~ Sophie.

Where to? I’ll be your escort for this evening. ~ Howl.

Don’t be alarmed, but I’m being followed. Act normal. ~ Howl.

Let’s run! Don’t fight them, Howl! ~ Sophie.

Why do you get so cold when you’re old? I’m fatter than ever, and yet, the wind blows right through me! ~ Sophie.

It’s amazing the way one can step ten and a half miles long and still always land in a cowpat. ~ Howl.

I’ll make some hot buttered toast. ~ Sophie.

Save me! This stuff is going to put me out! ~ Calcifer.

It’s been a pleasure meeting you, even if you are my least favorite vegetable. Take care, Turniphead! ~ Sophie.

Help me, someone! I’m dying from neglect up here! ~ Howl.

I could cut a star of paper and drop it. ~ Sophie.

I can’t stand the fire and gunpowder. Those dopey guys have absolutely no manners. ~ Calcifer.

I knew that living happily ever after with Howl would make a good deal, more eventful than any story made it sound, though she was determined to try. ~ Sophie.

Nobody’s safe in a wizard’s house. ~ Calcifer.

Well, the nice thing about being old is you’ve got nothing to lose. ~ Sophie.

I don’t think I’m evil. ~ Calcifer.

A heart’s a heavy burden. ~ Sophie.

Yes, you are nosy. You’re dreadfully nosy, horribly bossy, appallingly clean, old, mean. Control yourself. You’re victimizing us all. ~ Howl.

Mother knows you don’t have to be unkind to someone in order to exploit them. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Be daffodils in June, you beasty things. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Tantrums are seldom about the thing they appear to be about. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Howl! I’m sorry, did I come too late? I didn’t mean to make you wait this long. I need you to take me to Calcifer if you can. ~ Sophie.

You have no right to make jigsaws of people. ~ Diana Wynne Jones.

Those wizards are going to regret doing that. They’ll never change back into humans. ~ Calcifer.

Of course, I am! No one else does any work around here. ~ Calcifer.

That boy is extremely dangerous. His powers are far too great for someone without a heart. ~ Madame Suliman

Tidying up is what I’m here for! ~ Sophie.

If I ever get my hands on that witch, I’m going to wring her fat neck! Finish your breakfast. ~ Sophie.

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So this ends our list of the 105 quotes from Howl’s Moving Castle.

If these quotes and sayings connect with you, check out our other posts on Mamma Mia quotes and Napoleon Dynamite quotes.

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Short Description of Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle is a 2004 animated fantasy film by Hayao Miyazaki, inspired by Diana Wynne Jones’s novel.

It features a blend of magic and early 20th-century technology in a fictional kingdom at war.

The story follows Sophie, a young milliner cursed by a witch to become elderly. She meets the wizard Howl and becomes involved in his anti-war efforts.

Movie Name	Howl’s Moving Castle
Japanese Name	ハウルの動く城
Hepburn	Hauru no Ugoku Shiro
Release Date	20 November 2004 (Japan), 5 September 2004 (Venice)
Based On	Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Directed By	Hayao Miyazaki
Produced By	Toshio Suzuki
Screenplay By	Hayao Miyazaki
Cinematography	Atsushi Okui
Edited By	Takeshi Seyama
Music By	Joe Hisaishi
Starring	Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa
Distributed By	Walt Disney Pictures, Toho Co., Ltd., Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, StudioCanal UK
Production Company	Studio Ghibli
Running Time	119 minutes
Country	Japan
Box Office	¥23.2 billion; US$236 million (worldwide)
Budget	¥2.4 billion; US$24 million

The film, known for its anti-war and feminist themes, showcases the value of compassion and life’s worth.

Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, it grossed $236 million globally and was acclaimed for its visuals and thematic presentation, earning several awards including a Nebula for Best Script.

The plot centers on Sophie’s journey with Howl, confronting war and personal transformations, leading to a heartwarming conclusion of love and peace.

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Quick Facts about Howl’s Moving Castle

• “Howl’s Moving Castle” is a captivating 2004 film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
• The film is based on Diana Wynne Jones’s novel.
• It’s renowned for its breathtaking animation and imaginative storyline.
• The film dives into themes like love, self-acceptance, and compassion.
• It features an English voice cast with stars like Christian Bale and Billy Crystal.
• The movie was both a commercial success and critically acclaimed.
• It won awards like the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
• Studio Ghibli’s animation in the film is particularly stunning.
• The characters, from wizard Howl to fire demon Calcifer, are uniquely imaginative.
• The story unfolds in a magical world where magic and technology coexist.
• Sophie, the protagonist, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
• Miyazaki’s young daughter inspired the castle’s design.
• The film’s memorable score was composed by Joe Hisaishi.
• Over the years, the film has cultivated a strong cult following.
• It subtly addresses the horrors and consequences of war.
• The characters are distinct, expressive, and contribute to the film’s depth.
• Environmental themes reflect Miyazaki’s concern for living in harmony with nature.
• The film is about personal transformation, highlighting resilience and determination.
• Fantasy and reality are seamlessly blended, creating a powerful narrative.
• Friendship’s strength is a central theme, showcasing the bond between characters.
• An enchanting love story unfolds amidst the magical backdrop of the moving castle.
• The hand-drawn animation style is distinctively Studio Ghibli, adding a nostalgic feel.
• Identity and self-discovery are key themes, encouraging introspection.
• The film is not just a magical adventure but also a tale of resilience against adversities.
• Side characters like Markl and the Witch of the Waste add depth and charm.
• Despite its age, the film’s timeless appeal continues to captivate new audiences.
• Compassion and understanding towards others are emphasized as important values.
• Miyazaki’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the film.
• Character development is significant, with characters learning and evolving.
• The film critiques vanity and obsession through Howl’s character arc.
• The movie evokes nostalgia, resonating with viewers through its themes and style.
• The opening sequence is whimsical and memorable, drawing viewers in immediately.
• Storytelling’s power to transport and inspire is showcased through the film’s imaginative world.
• “Home” and belonging are explored as the characters find solace in the moving castle.
• The movie’s universal themes allow viewers to personally connect with the story and characters.
• Its popularity has led to various merchandise, including figurines and clothing.
• The film’s ending allows for individual interpretation, adding to its intrigue.
• Animation enthusiasts will find the film’s artistry and storytelling particularly compelling.
• The film stands as a masterpiece in animated cinema, thanks to its intricate plot and rich themes.
• “Howl’s Moving Castle” is celebrated for its magical storytelling and continues to be a favorite among anime and movie fans alike.

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Top Questions about Howl’s Moving Castle