100 Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes Full of Magic & Love

These Howl’s Moving Castle quotes will take you on a ride full of magic and lessons about life.

Howl’s Moving Castle is an animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released in 2004. Though it’s been more than a decade since its release, until now, it is one of the most famous Studio Ghibli films. 

Apart from being a classic animated film loved by many worldwide, it’s also well-known for the profound lessons it shares with its audience. The discussion of love, war, and old age opened up a reality not often portrayed in movies, making Howl’s Moving Castle stand out.

It teaches us a less glamorized take of what happens when we grow old and love someone. So, if you are interested in learning more about the film, this collection will surely help you out. Check out the top 100 Howl’s Moving Castle quotes below. 

Let’s get started.

And make sure to read these Spirited Away quotes and Princess Mononoke quotes.

Best Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes

1. “They say that the best blaze burns the brightest when circumstances are at their worst.” – Sophie Hatter

2. “Well, the nice thing about being old is you’ve got nothing to lose.” – Sophie Hatter

3. “A heart’s a heavy burden.” – Sophie Hatter

4. “One thing you can always count on is that hearts change.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

5. “It’s all so familiar, yet I know I’ve never been here before. I feel so at home.” – Sophie Hatter

6. “Sorry, I’ve had enough of running away, Sophie. Now, I’ve got something I want to protect. It’s you.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

7. “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 Hatter

8. “Knowing you’d be there gave me the courage to show up. That woman terrifies me. I can’t face her on my own. You saved me, Sophie. I was in big trouble back there.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

9. “It’s—you’re scaring me. I have this weird feeling you’re going to leave. Howl, tell me what’s going on! Please, I don’t care if you’re a monster.” – Sophie Hatter

10. “There you are, sweetheart. Sorry I’m late, I was looking everywhere for you.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes That Will Teach You a Lot About Life

11. “I think we ought to live happily ever after.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

12. “You have no right to make jigsaws of people.” – Sophie Hatter

13. “A fickle heart is the only constant in the world.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

14. “That’s why I love spiders. ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.'” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

15. “Mother knows you don’t have to be unkind to someone in order to exploit them.” – Martha Hatter

16. “Tantrums are seldom about the thing they appear to be about.” – Sophie Hatter

17. “My shining dishonesty will be the salvation of me.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

18. “Some people are thoroughly self-centered. This thing goes with me. I need it for moral support.” – Sophie Hatter

19. “Things are going round and round in my head, or maybe my head is going round and round in things.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

Also read: Quotes to Live By

Memorable Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes That Will Never Leave Our Hearts

20. “If I give Howl back his heart, what will happen to you?.” – Sophie Hatter

21. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t torment my friend.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

22. “This charm will guarantee your safe return. Don’t worry, I’ll follow behind you in disguise. Now, off you go.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

23. “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 Hatter

24. “Interesting things did seem to happen but always to somebody else.” – Sophie Hatter

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

26. “Here’s another curse for you, may all your bacon burn.” – Calcifer

27. “It’s not easy being old.” – Sophie Hatter

28. “I’m sure Howl won’t eat the heart of a shriveled old lady like me.” – Sophie Hatter

29. “I’m the worst kind of witch ever. The kind that cleans.” – Sophie Hatter

30. “I’m such a big coward. All I do is hide. All of this magic is to keep everybody away. I can’t stand how scared I am.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

Also read: Moana Quotes, Coco Quotes

Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes About Love

31. “It looks like your true love is in love with someone else!” – Witch of the Waste

32. “But I brought it on myself by making a bargain some years ago, and I know I shall never be able to love anyone properly now.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

33. Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “Go away.”

Sophie Hatter: “No, I’m not going away. I’m going to help you break this spell that you’re under.”

Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “You? You can’t even break your own spell.”

Sophie Hatter: “But you don’t understand. I love you.”

Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “You’re too late.”

Sophie Hatter: “Howl! No!”

34. “If you knew the trouble we’ve had because Howl will keep falling in love like this!” – Michael Fisher

Short Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes for Every Studio Ghibli Fan

35. “A heart burns like a blue flame.” – Sophie Hatter

36. “I could cut a star of paper and drop it.” – Sophie Hatter

37. “It can’t be good for the table.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

38. “What difference does it make?” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

39. “Standing up to the Witch of the Waste. That’s plucky.” – Witch of Waste

40. “You must admit I have a right to live in a pigsty if I want.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

41. “After the war, they won’t recall they ever were human.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

42. “Yeah, I kinda missed you guys, and it looks like it’s gonna rain.” – Calcifer

43. “Thank you, you have a big heart!” – Sophie Hatter

44. “You’ve no right to walk into people’s castles and take their guitars.” – Sophie Hatter

Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes to Enter the World of Magic

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

46. “That boy is extremely dangerous. His powers are far too great for someone without a heart.” – Madame Suliman

47. “You who swallowed a falling star, ‘o heartless man, your heart shall soon be mine.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

48. “You’re wearing that hat? After all the magic I used to make your dress pretty?” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

49. “I wonder what Howl disguised himself as? Surely not a crow. Can’t be a pigeon. He’s too flamboyant for that.” – Sophie Hatter

50. “A fire demon. Well, then you should be able to break my curse.” – Sophie Hatter

51. “Looks like we have another addition to the family. Hmmm, you’ve got quite a nasty spell on you too, huh? Seems everyone in this family’s got problems.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

52. “It’s hideous! You completely ruined my magic potions in the bathroom!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

53. “That’s magic. I admire using something that exists anyway and turning it around into a curse.” – Sophie Hatter

54. “He’s calling the spirits of darkness. I saw him do this once before when a girl dumped him!” – Markl

55. “I don’t cook! I’m a scary and powerful fire demon.” – Calcifer

56. “Those wizards are going to regret doing that. They’ll never change back into humans.” – Calcifer

Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes to Read When You’re Feeling Down

57. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, even if you are my least favorite vegetable.” – Sophie Hatter

58. “I missed you too, Calcifer.” – Sophie Hatter

59. “Sophie! Sophie! You’re beautiful!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

60. “Wow, Sophie, your hair looks just like starlight. It’s beautiful.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

61. Sophie Hatter: “I’m not beautiful, and I’m only good at cleaning.”

Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “Sophie, you are beautiful.”

62. “I’m just setting things up so all of you can live a comfortable life, Sophie.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

63. “I can’t stay. I’ve got to rescue that fool, Sophie.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

64. “I know where I am! I’m in Howl’s childhood!” – Sophie Hatter

65. “This isn’t so bad now, is it? You’re still in good shape, and your clothes finally suit you.” – Sophie Hatter

Sad Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes That Will Make You Emotional

66. “I feel terrible like there’s a weight on my chest.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

67. “I give up. I see no point in living if I can’t be beautiful.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

68. “I’m a failure! Garbage! You just never stop to think.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

69. “I’m a coward. The only way I can do something this frightening is to tell myself I’m not doing it!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

70. “So you are going away. Please, Howl. I know I can be of help to you, even though I’m not pretty and all I’m good at is cleaning.” – Sophie Hatter

Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes That Will Make You Laugh

71. “Typical! I break my neck trying to get here, and I find you peacefully tidying up!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

72. “Yes, you are nosy. You’re dreadfully nosy, horribly bossy, appallingly clean, old, mean. Control yourself. You’re victimizing us all.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

73. “It’s amazing the way one can step 10 and a half miles long and still always land in a cowpat.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

74. “Sophie! You have sabotaged me! Look! Look at what you’ve done to my hair! Look!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

75. “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 Jenkins Pendragon

76. “I’m going up to my room now, where I may die.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

77. “I’m dying of boredom, or maybe just dying.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

78. Sophie Hatter: “I’ll make some hot buttered toast.”

Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “Is that all you can do in the face of tragedy? Make toast!”

79. “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 Hatter

80. “Of course I am! No one else does any work around here.” – Calcifer

81. “Help me, someone! I’m dying from neglect up here!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

82. Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “You’re looking well, Madame Suliman.”

Madam Suliman: “Rather weak disguise. Didn’t I teach you better?”

Howl Jenkins Pendragon: “I’m not trying to outwit you. I kept my oath. I reported when summoned. Now ‘mother’ and I will go.”

Madam Suliman: “I think not.”

83. “I assure you, my friends, I am cone sold stober.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

Also read: Funny Quotes

Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes That You Will Adore

84. “Calcifer agreed to speed up the castle because of a scarecrow? Dear Sophie, do please tell me how you bully a fire demon into being that obliging. I’d dearly love to know!” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

85. “I can’t stand the fire and gunpowder. Those dopey guys have absolutely no manners.” – Calcifer

86. “She almost smothered me! If I die, Howl dies too. I hope you know.” – Calcifer

87. “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.” – Mrs. Pentstemmon 

88. “See that new color on the dial? There’s a new portal. It’s a present for you. Come see.” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

89. “What a dump. When I think of castles, it’s not what I picture.” – Sophie Hatter

90. “I can’t do this! Why’d you make me come here if you were coming yourself?” – Sophie Hatter

91. “The Witch of the Waste and Madame Suliman’s dog at my table? What possessed you to let them in my house?” – Howl Jenkins Pendragon

92. “No, no, no! Don’t do this! Help! Help! Crazy lady with the shovel! If you kick me out that door, the castle could collapse!” – Calcifer

More Howl’s Moving Castle Quotes for Everyone Who Read the Book

93. “Doors are very powerful things. Things are different on either side of them.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

94. “People Sophie had known all her life came and brought flowers by the bundle. None of them recognized her, and that made her feel very odd.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

95. “Perhaps she was a little mad, but then old women often were.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

96. “Though he did not seem to want to leave the hills, he was known to amuse himself by collecting young girls and sucking the souls from them.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

97. “Being a crone did not stop her enjoying the sight and smell of may in the hedgerows, though the sight was a little blurred.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

98. “If I give you a hint and tell you a hint, it will be information.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

99. “It is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of the three. Everyone knows you are the one who will fail at first, and worst, if the three of you set out to seek your fortunes.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

100. “The rule was: lose your temper, lose a customer. She had just proved that rule. It troubled her to realize how very enjoyable it had been.” – Diana Wynne Jones, Author

Did These Quotes Change Your Perception About Love and Life?

Media has been our escape from the harsh truths of life. Unfortunately, not everything portrayed in the media is true. In fact, it also sets unrealistic expectations about love and growing old. 

Howl’s Moving Castle is a lighthearted film that will entertain you and teach you about human connection. Both Sophie and Howl have flawed aspects in their personalities that they learn to improve because they value each other. In simple words, love changed their views and pushed them to be better people.

We often think about love as an easy and smooth-sailing journey with our partner. But, in reality, it requires selflessness and sacrifice.

We hope you were able to pick up a valuable life lesson or two from Howl’s Moving Castle quotes. Like Howl and Sophie, learn to embrace the flaws and ugliness of life. After all, life is already full of magic and meaning!

Which Howl’s Moving Castle quote is your favorite? Do you have more quotes to add? Don’t forget to leave a comment below!

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Karen Danao

Hi, I’m Karen, a content curator and writer for Quote Ambition; I’m also a marketing and advertising professional. Beyond the keyboard and the screen, I’m someone who’s out to enjoy every bit that life has to offer!

Poetry, philosophy, history, and movies are all topics I love writing about! However, my true passion is in traveling, photography, and finding common ground to which everyone from different cultures can relate.

With the many places I’ve been to, I found that love, inspiration, and happiness are some things that bring people together. No matter how different we are on the outside, I’m a true believer that our emotions don’t lie; if you dig deep into our psyche, we’re all the same inside.

This belief was further amplified when I joined Quote Ambition. Through the quotes I’ve read, collected, organized, and written about, I found that humans are resilient, creative, and compassionate.

We take from each others’ hearts and courage, and it’s through our individual experiences that we learn how to rise above our challenges and pain. In so many ways, Quote Ambition is a platform that allows people from all over the world to gain the inspiration they need anytime, anywhere!

You can find me on MuckRack and LinkedIn.