Willy The Sparrow (1988): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1988, Willy The Sparrow is a family and animation film directed by József Gémes, running about 76 minutes. “What would it feel like to be a bird and fly over the trees and housetops?” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. What would it feel like to be a bird and fly over the trees and housetops? A boy named Willy finds out when the Sparrow Guardian turns him into a Sparrow for shooting a BB gun at the little birds. Suddenly, Willy's own cat thinks of him as lunch but, luckily, some new sparrow friends rush to Willy's rescue. They deliver him to a grandfatherly old bird named Cipur who takes Willy under his wing, teaches him how to fly, and so much more. In return, Willy fulfills Cipur's lifelong dream for knowledge by teaching him ow to read. Willy's new friendship helps him understand that all creatures have feelings and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Before Willy is turned back into a boy, he leads the sparrows in a brave but perilous plan to retake their home in the barn from Blacky the cat. Finally, the Sparrow Guardian offers Willy a very special opportunity.

Who’s in it. Willy The Sparrow stars Levente Igaz as Vili, Klári Tolnay as Verbéna, József Székhelyi as Cipúr, old sparrow and Eszter Kárász as Füles, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, Willy The Sparrow has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Willy The Sparrow page.

If you liked it. Fans of Willy The Sparrow tend to enjoy Spirited Away, Back to the Future, The Lion King and Coco.