Young women from Market Chipping have been mysteriously disappearing as of late. Rumors say that Wizard Howl, reputed to steal the hearts of beautiful young girls in order to eat them, is the one responsible. An unfortunate girl by the name of Sophie finds herself the target of the Witch of the Waste. After being cursed by the foul sorceress, poor Sophie leaves Market Chipping only to stumble upon Wizard Howl's moving castle. She fears her heart will be eaten as well but she will soon discover that he isn't to blame...