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Fantasy animated film

Poupelle of Chimney Town (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Poupelle of Chimney Town (2021) movie poster

Poupelle of Chimney Town is a 2021 fantasy animated film directed by Yusuke Hirota, starring Masataka Kubota as Poupelle, Mana Ashida and Shingo Fujimori. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $22.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
83%
worldwide gross
$22.7M
Echo Score
81
Metascore
66
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Poupelle of Chimney Town (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Yusuke Hirota
Genres
Fantasy , Animation , Family
Original language
Japanese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Poupelle of Chimney Town About?

The premise of Poupelle of Chimney Town without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the soot-covered Chimney Town, Lubicchi, a young man with a thirst for knowledge, dreams of uncovering the truth behind his father’s stories of the mysterious "stars." During a magical Halloween night, he encounters Poupelle, a unique protector of discarded items and the town's refuse. Together, they embark on an adventure to discover the secrets of the stars and challenge the traditions that have long defined their world, revealing a surprising connection between the town and the sky above.

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Cast & crew

Poupelle of Chimney Town Cast & Characters

Masataka Kubota leads the cast as Poupelle, with Mana Ashida as Lubicchi and Shingo Fujimori as Scoop. Directed by Yusuke Hirota; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Poupelle of Chimney Town

· 6 more
Ratings

Poupelle of Chimney Town Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Poupelle of Chimney Town 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (70).

81 /100

Poupelle of Chimney Town Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Poupelle of Chimney Town delivers a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience that leans toward the positive end of the spectrum. Critics highlight the dazzling animation, rich steampunk palette, and a heartfelt friendship at the story’s core, while user feedback underscores its appeal to families and younger viewers. Some reviewers note a tendency toward sentimentality and a limited exploration of the world‑building potential, which prevents the film from reaching full originality. In sum, the film’s strengths outweigh its flaws, offering a commendable animated adventure.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    Artistic execution stands out as the film’s strongest asset. Critics repeatedly commend the lush animation, intricate steampunk design, and vivid color palette that render Chimney Town visually immersive. The blend of hand‑drawn and CGI techniques is praised for its cohesiveness, though a few notes mention occasional odd rendering choices. Overall, the production design and cinematography achieve a high level of craftsmanship.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film succeeds in fostering genuine empathy for its unconventional protagonist. Reviewers note the moving friendship between Lubicchi and the trash‑person, describing it as heartfelt and accessible across ages. Performances are seen as nuanced enough to convey optimism, while criticisms of depth are minimal, resulting in a solid emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The narrative presents an aspirational fairy‑tale about hope against authoritarian constraints, which many critics find uplifting and family‑friendly. However, several reviewers describe the plot as somewhat derivative and note that the film shies away from deeper, darker themes, limiting its originality. Consequently, the story balances warmth with a modest level of innovation.

  • Sensory Experience 86

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack is highlighted as a symphonic complement to its vibrant visuals, reinforcing the optimistic tone. Sound design and musical motifs blend seamlessly with the steampunk aesthetic, creating an immersive atmosphere. While a few critics mention occasional uneven audio cues, the overall auditory and visual cohesion remains strong.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    The rewatch factor is bolstered by its universal themes of friendship and perseverance, which resonate with both children and adults. Critics label it an instant classic suitable for wide audiences, and its family‑oriented storytelling encourages repeat viewings. Some users note the film’s appeal skews younger, but its lasting emotional message sustains interest beyond a single screening.

Plot

Poupelle of Chimney Town Plot Summary

What happens in Poupelle of Chimney Town from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the thick smoke shrouds Chimney Town, the whispers about obscured stars, once dismissed by the townsfolk, echo in the background. On a fateful Halloween Day, an unexpected entity emerges from the nearby landfill—an unusual being born from refuse, it possesses a budding consciousness. This peculiar creature captures the attention of Lubichi, son of Bruno, who is desperate for help. In a twist of fate, Lubichi seeks refuge with the Inquisitors, only to find himself escaping from the very authority he hoped would protect him.

Full summary

The whole story of Poupelle of Chimney Town, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Poupelle of Chimney Town Box Office

Poupelle of Chimney Town grossed $22.7 million worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$22.7M

International
$22.7M
Videos

Poupelle of Chimney Town Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 1 clip.

Poupelle of Chimney Town – Extended Trailer (Japan 2020/12/25, Worldwide 2021)
  • Trailer Poupelle of Chimney Town – Trailer (Japan 2020/12/25, Worldwide 2021)
  • Teaser Poupelle of Chimney Town – Teaser (Japan 2020/12, Worldwide 2021)
  • Clip Poupelle of Chimney Town – Opening 3 Minutes (Japan 2020/12/25, Worldwide 2021)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Poupelle of Chimney Town?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the main setting of the movie?

Details

Poupelle of Chimney Town Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Entotsu-chou no Poupelle” and “Entotsu Machi no Poupelle”.

Also known as
  • Entotsu-chou no Poupelle
  • Entotsu Machi no Poupelle
  • Eiga Entotsu Machi no Poupelle
  • Entotsu-chō no Poupelle
  • Poupelle et la Ville sans ciel
  • Eiga Entotsumachi no Puperu
  • えんとつ町のプペル
  • 烟囱小镇的普佩尔
  • De l'autre côté du ciel
  • Пупелль из города дымоходов
  • Poupelle da Cidade das Chaminés
  • 映画 えんとつ町のプペル
+5 more
  • 굴뚝마을의 푸펠
  • 煙囪小鎮的普佩
  • Baca Kasabası Poupelle / Poupelle of Chimney Town
  • Poupelle und die andere Seite des Himmels
  • Poupelle della città dei camini

Seen Poupelle of Chimney Town?

FAQ

Poupelle of Chimney Town FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Poupelle of Chimney Town, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Poupelle of Chimney Town?

Poupelle of Chimney Town runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Poupelle of Chimney Town released?

Poupelle of Chimney Town was released on December 30, 2021.

Who directed Poupelle of Chimney Town?

Poupelle of Chimney Town was directed by Yusuke Hirota.

Who is in the cast of Poupelle of Chimney Town?

Poupelle of Chimney Town stars Masataka Kubota as Poupelle, Mana Ashida as Lubicchi and Shingo Fujimori as Scoop, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Poupelle of Chimney Town make at the box office?

Poupelle of Chimney Town grossed $22.7 million worldwide.

How is Poupelle of Chimney Town rated?

Poupelle of Chimney Town has 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic, 65% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Poupelle of Chimney Town have a post-credit scene?

No. Poupelle of Chimney Town has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Poupelle of Chimney Town in?

The original language of Poupelle of Chimney Town is Japanese.

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