The Cat Returns (2002)

Haru, a young girl, grapples with her self-esteem as she constantly feels behind her peers. Arriving late to class, she becomes the target of her classmates' mockery, including her crush, which further deepens her insecurities.

After school, Haru and her friend Hiromi encounter a mysterious dark cat carrying a small box. In a heroic act to save the cat from an oncoming truck, Haru ends up in a bush, resulting in the breaking of Hiromi's lacrosse stick.

To Haru's astonishment, the dark cat, unseen by others, thanks her for saving it before swiftly running away. This peculiar incident leaves a lasting impression on Haru, as her day takes an unexpected turn.

When Haru discusses the strange cat encounter with her mother, her mother recalls a childhood memory of a dirty white kitten that followed Haru while she was eating fish crackers. This memory further blurs the lines between reality and fantasy for Haru.

That night, puzzled by the day's events, Haru discovers a procession of cats led by the Cat King. They express gratitude for her act of saving the King's son and surprise her with a scroll detailing the gifts she will receive.

The next morning, Haru wakes to find a plethora of strange gifts outside her house, including numerous lacrosse sticks at Hiromi's doorstep. This bizarre turn of events only amplifies her confusion about the previous night’s happenings.

As Haru heads to school, she is surprisingly followed by a swarm of cats. Upon reaching her locker, she finds it filled with individually-boxed mice, solidifying her belief that her life is spiraling into chaos.

Haru encounters Natoru, who reveals the strange gifts she's received, including an invitation to marry Prince Lune, the Cat King's son. This shocking news overwhelms Haru, forcing her to contemplate the carefree life as a cat.

Guided by a mysterious voice, Haru finds a large white cat that leads her to enchanting shops. They eventually meet Baron, a well-dressed cat who introduces Muta and discusses Haru's predicament.

Natoru arrives to escort Haru to the Cat Kingdom, while Muta joins her journey. However, upon arriving, Haru is shocked to realize that she has been transformed into a cat, creating a new layer of challenges.

At the Cat King's palace, Haru faces the reality of her impending marriage to Prince Lune while struggling to retain her human identity. Yuki, a white cat, urges her to escape the kingdom and save herself.

As tensions rise, Baron and Muta clash with the Cat King's troops, creating chaos. With Yuki's help, they find a secret exit that could lead to safety, yet danger looms as time runs out.

In a desperate bid to escape, Haru and her companions are met with a severe confrontation from the Cat King, who detonates the tower they're in. This catastrophic event sends Haru and her allies tumbling into uncertainty.

After a perilous fall from the tower, Haru is inexplicably saved by a flock of crows led by Toto, landing safely back in her hometown. Reflecting on her surreal adventures, she undergoes a profound transformation.

In the aftermath of her extraordinary adventure, Haru's perception of life and her self-worth vastly improve. She awakens early, prepares breakfast, and meets Hiromi, embodying her newfound independence and resilience.