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One of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved — and devastating — movies is getting a new Blu-ray Steelbook release. Grave of the Fireflies will be released as a Steelbook Blu-ray from Shout Factory, featuring a new cover design. The Blu-ray is available for preorder now from Walmart and Barnes & Noble and drops on July 8.

The Blu-ray rerelease arrives amid news that Grave of the Fireflies will also get a theatrical rerelease.

As well as transporting audiences to magical worlds in films like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, Studio Ghibli is also renowned for pulling on the heart strings. Films like Princess Mononoke and From Up on Poppy Hill are among the studio's most emotional films. But, Ghibli fans unanimously agree that the studio's most harrowing film is, without a doubt, Grave of the Fireflies. Ghibli, being the kind and compassionate studio that it is, wants to make audiences break down in tears later this year, because Grave of the Fireflies is being re-released in US theaters.

Grave of the Fireflies' theatrical re-release comes as part of this year's Ghibli Fest celebrations. The festival sees Gkids re-release some of the studio's most popular and underrated films back in theaters for new and old audiences to enjoy on the big screen. This year, Gkids has included Grave of the Fireflies as part of the line-up,...

Studio Ghibli's North America-based film distributor, Gkids, has revealed its official theatrical slate for Ghibli Fest 2025. Starting next month, anime lovers will get to see some of the studio's biggest hits -- and some of its most underrated -- return to U.S. and Canadian theaters.

Gkids' official X (Twitter) page showcases the selection, which includes seven anime films directed by world-renowned Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. In addition to several of the studio's most well-known movies, the lineup also features comparatively lesser-known works such as The Secret World of Arrietty -- an adaptation of The Borrowers novel series by Mary Norton. This movie was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Mary and the Witch's Flower). Ponyo -- Hayao Miyazaki's imaginative retelling of The Little Mermaid -- will also be shown. Screenings of both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions will be held from May to November 2025. The full...

Before he became known for Spirited Away and multiple Studio Ghibli films, Hayao Miyazaki made his directorial debut in 1978 with the anime series Future Boy Conan. The series has 26 episodes and is based on the 1970 novel The Incredible Tide. As Miyazaki's works continue to find love to this day, this series is finally making its way to streaming.

According to IndieWire, Future Boy Conan will be available to stream on RetroCrush this April. However, not all episodes will be available at once and will be released on a weekly basis. In addition, the show will be streamed on the Fast version of RetroCrush on April 20, 22, and 27 as part of its Hayao Miyazaki-themed marathons.

Future Boy Conan is a show about a boy named Conan, who was raised on an island by his grandfather in a post-apocalyptic world. Years later, he meets a girl named Lana, who was raised on another surviving island.

The recent trend of turning images and posts into Ghibli-style art has completely taken over the internet. While some people are happy and excited to follow the trend, hardcore anime fans understand how this eccentric trend hurts the legacy of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most legendary creators in the history of anime.

Miyazaki dedicated his life to creating some of the greatest anime movies that even won Oscars for him, and the one thing he was always against was using AI to create animation. In fact, he has expressed his hatred towards this ideology of Artificial Intelligence within the anime industry multiple times, and it is quite understandable from his point of view.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Thus, to tarnish Miyazaki’s legacy in such a way feels sad, and One Piece’s director, Migumi Ishitani has expressed her anger about the ongoing trend.

For the past few days, the internet has been going mad over a new trend that has taken over the entire world and has forced almost every social individual to be a part of it. This trend involves turning their pictures and snapshots into Studio Ghibli-style animation and posting them back on the internet in order to gain views, likes, and comments from the masses.

Studio Ghibli is one of the biggest animation studios in the world, co-founded by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki along with Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. The studio has created some of the greatest anime movies in the world, including The Boy and The Heron, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, etc.

The unique animation of Studio Ghibli has recently become wildly popular because of the ongoing trend, but what fans don’t realize is that this trend is a direct hit to the anime industry.

Studio Ghibli films might be known for their rich stories and Oscar-nominated movies, but there's another aspect to these anime movies that fans flock to. The critically acclaimed anime studio puts alot of effort and care into creating fleshed-out relationships in their movies. From friendships to family and everything in between, these relationships feel realistic and relatable, even in the most fantastical settings.

There's a special appreciation fans have for Studio Ghibli couples in particular. While couples like Howl and Sophie may be fan-favorites, fans often overlook the less popular relationships in these movies. These adorable pairs are often hiding in plain sight, more often than not sidelined in favor of the main couple in any given Studio Ghibli movie.

Fujimoto Fell in Love with a Sea Goddess in Ponyo Streaming on Hulu

Ponyo and Sosuke may be an excellent example of young love in a Studio Ghibli movie, but...

When you hear the name Studio Ghibli, you can’t help but envision those gorgeous hand-drawn animations, fantastical worlds, and tales that truly pull at your heartstrings. Founded by the incredible Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has been a staple of animated films for decades, providing us with such classics as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro.

Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo is the only Ghibli short live-action film. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, what many fans don’t realize is that Studio Ghibli has already dipped its toes into live-action filmmaking. Unlike the grand two-hour animated epics for which the studio is known, this venture into live-action is a mere nine minutes long. It’s called Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo, and it’s a completely different setting than one would associate with Ghibli, offering a terrifying vision of destruction that feels more...

This week on The Anime Effect: LeAlec and Leah chat with husband and wife Harley Quinn comic duo Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti about their '60s to '80s anime roots, what Margot Robbie is really like, and more! In our audio-exclusive episode, we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world, including  Gachiakuta  coming to Crunchyroll, a  Konosuba  sequel announcement, and more! Episode 56 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 56 Summary In this week's news episode, Leah, Nick and LeAlec discuss the  All You Need Is Kill  light novel getting an anime adaptation and Tokyo Ghoul collaborating with Dead by Deadlight , among other updates. Plus, we talk to comic...

Studio Ghibli films come in a range of genres, sub-genres, and storytelling tones. Some are fairy tale retellings, others are inspired by historical epochs, contemporary romance manga, and magical realism novels. Plot twists come in various forms, depending on the tale, and Ghibli films master each sort of plot twist it includes.

Films like Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away are beautifully written and layered in meaning. They're worth watching over and over, even if the audience knows exactly what is coming next. Some plot points are so layered with nuance that each new viewing reveals more poignant details of the story and its characters.

Fujimoto Loves His Daughter Enough to Let Her Choose in Ponyo Ponyo Must Keep Away from the Ocean, or Her Father Will Drag Her Back Home Image via Studio Ghibli.

In Ponyo, the Queen of the Ocean's eldest daughter wants to leave her ocean home...

The name Studio Ghibli brings with it a certain sense of magic realism and aestheticism that seems almost otherworldly even while giving off a sense of nostalgia.

A still from Kiki’s Delivery Service | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Director Hayao Miyazaki, obviously, has been integral to not only the success of the movies but also behind the company finding its own footing in the competitive anime industry. However, things weren’t always that easy. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was Studio Ghibli’s legacy.

Behind it were a lot of animators’ sleepless nights, the unimaginable hard work of every employee, and even the violation of labor laws to state a few. As per the former head of the studio’s international division, though, Miyazaki wasn’t at fault.

Steve Alpert claimed that Studio Ghibli’s violation of labor laws was a consequence of desperate times...

Gints Zilbalodis’ Oscar-winning animation, Flow, made its audience attached to a bunch of animals desperate for survival. But Hayao Miyazaki had accomplished this decades ago with one of his most popular works, Kiki’s Delivery Service.

In Kiki’s Delivery Service, an iconic character is Jiji, the cat who always accompanies Kiki. And when the witch could no longer communicate with Jiji, it broke the hearts of fans. However, it was a necessary step in the maturing of the protagonist.

Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service made Hayao Miyazaki fans tear up Kiki’s Delivery Service fans became highly attached to Jiji just like Kiki | Credits: Ghibli

Ever since the beginning of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Jiji has been there right alongside Kiki. From marveling at the world to going on whacky adventures, Jiji was with Kiki through thick and thin. But then came a point when Kiki lost the ability to talk with Jiji.

Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s films have always been a rollercoaster ride because of the emotional twists and marvelous settings of the stories. And while most of his movies are quite enticing, some are a little complex and require a little more brainpower to understand the meaning behind them. One such Miyazaki and Ghibli film is Ponyo, which came out in 2008.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Ponyo is the fourth highest-grossing Studio Ghibli movie, having made over $206 million worldwide, following The Boy and the Heron (2023) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004). The movie delivers a great message that is not only connected to nature but also explains the importance of love through the perspective of a child and a young fish girl.

And while the movie is a major success in almost every aspect, it still has some elements that don’t make sense at all. Despite the fictional storyline,...

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the few names within the anime industry that needs no introduction. His contributions to the community in the form of prominent anime movies have helped the industry earn global recognition, and thus, he is respected by even the biggest celebrities. Not only that, but the Japanese creator has received the greatest honors for his work.

Japanese Creator Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Instagram@ghibliusa

He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli and currently serves as its honorary chairman, but his real passion was creating unique and marvelous anime movies that inspired generations. Although Miyazaki has worked on many different projects, most of his global success came from the twelve movies he created with Studio Ghibli.

Thus, with decades of hard work and accomplishment, it is safe to assume that Miyazaki has made a lot of money during his career. His net worth is one of the highest...

Ne Zha 2 North America Box Office: Set To Achieve A New Feat ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Ne Zha 2 is also achieving new milestones at the box office in North America. The movie has beaten Ghibli’s Ponyo and is on track to surpass Pokemon 3: The Movie and Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training’s US hauls in less than 20 days. Keep scrolling for the deets.

This film’s unparalleled success blurs the boundaries between nations and is a cultural phenomenon. The animated movies are known to reach more audiences due to the striking visuals and a wider spectrum. However, it is on a whole new different level altogether, something no one has ever seen. The film is close to reaching the $2 billion milestone worldwide and joining the Avengers 3 & 4 leagues and Avatar 1 & 2.

According to Luiz Fernando’s report, Ne Zha 2 lost 200 theatres on Thursday. It is playing...

Animated films are some of the first pieces of fictional storytelling that young audiences are exposed to, having a deep impact on new generations' understanding of how narratives can impact them. The best animated movies, the ones that resonate with children and adults alike, are the ones that are able to entertain audiences young and old with stories that hide deeper meaning under the surface.

A few animated films were able to appear on Roger Ebert's coveted Great Movies list, a collection of a few hundred films that he felt stood the test of time and would remain important pieces of movie history. These animated films are the ones that best capture the human experience and deep emotional truths through one of the oldest mediums in the history of film.

Finding Nemo Is an Early Pixar Classic

After the boom of the Disney Renaissance, the powerhouse animation studio that...

Disney animated movies are some of the most popular and beloved animated movies of all time. Many of these movies take inspiration from different books, fairy tales, and popular legends. And one of the most iconic Disney animated movies is no different: The Little Mermaid. Disney's The Little Mermaid is based on the Danish fairy tale "The Little Mermaid," written by Hans Christian Andersen. However, the Disney animated movie The Little Mermaid changed many aspects of the original fairy tale story.

With the release of the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, there were many controversies surrounding whether the live-action adaptation was introducing too many changes to the original story. However, Disney's adaptation of The Little Mermaid was never a faithful adaptation of the original fairy tale either. Hans Christian Andersen's story is far more mature and dark than the animated movie and even has a completely different ending.

The...

There is a certain calm about Hayao Miyazaki’s movies that fills most viewers with a child-like joy. The fantastical and magical elements are beyond awe-inspiring in the manner they’re fused in the storyline. But what makes it so special is that he bridges the gap between his audience and the story.

Most of his films surpass the binaries of age and viewership in terms of their storytelling. Where one assumes Ghibli films to pander to a specific group, that isn’t the case. With Ponyo, however, they may have underestimated the demographic.

Ponyo and Sosuke eating ramen in the movie | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Almost three decades after its release, the film is cherished by most fans for various reasons. Be it the animation or the characters, it managed to render a sense of nostalgia among most viewers. However, it also remained an “out of place” movie for the older audience.

Disney animated movies are some of the best and most beloved animated movies of all time. With classics like Cinderella, The Little Mermaid and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney has released many iconic animated movies that are still popular today. And through their partnership with Pixar Animation Studios, they have introduced several other popular films, such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out. But while these animated films continue to have loyal fans, some of these fans who've seen their favorite animated movie multiple times have found a few plot holes in these beloved stories.

There are many plot holes in Disney animated movies, some of which have been explained one way or another. In some cases, fan theories perfectly explain something that would otherwise not make sense. In other cases, the very directors or writers behind these films have given extra context and detail to a...

Studio Ghibli films are renowned for their enchanting storytelling and the sense of magical realism that blows one away. Ghibli’s works not only have breathtaking animation, but they also have extremely profound underlying themes.

Ponyo, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

Hayao Miyazaki might have won the Oscar twice, but there is one recurring trend in many of Studio Ghibli’s works that has given the studio a bad reputation. The usual way that the themes start to show is after the portrayal of parents as either absent, flawed, or deeply troubled.

This has been a constant, going from Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke. The parents in the Miyazaki world often fall short of traditional ideals, leaving their children to navigate complex worlds all on their own without any idea or support.

Ponyo depicts the magic of parenthood

Ponyo, Ghibli’s work from 2008 stands out as a rare exception to this pattern.

Hayao Miyazaki, the iconic filmmaker behind Studio Ghibli, has long been recognized for his meticulous storytelling and profound philosophical themes. From My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away, his films have made an everlasting impression on the world of animation.

Ponyo by Hayao Miyazaki. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, behind the scenes of his filmmaking career, there exists a lesser-known story about how one of his personal ambitions was sacrificed for the sake of a project that would later divide audiences. For instance, Miyazaki wanted to revisit Ponyo, however, the Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki convinced him to pivot to The Wind Rises instead.

Steering Hayao Miyazaki toward The Wind Rises

During an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences event of 2014, honoring Oscar-nominated animated films, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki revealed the shocking fact saying Miyazaki had initially planned to make a sequel to Ponyo, one of his most emotionally complex films.

Hayao Miyazaki is a master craftsman and a legend in the world of anime film directors. Studio Ghibli movies are widely known for their deep and thoughtful plots typically geared towards children. Yet, Miyazaki took a break from his usual child-centric movies to create The Wind Rises.

The Wind Rises was one of the contenders for the Best Animated Feature Film category of the 86th Academy Awards. But it eventually lost to Disney’s Frozen, a decision that is considered extremely controversial to date.

One scene in Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises took over a year to animate The Wind Rises focuses on Japanese aeronautical engineer, Jiro Horikoshi | Credits: Studio Ghibli

The Wind Rises is a fictional biography of Jiro Horikoshi, a Japanese aeronautical engineer who designed the A6M ‘Zero’ fighter plane, which was used in World War II. The film features a four-second crowd scene that took...

Hayao Miyazaki, the genius behind Studio Ghibli, has created some of the most influential and beloved animated films in history, including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and The Boy and the Heron. Environmentalism, social justice, feminism, and other issues happening in real life are deep-set themes in most of his acclaimed work.

Hayao Miyazaki | Image by 文部科学省ホームページ, licensed under Cc By-sa 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While other directors of his caliber will measure success with the likes of the Oscars, Miyazaki’s vision is greater than that. Having been at the helm of Studio Ghibli as a company face, he has filled so many hats with his fantastic career, such as director, writer, producer, and animation director for studio productions.

Miyazaki, a self-proclaimed cynic, has many times demonstrated an extreme aversion to most practices related to the anime industry. The focus of this practice has immensely complemented the golden rule provided...

Liam Neeson has had quite an interesting career over the last few decades. Early in his career, he became an Oscar-nominated actor, recognized for his work in the leading role in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List. He has also received Golden Globe nominations for Michael Collins and Kinsey. As such, many of his works have been critically acclaimed, including Everest, Widows, Husbands and Wives, Ponyo, and Batman Begins. Thus, Neeson is a well-respected and acclaimed actor of his generation.

However, Neeson's career has also been saturated with action movies that are poorly reviewed, including Blacklight, Taken 3, and Men in Black: International. In addition, many of his films have disappointed at the box office. Despite receiving positive reviews, the pre-covid Ordinary Love made less than $1 million at the worldwide box office. His recent 2024 film Absolution also struggled at the box office, getting just $3.4 million. However, another 2024 movie starring Neeson is...

In the realm of anime, it is safe to say that no one can beat Hayao Miyazaki’s works. The Japanese filmmaker and chairman of Studio Ghibli has been dropping hit after hit for as long as the anime community can remember, and his projects are not only popular in Japan. He has a global fan following, and one of the main reasons behind it is that the dubs of his movies are as spectacular as the subs.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The comparison between dub and sub has been an age-old debate, and the only one who is safe from it is Miyazaki and his anime movies. His dubs and subs are almost equal in comparison, and they are true to the core message that he tries to portray through his work. Aside from that, they also work because they feature some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

A new animation production brand that aims to "deliver anime to the world" has been announced, bringing on top executives with prior experience at both Studio Ghibli and Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump.

On Jan. 1, 2025, Ldh Japan Co., Ltd. announced a company merger, folding Ldh apparel Inc., expg Inc., and Ldh Digital Inc., into Ldh Japan as the surviving company. On Jan. 6, Oricon reported that Ldj Japan had launched a new animation production brand, Ldh Animation. Ldh Animation's stated aim is to "dare to deliver Japanese animation to the world, with the three pillars: 'Production of works as an animation studio,' 'planning and licensing business,' and 'expansion of its digital sphere of influence.'" To help steer this new project, former Studio Ghibli President Koji Hoshino, along with former Weekly Shonen Jump editor-in-chief and former senior managing director of Shueisha, Masahiko Ibaraki, both came on board as advisors.

Over the years, Studio Ghibli has produced a number of incredible fantasy anime, and among them Ponyo stands out as one of the most touching. Following the story of a curious mer-girl who defies her wizard father's wishes to venture out onto land, Ponyo meets a young boy named Sosuke on the shores of the sea near his home. When Ponyo's presence inadvertently causes a magical tsunami, she and Sosuke navigate the flooded landscape together in search of happiness.

Inspired by his first reading of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid, Hayao Miyazaki created a breathtaking and original story about love and acceptance that has inspired viewers since its release in 2008. For those in search of similar anime that capture the magic and essence of Ponyo, there are plenty of options available.

Two Mermaid Sisters Journey Past the Sea in Umi Monogatari Not Currently Available on Streaming

Umi Monogatari...

Studio Ghibli is one of the most prominent and lucrative animation studios worldwide, on par with other distinguished studios such as Pixar, Disney and Warner Bros. Highly acclaimed for its stunning animation, charming storytelling and strong female leads, Studio Ghibli’s impact has influenced animation and transcended mediums, cementing it as one of the most significant animation studios of all time.

Hayao Miyazaki is one of Studio Ghibli’s founders, and the creator of its highest-grossing films, including Spirited Away and Ponyo. These films highlight themes such as self-love, environmentalism and personal growth. These universal themes contribute to the films’ worldwide success, because they resonate with people all over, regardless of their race, culture or religion. Miyazaki’s films often feature gentle storytelling, instead of violence and there’s a reason for this.

Related 10 Best Studio Ghibli Character Designs, Ranked

Studio Ghibli characters are more than just a design and...

Few animation studios can rival the narrative brilliance of Japan’s beloved Studio Ghibli. Beyond its gorgeous visuals, the animation behemoth’s success leans upon the inimitable genius of Hayao Miyazaki. Driven by wholly Japanese sensibilities, Ghibli’s storytelling often resembles elaborate tapestries of overlapping narratives. Few Western films have successfully mastered the many moving parts that make Ghibli films unique, but one has done so with incredible success: stop-motion studio Laika's Kubo and the Two Strings.

The film received widespread critical acclaim and a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination, although it was ultimately buried by its more successful competitors. However, commercial success is rarely a reliable measure of a film’s worth. Despite its relative obscurity, Kubo and the Two Strings is a masterful exercise in storytelling and visual artistry. Its painstakingly rendered world overflows with pastoral charm, as does its deeply personal narrative. Not a cent of its...

Experience Spirited Away in All of Its Magical Beauty on the Big Screen This Christmas on Boxing Day Re-release

London, 10 December 2024 – Elysian Film Group and Anonymous Content are thrilled to unveil the official trailer and poster for the highly anticipated UK and Roi re-release of Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award®-winning animated masterpiece, Spirited Away. Longtime fans and new viewers of Studio Ghibli alike can experience the fantastical film on the big screen once again on 26th December 2024.

The Standard call it “Awe-inspiring”, and Financial Times wanted to award it “Six stars out of five” for a treasure that lives and breathes on the big screen. To experience Spirited Away back in the cinema since its 2003 release means all audiences will once again get to have that “magical experience” (Empire).

Winner of the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away is a “must see masterpiece” (Digital Spy) that follows...

Hayao Miyazaki might be a renowned director and animator, but if there’s one thing that isn’t synonymous with him — being a perfect parental figure. The Ghibli co-founder has always had a rocky relationship with his family, and it was his son, Goro Miyazaki, who aired the family’s dirty laundry.

Miyazaki has earned fame via his beautiful movies, two of which have won Oscars. But in his strive to create these movies, he has been neglectful of his own family. Perhaps the biggest victims of his workaholic nature have been his wife and son.

Hayao Miyazaki Was Not Happy with His Son’s Directorial Debut Tales of the Earthsea | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Goro Miyazaki made his directorial debut with Tales of the Earthsea. The movie, inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series, is often considered one of the weakest Ghibli movies. By the time the author’s rights were gained,...

People might be crazy over My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Kiki’s Delivery Service now but Studio Ghibli hasn’t always been so popular in the USA. In fact, the road to fame was filled with thorns for Hayao Miyazaki.

While the American audience was impressed with Miyazaki’s more children-friendly movies, they did not like his films that were made for an older audience. One movie in particular jarred the US viewers and shocked them awake to what Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli actually stand for.

The American Audience Was Not Ready for One Hayao Miyazaki Movie My Neighbour Totoro | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Ghibli’s venture into the USA began when The Walt Disney Company made a landmark deal with the studio in 1996. Disney wanted to be the sole distributor of Ghibli’s movie catalog. Previously, many studios who approached Ghibli were rejected, and there were two reasons why...

Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous animation companies in the world and the source of some of the industry's greatest films and narratives. With each fantastic tale comes a set of beloved characters, a feat that Studio Ghibli never fails to present in each of their works. From Howl's Moving Castle to Ponyo, there is truly a film for any fan of anime to enjoy.

The characters of Studio Ghibli remain some of the most renowned characters in animation, several often appearing on merchandise today. However, there are many characters that remain the best of the best, even among the fantastic roster presented in each film. Each character is unique in their own way, from their personal growth to the narrative that follows them.

Related This Modern Classic Is Hayao Miyazakis Highest Rated Movie on Rotten Tomatoes

Even if Hayao Miyazaki only produced it, Only Yesterday is one...

Hayao Miyazaki is an eccentric man with rigid opinions. Many people from the anime industry have openly discussed how hard it is to work with Miyazaki. The director is not scared of criticizing what he doesn’t like and is famous for taking a stand against the usage of CGI in his creations.

But while his opinions about the anime industry are valid, given his expertise in the field, many are unsatisfied with the way Miyazaki treats his son. During the production of Tales from Earthsea, Goro was stuck in a dilemma as its director, but Miyazaki never helped his son and even stopped talking to Goro after the movie was released.

Why did Hayao Miyazaki Have a Fallout with Goro? Tales from Earthsea was directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Goro Miyazaki | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Tales from Earthsea is inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series and...

Studio Ghibli is one of the best animation film studios to exist in modern times. Known for its popular and culturally influential My Neighbor Totoro and other lesser-known classics like Ponyo, Studio Ghibli has created many classic films that have garnered attention in Western media. All Studio Ghibli films carry meaningful messages and relatable themes, ranging from self-doubt and insecurities to overcoming trauma and exploring one's grief.

Anime films tend to be a hit-or-miss due to the short form of storytelling. Unlike a television series, where anime have time to develop its plot and story, films are given one chance to amass interest from viewers, which is why plot is substantially more important than anything else (aside from animation). One of the most popular anime film studios, Studio Ghibli, has proven that a heartfelt plot with meaning is the trick to snatch the hearts of others, as seen with the cultural phenomenon My Neighbor Totoro and other beloved films like Spirited Away or Ponyo.

Howl’s Moving Castle is an evergreen tale of love gifted by Hayao Miyazaki, and the film is here to last for generations. The movie has many other themes embroidered into it, especially its anti-war standing.

The movie has complex characters, such as Howl, who is initially shown in a negative light. But as the story progresses, the character wins over the hearts of its audience. However, one particularly curious scene in the film has always confused fans, and it’s high time to solve it for you.

Howl is Greatly Misunderstood in the Beginning of Howl’s Moving Castle Howl finds Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle | Credits: Studio Ghibli

At the beginning of Howl’s Moving Castle, Howl is rumored to have a wicked personality. The rumor that was spread among the residents of Market Chipping was that Howl was in search of beautiful young women, whose hearts he would steal before devouring them.

The vast library of the Studio Ghibli franchise truly has a film for any anime fan. For the fans of whimsical, light-hearted stories, tales such as Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro are sure to bring a smile to the audience's faces. Meanwhile, people who like darker fantasy adventures may enjoy movies such as Princess Mononoke and Nausica of the Valley of the Wind, where the stakes are higher and the action sequences often present.

In any Studio Ghibli film, the main protagonists are often shown alongside a supporting cast of characters. Whether they are friend or foe, these characters may either simply exist in order to highlight the overall narrative more or act as a main driving force in the entire story. Several of Studio Ghibli's supporting characters have remained renowned since their debut and are as popular as the protagonists of the film they are in.

Related Studio Ghibli's...

Studio Ghibli films by Hayao Miyazaki are known for their incredible complexity in both the plot and animation. The studio still creates hand-drawn animations that take years to create, and one such popular film is Howl’s Moving Castle.

Howl and Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle | Credit: Studio Ghibli

After its release, the movie became the third highest-grossing film at the time and won several accolades. It was also nominated in the Best Animated Feature Film category of the 78th Academy Awards. However, the creation process of such movies is extremely back-breaking, and testimony from a Studio Ghibli animator proves it even more.

Studio Ghibli Animator Confesses the Hard Work that Went into Miyazaki Movies

Akihiko Miyazaki is a Studio Ghibli animator who is famous for his works in Howl’s Moving Castle, Giant Robo, and other anime projects. Yamashita first worked as a key animator on Spirited Away and as an assistant supervising animator on Ponyo,...

In the Dandadan anime and manga, main characters Momo Ayase and "Okarun" often dine together after taking on one of their (many) supernatural enemies. Original creator Tatsu Yukinobu recently explained why he chooses to include these scenes and the underlying philosophy that informs them.

During a recent interview with Mantan Web, Yukinobu explains how, from his point-of-view, a person's hard work should naturally be rewarded. "It's pointless if you work hard and get nothing," he stated. This perspective was borne out of Yukinobu's experience working as a manga assistant for a relatively meager pay check. "I think kindness is important. I myself was poor at one time. When I was an assistant, my teacher gave me 1,000 yen and said, 'Go get a midnight snack,' I was incredibly grateful for that 1,000 yen..."

Related "Until Then, I Didn't Believe in the Occult": Dandadan Star's 'Completely Different' Experience Working on New...

Makoto Shinkai films feature some of the most gorgeous visuals you’ve ever seen in any animated film. The director made history with Your Name as the second highest-grossing Japanese animated film, sitting near the likes of Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. Due to his rich storytelling and vibrant visuals, Shinkai has also been compared to the Studio Ghibli director and has sometimes been touted as the “next Miyazaki.” The Your Name director, however, vehemently disagrees with the sentiment.

Grown-up Mitsuha recognizes Taki in Your Name. [Credit: Toho]

For years, anime fans have been in search of the next Miyazaki and someone who could surpass him. Makoto Shinkai’s popularity made him the prime candidate but the idea of someone else surpassing the likes of Miyazaki’s films, who has built a legacy for decades, is incomparable and unfair to the directors in that position. No...

Asian media and entertainment company mm2 Entertainment has secured a five-year distribution partnership with Miyazaki Hayao’s Studio Ghibli, bringing the renowned Japanese animation studio’s acclaimed films back to Southeast Asian theatrical audiences.

The deal encompasses 21 Studio Ghibli titles, including Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and “My Neighbour Totoro.” mm2 will rerelease the beloved films across Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Cambodia.

Parent company mm2 Asia operates cinema chains in Singapore and Malaysia, providing direct access to moviegoers. The first Studio Ghibli releases under this agreement are slated for later this year.

Studio Ghibli recently received the honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, “The World of Studio Ghibli” exhibition is set to launch at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum.

The Southeast Asia releases come after Studio Ghibli scored belated first time releases in China to considerable box office success. “My Neighbor Totoro...

Before the initial release of “Howl’s Moving Castle” 20 years ago, Akihiko Yamashita spent nearly two years working as the supervising animator on the Studio Ghibli film.

“I really have no idea how many pages of drawings there were or how many cels we drew. I just know that we worked a huge amount and we drew a huge amount,” Yamashita tells Variety through an interpreter. “Nowadays, we talk about work-life balance, but in those days, there was no concept of that.”

Yamashita first worked with animation maestro Hayao Miyazaki as a key animator on 2001’s “Spirited Away.” Over the past 20-plus years, he has served various roles on Studio Ghibli films, including as an assistant supervising animator on “Ponyo” (2008) and a key animator on “The Wind Rises” (2013) and “The Boy and the Heron” (2023).

Yamashita recalls working 14 hours a day on “Howl’s Moving Castle” during the last six months of production,...

Studio Ghibli has created some of anime's finest classics, from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind to The Boy and the Heron. However, the studio's most harrowing story, Grave of the Fireflies, has a special place in the hearts of its viewers and is regarded as one of the best films in anime history. As a result, Netflix added Grave of the Fireflies to its platform today, making it available in more than 190 countries, including the United States.

Although the film was originally aired on Max, Netflix purchased the streaming rights for the time being in order to introduce it to its consumers, particularly anime film enthusiasts. For those who have never seen a Studio Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies will serve as a great introduction to the company's renowned fanciful stories, which often do not end as one might expect. In this regard, Grave of the Fireflies will tug at the heartstrings,...

Studio Ghibli released Ponyo in 2008, using the film to give its spin on the Hans Christian Anderson classic fairy tale the Little Mermaid with main characters Ponyo and Ssuke. Like its source material, Ponyo follows the trials and tribulations of ocean-dweller and magical sea-creature Ponyo as she yearns for the land and Ssuke after a chance meeting with the young boy.

Despite its release in the late 2000s, Ponyo remains relevant today with its timeless themes, morals and life lessons. From reminding viewers that promises hold power to encouraging its audience to find joy in the small, everyday things in life, Ponyos enduring story has only gotten better with age.

Your browser does not support the video tag. Life is Full of Adventure and Surprises for Those Open to Them Ssuke Finds a Magical Fish Trapped in a Jar on the Beach

Related 10 Oddly Designed Studio Ghibli Characters

While Studio...

One of the most influential production companies in history, Studio Ghibli is well known for its stories about the human experience, whether in slow-paced slice-of-life films or action-packed fantasy adventures. Renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, the mastermind behind many beloved Ghibli movies, also presents several thought-provoking narratives that are sure to remain with the viewer long after watching.

As many films take place in fantasy worlds, danger is often prevalent, depending on the themes the story has to offer. Princess Mononoke and Ponyo are both of the fantasy genre, but while Ponyo is a whimsical film about a goldfish who yearns to become human, Princess Mononke discusses the brutality of war and strife alongside nature. Regardless of the film's age rating, each Ghibli world has a chance to become dangerous.

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Related Studio Ghibli's Official 2025 Calendars Star Totoro, Nausicaa, Howl's Moving Castle & More

Studio Ghibli's most beloved films,...

Prepare to take a deep dive into the life and career of lauded anime creator Hayao Miyazaki in the new documentary Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature. Directed by Lo Favier, the film explores Miyazaki's connection with nature across his filmography. As well as transporting audiences away to beautifully animated worlds, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's movies often explore the connection between humanity and the natural world, as well as our own tendencies towards violence and the destruction of our planet.

Ahead of its premiere at this year's Venice Film Festival, the first trailer for Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature has been released online. As well as archive footage from the director's early career and various clips from his most beloved movies, the documentary also features personal interviews with authors Susan Napier and Timothy Morton, producer Toshio Suzuki, and Hayao Miyazaki's son Goro Miyazaki (who's an acclaimed director in his own right).

Discover the official trailer of Miyazaki,...

The work of Hayao Miyazaki is legendary in all senses of the word. Few filmmakers boast a line-up like his: My Neighbour Totoro! Spirited Away! Princess Mononoke! Ponyo! The Boy And The Heron! The Wind Rises! And that’s just scratching the surface. Those films drift towards the legendary too – presenting wild, fantastical worlds, spiritual reveries, and magical sights to inspire the imagination. Now, those qualities are at the heart of a new documentary, Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature – celebrating the works (and general outlook) of the Studio Ghibli icon. Watch the trailer here:

Set to screen at the Venice Film Festival in the coming days, Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature takes a specific angle on the master animator’s work – notably, exploring the ways in which Miyazaki’s films present and celebrate nature. As anyone with a passing knowledge of his work will know, ecological themes are an ever-present Miyazaki concern...

Deadpool & Wolverine enjoyed another stay at the top of the box-office weekend as the film managed to hold the top spot for a third consecutive week.

With $54.2 million earned over the weekend, Deadpool & Wolverine held the number one spot of the top ten by a margin of $4.2 million. This gives the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures product an overall total of $494.3 million. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Releasing saw It Ends with Us debut in second place this weekend where it brought in $50.0 million for the studio. Last weekend’s second-place film, Universal Pictures’ Twisters dropped to third place where it brought in $15.0 million this weekend, lifting its four-week total to $222.3 million. In fourth place, the Lionsgate Films offering Borderlands debuted with $8.8 million to show for its first few days in release. All of this movement pushed Despicable Me 4 down a spot to a fifth-place finish this weekend with $8.0 million,...

For a second consecutive week, Deadpool & Wolverine held the top spot of the box-office weekend; holding on this week by a margin of $74.3 million.

In its second weekend of release, Deadpool & Wolverine remained on top of the top ten over the box-office weekend bringing in $97.0 million over the last three days. This raises the film’s overall total to $395.6 million for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Meanwhile, Twisters held onto second place with $22.7 million earned over the weekend for Universal Pictures, bringing the film’s three-week total to $195.6 million. The Warner Bros. debut, Trap landed in third place with $15.6 million. This pushed Despicable Me 4 to fourth place when it added $11.3 million to bring its five-week total to $314.0 million for Universal Pictures. The Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures offering Inside Out 2 meanwhile fell to fifth place where it added $6.7 million, raising its eight-week tally to $626.9 million.

Debuting...