Some movies leave you on the edge of your seat, while others gently pull you into their world, offering a cosy, heartwarming journey. My Oni Girl falls into the latter category, a visually stunning coming-of-age fantasy that balances whimsy, emotion, and self-discovery. While its story may follow familiar beats, the movie shines through its breathtaking animation, charming character dynamics, and touching themes of friendship and acceptance. But is My Oni Girl a hidden gem worth watching, or just another fleeting fantasy movie?
Anime March Madness: Anime #5
- Full Genre list: Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Supernatural
- Key Themes: Friendship, Self-Discovery, Acceptance
- Type: Movie
- Duration to watch the entirety of the anime in hours: +/- 2 Hours
- Age restriction: PG-13
- Release date: 2024
- Animation Studio: Studio Colorido
- English Dub: Yes
- Source: Original Work
- Kanji:好きでも嫌いなあまのじゃく
- Alternative Title: Suki demo Kirai na Amanojaku
- Average rating: 6.84/10
- Watched here on Netflix
- Website: amanojaku-movie.com
- Official hashtags: #MyOniGirl #好きあま #SUKIAMA
What is My Oni Girl About?
Hiiragi Yatsuse is a reserved high school student who is struggling to find his place. His life changes when he meets Tsumugi, a spirited oni girl on a quest to find her mother in the human world. Their journey unfolds as a road trip across picturesque landscapes, introducing them to quirky characters and leading to personal growth.
Why Did I Watch My Oni Girl?
The fifth anime pick was meant to be chosen by a random generator, but honestly? I wasn’t in the mood for what it landed on. Between work and the gloomy weather, a movie day felt like the better choice. That’s how I ended up watching My Oni Girl!
How far did I get in my first watch-through?
The first time I watched this, I got as far as the hidden village, then load shedding (South Africa’s electricity provider turns areas off when it cannot keep up with demand for one reason or another) happened. Watching it this time around showed I got about 2/3rds of the way through the first time in December 2024.
My Thoughts on My Oni Girl
While the story is heartwarming, it doesn’t exactly break new ground. The shy boy meets an eccentric supernatural girl setup is something we’ve seen before, and the plot beats are fairly predictable. However, My Oni Girl makes up for this with its charm, strong character dynamics, and breathtaking animation.
A Relatable Protagonist and a Feisty Companion
Hiiragi is an easy character to root for. He’s introverted, struggles to speak up, and finds it difficult to connect with others. I relate to his struggle as an introverted high schooler who’s always felt a bit out of place. On this journey, he’s forced to confront his self-doubt and reluctance to speak up. Whether it’s navigating unexpected social interactions or making decisions on the fly during their road trip. Each hurdle encourages him to gradually discover his own voice and assert himself in ways that were once beyond his reach.
Tsumugi, on the other hand, is his complete opposite: loud, daring, and full of mischief. Tsumugi’s challenges are multifaceted and steeped in her supernatural identity. Being an oni girl in a predominantly human world means that she’s forever balancing two very different realms. Her ongoing search for her mother isn’t just a physical journey—it’s deeply tied to her understanding of self and acceptance of her own nature.
Their dynamic is the highlight of the movie, creating moments of humour, frustration, and genuine connection as they push each other to grow. While the movie leaves this evolution deliberately open-ended, I feel that the subtle cues suggest a potential romance. Their connection is deep enough that it could blossom into love, yet the narrative wisely leaves room for the viewer (and for my own interpretation) to decide whether this is the start of a transformational romance or simply a profound, life-changing friendship.
That said, the side characters, while fun, felt more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. They conveniently appear at just the right moments to help Hiiragi and Tsumugi on their journey, which makes the story feel a little too smooth and unrealistic at times.
A Road Trip Adventure with Heart
The movie takes the form of a road trip across Japan’s countryside, offering a blend of realism and fantasy. Each new location adds something visually stunning to the experience, whether it’s a quiet town, a bustling shrine, or a hidden supernatural village. The contrast between the everyday world and the magical elements is beautifully handled, making the journey itself just as engaging as the destination.
While the overarching goal is finding Tsumugi’s mother, the heart of the story lies in the growing friendship between the two leads. Their personal struggles; Hiiragi’s self-doubt and Tsumugi’s fear of being abandoned, are subtly woven into the journey, making their emotional development feel natural.
A Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story
At its core, My Oni Girl is a simple yet touching story about friendship, acceptance, and finding the courage to be yourself. It doesn’t aim to be an action-packed spectacle or a deep, thought-provoking drama. Instead, it leans into its strengths: a charming duo, stunning visuals, and a feel-good atmosphere that makes for an enjoyable watch.
While the plot may be predictable, it delivers just enough emotional weight to leave a lasting impression—especially in its final moments, where an open-ended dialogue hints at the beginning of something more between Hiiragi and Tsumugi.
Hooked by…
Visually, My Oni Girl is a treat. Studio Colorido delivers once again with its signature bright, fluid animation. The everyday settings—train stations, shrines, and city streets—are brought to life with a simple yet vibrant style, while the supernatural elements burst onto the screen with rich, whimsical colours. It’s the kind of animation that doesn’t overwhelm with excessive detail but still manages to feel immersive.
If I had to compare it to other moviess, I’d say it has the adventurous feel of Bubble, the folklore integration of Spirited Away, and a touch of Suzume’s emotional storytelling. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of those movies, but it certainly takes inspiration from them.
Overall Verdict
The movie masterfully contrasted the grounded, everyday realism of the human world with the whimsical, fantastical elements of the supernatural. I found Hiiragi to be particularly relatable, while Tsumugi’s chaotic yet endearing personality made their dynamic truly engaging. The world-building felt grounded, seamlessly weaving Japanese folklore into modern settings. While the story itself was predictable, it remained enjoyable throughout. Ultimately, “My Oni Girl” left me with a cute and visually stunning experience, though perhaps not one that will linger in my memory for years to come.
Do I Recommend It?
Yes, if you enjoy relaxed, character-driven narratives with beautiful animation. However, if you’re looking for a story with deep world-building or high-stakes drama, this might feel a bit underwhelming. My Oni Girl is a solid choice if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and visually pleasing. It’s not a groundbreaking movie, but it does what it sets out to do: deliver a warm, entertaining coming-of-age story with a touch of fantasy.
Would I watch it again? Probably not. But I’d still recommend it, especially if you just want a cosy, feel-good anime to watch.
Have you watched My Oni Girl? What did you think about it?
My rating: 7/10
Date watched and completed: 5 March 2025
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