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A rare piece of Studio Ghibli artwork by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno has been rediscovered and will soon make its public debut.

Per Oricon, the image is an original layout of the heavy cruiser Maya, intended for Studio Ghibli's landmark anime movie Grave of the Fireflies,which Anno worked on as a key animator ahead of its 1988 premiere. The artwork will be exhibited at the Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation, which opens June 27 at Azabudai Hills Gallery and runs through Sept. 15. Anno's Maya layout will be presented alongside a harmony cel based on the sketch, which features a painterly technique "for greater realism, resembling fine art."

Rare Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered for Grave of the Fireflies Image via Akiyuki Nosaka / Shinchosha / Isao Takahata / Studio Ghibli

When Anno's long-lost Studio Ghibli artwork makes its exhibition debut, it will be a part of a larger gallery...

Both Hayao Miyazaki and Hideaki Anno are maestros in the anime industry. But did you know that both knew each other? Their relationship dates back to the 1980s when Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was released. Anno was a huge part of the project as a fresher.

Anno appeared almost like a savior just 5 months before the release of Nausicaa when the entire team was beset with delays. He was a curious fella and a recent dropout who had captured the attention of Miyazaki himself. But Anno’s weird way of dropping out of the sky made Miyazaki interested in him, which only increased once he saw Anno’s way of living and art style.

Hayao Miyazaki had a curious first impression of Hideaki Anno

When Anno first arrived at Topcraft, the studio which created Nausicaa before the creation of Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki had a curious encounter with Hideaki Anno.

Do you remember what it’s like to first fall in love? And of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic love. It’s that thing you encounter or experience that stops your heart and shifts your entire world. Studio Mappa takes us right into the heart of that feeling in their latest original anime “Zenshu” from director Mitsue Yamazaki and writer Kimiko Ueno.

on Crunchyroll

by clicking on the image below

Anime-directing prodigy Natsuko Hirose has achieved remarkable success with her first series. Many are looking forward to her next work: a coming-of-age cinema release focused on first love. This proves difficult for Natsuko, as she’s never fallen in love before. After an experience with a bad clam, she wakes up in the world of “A Tale of Perishing”, the dark fantasy movie that first sparked her passion for animation. She has also...

Hayao Miyazaki is a true maverick when it comes to storytelling and animation. His ideas, thoughts, and approaches have shaped people’s outlook on life, art, and society as a whole. It isn’t surprising that his films inspire awe and self-reflection.

He blends fantastical elements with realism, which makes every story unique. The same goes for Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, who was in a league of his own. He gave us one of the most jarring movies, underlining the realities of war.

While both are seasoned animators, it was clear that Miyazaki was scared of his colleague. This had to do with Takahata’s different way of living and his key approach. But this also means that both Ghibli directors are visionaries in every aspect.

Hayao Miyazaki is scared of Isao Takahata

While the internet calls him a grumpy old man, we know one thing about Hayao Miyazaki:...

Oftentimes, movie makers change their style and appeal after becoming globally famous. In order to appeal to a larger audience base, they lose exactly what made them unique. But there are also directors and creators like Hideaki Anno and Hayao Miyazaki who cling to their sentiments and styles, never to bend to popular opinion.

And this is probably one of the reasons why directors like Anno and Miyazaki are so famous. They offer a quality that is unbeatable and unique, a flavor that can only be tasted in their works. This is why Neon Genesis Evangelion and Ghibli movies are still such landmarks in the anime world.

Hideaki Anno does not consider the foreign audience in his works

Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, has received fame and recognition through his works. After the initial success of the original anime, he created Rebuild of the Evangelion, a set...

The collection of anime films created by Hayao Miyazaki is recognized on a global level. Almost every Miyazaki movie has been a worldwide success, and some have even earned him awards and accolades of the highest level. But whenever the topic of Miyazaki and his works is discussed, fans only recall a handful of them, and one of them is Spirited Away.

Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away was released in 2001, and it was Miyazaki’s first film that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards. It was one of the most successful productions by Studio Ghibli, and to this day, Spirited Away serves as an inspiration for many creators. However, there is another Miyazaki movie that might be even better than Spirited Away.

This movie is none other than Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which was released in 1984. It was...

Earlier this year, a talented Lego designer presented their original concept for a 4,000+ piece set inspired by the many works of Studio Ghibli. With thousands of supporters now rallying behind the creator, an official Ghibli-inspired Lego set is one step closer to becoming reality.

"The World of Studio Ghibli," a Lego set inspired by several of studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki's films, is currently being featured on Lego Ideas -- a site where Lego fans can submit prototypes for official consideration by the Lego company. Originally posted on Feb. 27, 2025 by site member "Janrssx," the design features memorable scenes, architectural structures and characters from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo. On April 6, the set officially reached its target goal of 10,000 supporters, allowing it to progress to Lego's "review" phase.

Studio Ghibli...

Premiered earlier this year, Studio Mappa’s original anime, Zenshu, once again put the spotlight on the anime industry. Any mention of the Japanese animation industry sparks a mixed response from the audience. On one hand we have the bleaker aspects such as the debilitating working conditions, stereotypical representations, and fan service.

The flip side of that perception is the myriad worlds that have been brought to life with revered 2D animation. From cultural phenomena like the Big Three anime to comedy series like Nichijou and Gintama, the anime industry has allowed fans to experience a wide range of emotions.

Natsuko in Zenshu anime | Credits: Studio Mappa

It would not be unfair or incorrect to say that anime, as a medium, has actually influenced the lives of many. Zenshu brings the good, the bad, and the ugly all to life. However, the focus on the good is delightful and honors the legacy of renowned animators.

Generative AI is a branch of artificial intelligence which is trained off of a vast array of existing, human-created data, including text and images. It "creates" remixed content based on a user's prompts. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is the most widely-used generative AI tool. Recently, a ChatGPT trend was developed where users prompted the AI tool to generate images mimicking Studio Ghibli's iconic, thoughtfully crafted art style.

The Studio Ghibli filter sparked backlash and debate. The trend brings up ethical concerns about violating copyrighted works, and about its immense environmental impact. The co-founder of Studio Ghibli himself, Hayao Miyazaki, criticized AI in art heavily from its very inception. It's understandable to assume a simple Studio Ghibli trend would be innocuous, but it's important to understand the effects of generative AI on the things that are inherently important to humanity and should be taken into careful consideration, like art and the environment.

Studio Ghibli's dark fantasy classic, Princess Mononoke (1997), made its IMAX debut in North America on March 26. Remarkably, the film earned over $1 million on day one of its release.

Ghibli's North American film distributor, Gkids, shared the news of this exciting box office win via its official X (formerly Twitter) page. For comparison, the IMAX release of Studio Ghibli's 2023 feature, The Boy and the Heron (titled How Do You Live? in Japan), earned the equivalent of US$1.7 million during its first three days in Japanese theaters -- a record-breaking total at the time. Princess Mononoke's latest theatrical re-release presents a gorgeous 4K restoration of the original film in select theaters across the U.S. and Canada.

Studio Ghibli's 40-Year Anniversary IMAX Release Finds Major U.S. Box Office Success The 4K restoration of Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke in #IMAX has officially grossed over $1 million in its first day. 🔥Showtimes continue across the US & Canada,...

Some anime protagonists face adversity, but then there are those whose lives seem to be nothing but torment and suffering. For these characters, every moment is a battle, whether against external forces, their inner demons or both. Their struggles are intense, shaping their worlds and molding them into figures of pain, resilience and often, tragic heroism.

From early trauma to ongoing suffering, these characters endure hardships that seem almost insurmountable. Their journeys are marked by devastating losses, betrayal and relentless violence, making their quest for survival or vengeance an agonizing trial. Through it all, they show immense strength, though often at the cost of both their humanity and sanity.

NausicaäCarries the Weight of a Dying World on Her Shoulders in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Streaming on NetflixImage via Studio Ghibli

Few anime protagonists shoulder as much responsibility as Nausicaä. Orphaned at a young age, she carries the...

Mappa studios’ Zenshu is one of the most popular isekai anime of Winter 2025 and certainly among the ones with a unique premise. It features the young and prodigious animator, Natsuko Hirose, who is spirited away to the land of her favorite childhood anime film, A Tale of Perishing. There, she is gifted with the magical ability that allows her to use her talents as an animator to create things that will aid her new friends in battle.

Because Natsuko has watched and studied A Tale of Perishing so thoroughly, she has extensive and accurate knowledge of the characters, as well as every major event that will take place. With this knowledge, coupled with the power to bring her illustrations to life, Natsuko can heed her magical pegbar’s words and “draw new fates” to change the course of her favorite story.

Natsuko Hirose Saved Unio’s Life With the Power...

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...

Fans of Hayao Miyazaki's 1984 film Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind have been whispering about a possible sequel for some time. However, newly-surfaced comments from the renowned director and his industry colleague, Hideaki Anno (Neon GenesisEvangelion), suggest that a Nausicaa continuation is still a long way off, if it's ever coming at all.

As reported by French anime blogger Catsuka, Hayao Miyazaki and Anno, who famously served as a key animator for Nausicaa, recently met together at Miyazaki's "Butaya" office in Tokyo. On X (formerly Twitter), Studio Khara (Rebuild of Evangelion films) featured a photo from this meetup, which depicts Anno beside a clean-shaven Miyazaki. According to Catsuka, Anno made a reference to the potential Nausicaa sequel that Ghibli fans began speculating about back in 2023, although not a good one for fans still hoping to see a follow-up movie someday. "He's [Anno] happy to see Miyazaki in good health,...

Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary filmmaker behind Studio Ghibli, is rarely seen outside promotional material for his films. However, a recent photo of the beloved animator has surfaced, offering fans a rare glimpse of him in a casual moment. What makes this image particularly interesting is that it shows Miyazaki without his signature beard, which is an unusual sight for those accustomed to his iconic look. The photo was taken in front of the entrance of Nibaraki, a location with ties to his early career, and was captured by a veteran employee who worked on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

The image from @khara_inc2 on X has drawn attention not just because of Miyazaki’s rare public appearance, but also due to the presence of Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno. Anno, a longtime friend and collaborator of Miyazaki, played a key role in the development of Nausicaä,...

Few anime filmmakers can rival Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Their films are breathtaking works of art captivate and inspire, appealing to audiences of all ages with their diverse stories and stunning animation. However, anime isn’t for everyone.

Some find the style too exaggerated or dislike the recurring tropes often seen in the medium. Yet even those who claim anime isn’t for them may reconsider after watching these Studio Ghibli films, realizing the genre is far more diverse than they ever imagined.

Ponyo Will Bring the Entire Family Together for a Wondrous Studio Ghibli Adventure Streaming On Hulu

One extreme misconception those who dislike anime have is that films are for adults only. They've seen genres like ecchi and harems, and have decided from that information anime won't fit their lifestyle. However, some Studio Ghibli films are perfect to watch with the whole family.

Ponyo is the adorable...

Studio Ghibli mastermind Hayao Miyazaki is known for his master storytelling and animation, but fans often point out that he sorta strays away from the source material when adapting manga or novels. Some of his most well-known adaptations include Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), loosely adapted from his own manga.

Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

While both are masterpieces, both have been criticized for deviating from the original source material. Given this history, one might expect The Boy and the Heron (How Do You Live? in Japan) to be another questionable adaptation. However, in this case, Miyazaki’s decision to deviate from the original was the right one.

The Boy and the Heron: A personal story disguised as an adaptation

The first thing you should know...

The 1980swere a fertile era for anime, sometimes referred to as the medium's "Golden Age". This was the era of films like Akira, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and Barefoot Gen. In terms of TV, it saw the rise of several legendary franchises, from the mecha drama of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam tothe world-changing battles of Dragon Ball Z....

Studio Ghibli co-founder and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is a well-known environmentalist whose works address the ecological conflicts facing humanity. Next month, a 2024 film highlighting these themes will screen in Washington D.C.

A subtitled version of Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature, an 82-minute documentary by French Director Leo Favier, will be presented for free as part of the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (Dceff) on March 29. Prior to its debut at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024, it was billed as the first documentary to focus exclusively on the titular director's connection to nature and the environmental themes that inform his films. The AFI Silver section of the American Film Institute's official site provides a detailed description: "Thanks to exceptional access granted by Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature uses numerous film excerpts and rare archival footage from Japanese television to uncover the life of Miyazaki and...

In the world of anime filmmaking, two names stand as titans for their craft: Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon. Though their creations are as varied as they can be in terms of tone, theme, and style, they share an undeniable mastery of storytelling that has left a lasting impact on both Japanese and international anime fans.

A still from Spirited Away. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Miyazaki is famous for his whimsical, dreamlike tales that most often revolve around adventure, childhood, and environmental themes. Whereas Kon established a niche for grown-up, psychological fiction that blur the line between fantasy and reality. In many ways, Satoshi Kon was the perfect parallel to Hayao Miyazaki, a peer force whose brilliance existed in striking contrast to the Ghibli master’s warmth and accessibility.

Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki: Two masters of different dreams

Hayao Miyazaki is often regarded as an escapist filmmaker. His movies allows...

Poignant and powerful stories which explore one of humanity’s most devastating and calamitous experiences, war is the subject of some of the most acclaimed narratives across mediums & history. Be it a craving for blood-pumping action, intriguing strategies and politics of large-scale conflicts, or the human drama and tragedy in light of the objective horridness of war, military-themed cinema has always uniquely appealed to audiences.

Anime is no exception, and some of the medium’s most impactful cinematic exemplars dive deep into war, examining its horrors and implications through the lens of fiction. From historical films rising up to the challenge of recounting humankind’s history of conflict to mecha and fantasy anime delving into real-life issues through an allegorical lens, incredible anime movies center around the subject of war, each approaching the difficult theme from a novel perspective.

Related10 Best War Anime, Ranked

Some of the anime medium's most...

San, the titular character from Studio Ghibli's 1997 fantasy hit, Princess Mononoke, is one of the company's most beloved female icons. In a surprising act of tribute, a group of Chinese researchers have named their latest discovery after the iconic character.

As detailed on BBC News, a species of deepwater tilefish belonging to the Branchiostegidae family was recently confirmed as an unidentified species. The fish, which dwells within the South China Sea as deep as 200 meters below the surface, has a pale pink body with prominent red cheek stripes under its eyes. Noting this, the research team decided to name it "Branchiostegus sanae," in reference to Studio Ghibli's San. Until recently, there were only 30 described species in the family as a whole, making the finding particularly significant within the realm of oceanic research. "Finding a new species in this group is a rare and fortunate event, especially one as distinctive as Branchiostegus sanae,...

Frank Herbert's "Dune" is one of the biggest and most influential sci-fi books of all time. It has inspired everything from Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" to "Star Wars," and so much more.

Though the "Dune" book series is full of fascinating, bizarre, influential ideas, the first book in particular remains a masterclass in telling a simple story that nevertheless contains a wealth of lore and world-building. It's a lived-in and fleshed-out universe where you get a sense of history, politics, characters, and plots moving independently of the main story. The story of Paul Atreides may also appear simple at first: a coming of age tale about a teenage boy finding his destiny and becoming a leader. For movie fans who have only seen the messy yet ambitious David Lynch version, you might think Paul is a clean-cut Campbellian hero who avenged his father...

Since its creation in 1985, Studio Ghibli has enthralled millions of viewers with beautifully crafted stories featuring unforgettable heroes and heroines. In a recent online poll to rate Ghibli's all-time best "masterpieces," Japanese audiences overwhelmingly voted for SpiritedAway, Hayao Miyazaki's iconic coming-of-age fantasy film.

The poll in question was conducted by Ranking.net, which released the results alongside select comments from voters explaining their choices. According to the site, a total of 5,849 people participated, each one ranking their personal favorite Ghibli flicks for the overall data pool. In a landslide victory, Spirited Away (2001) was ultimately deemed Ghibli's #1 magnum opus by 2,476 voters, who collectively awarded it 87 points. In contrast, second and third place winners Castle in the Sky (1986) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) respectively received scores of 85.8 and 84.4. The top 10, ordered from most to least popular, are listed below.

Related'It All Began With This': Studio Ghibli Reveals Rare 50-Year-Old Artwork in New...

In 1988, Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro -- a film that captured the heart of a generation and helped turn the studio into a household name in Japan and abroad. As a tribute to the movie's legacy, Ghibli is releasing a stunning "Image Board" collection, which includes the first Totoro concept art ever created.

Per PR Times, Iwanami Shoten's Complete Collection of Hayao Miyazaki Image Boards is a multi-volume series that collects 219 early concept and production drawings created by the titular director. Volume 3, titled Hayao Miyazaki Image Board Collection 3: My Neighbor Totoro, will be released worldwide on March 5, with Kinokuniya US handling the book's publication in North America. In addition to dozens of never-before-seen Totoro sketches and storyboards, this release contains the image that, according to Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki, ultimately led to the making of My NeighborTotoro.

Related'i Am Retiring': New 5-Day Anime Film Shows Why Studio...

Believe it or not, it’s really pointless to rate Hayao Miyazaki’s movies, considering how none of his films have ever received below 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, as per popular choice, Miyazaki’s 1984 animated movie Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, seemed to have earned a high Rotten score of 91% on the website.

Hayao Miyazaki | image: 大臣官房人事課, licensed under Cc-by-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Considering how most of his films turn out to be certified fresh by critics, the 1984 animation ended up being high on the Rotten score. But even then, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind being Hayao Miyazaki’s worst movie, the 2005 Disney dub of the manga ended up being Shia Labeouf’s best film of his 27-year-old acting career.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind crowned as Hayao Miyazaki’s lowest-rated movie

If you’re familiar with Japanese anime and manga projects, Hayao...

Studio Ghibli’s co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, and Neon Genesis Evangelion’s creator Hideaki Anno are two of the biggest names in the world of anime. While one is an Oscar-winning director, the other is the creator of one of the biggest franchises that helped shape the anime industry by earning worldwide recognition and fame.

Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Oscars YouTube channel

The two share a bond that might feel complex in the eyes of an outsider, but it is safe to say that they are the perfect definition of a mentor-student relationship. Miyazaki and Anno have worked together in the past and thus have developed a friendship where Miyazaki can say anything to Anno, and the creator of Evangelion can criticize Miyazaki’s works openly.

The perfect explanation of their relationship is seen through a video, which is going around the internet, where Miyazaki is seen taunting Anno while they are...

Studio Ghibli has delighted fans for generations, producing such iconic films such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service, yet many viewers only think of Hayao Miyazaki when they think of Studio Ghibli. However, the studio owes much of its depth, artistry and emotional resonances — and indeed, even the studio’s origins — to its co-founder, Isao Takahata.

Often overshadowed by his more commercially prolific and well-known counterpart, Takahata was a master storyteller and artistic visionary in his own right. His contributions to Studio Ghibli, his impact on the world of animation and his legacy continue to live on in an immeasurable manner. And while not often mentioned in the same breath as Studio Ghibli — like Hayao Miyazaki tends to be — Isao Takahata defined Studio Ghibli as we know it today just as much as Miyazaki did.

Takahata’s Path Merged with Hayao Miyazaki’s at Toei Animation...

Everyone in the anime community hails Hayao Miyazaki as the one director who writes women well. The female protagonists of Studio Ghibli films are role models for anime fans who are longing for great representation without any s*xualization.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was one of Miyazaki’s earliest films directed and written by him. Even the original manga was all his brilliant mind. The titular protagonist of the film is one of his most beloved too.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Toei Company]

The portrayal of Nausicaä isn’t black and white, she’s incredibly complex and seeks understanding rather than violence, despite living in a dangerous world. She values all living beings and her sense of adventure attracts the audience.

On the subject of Nausicaä’s appearance, Hayao Miyazaki talked about the distaste he has for the way Japanese...

Hayao Miyazaki has been at the epicenter of controversies for time immemorial. Be it AI or technology, the legendary filmmaker has stirred the pot on several occasions. This also extends to his viewpoint on anime and violent shows.

His beliefs and ideologies have garnered an array of reactions from viewers. While he is lauded for his staunch belief, there are exceptions to this as well. This may very well be one such case that would shock fans entirely.

Nausicaä in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | Credit: Toei Company

The 2011 earthquake was quite jarring and it affected Japan in the worst way possible. With many lives lost and people reported missing, it was truly devastating. Following this, Ghibli’s staff decided to halt the production.

What came off as a shocker was the Director’s response to this. His attitude toward his staff and their concerns was labelled as...

Released in 2001, the Oscar-winning film, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is often hailed as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. With its enchanting world, richly detailed animation, and deeply symbolic storytelling, the movie has garnered universal acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, despite its accolades and undeniable artistry, the movie’s ending has left many fans feeling disheartened and unfulfilled.

Chihiro with her parents in Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The polarizing conclusion has spurred intense debates throughout the years. While some praise the ending’s complex and thematic consistency, others believe that it falls short of Miyazaki’s typically excellent storytelling. But, what exactly are the reasons the ending has disappointed fans? Let’s dive deeper!

The ending of Spirited Away: A mixed bag of resolution

From the beginning, Spirited Away drew viewers into a magical world that felt both otherworldly and familiar. While the...

Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki are names that resound across the entire world as hallmarks of quality creation and excellent direction. But it was not always the case, as even these legendary names had struggled to penetrate into the Western market a few decades back.

Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

When Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke premiered in the United States in 1999, it marked a pivotal moment for Studio Ghibli and was going to be their ticket to fame and recognition in the international market. This was the studio’s first major uncut release in the country since there was the infamous heavy editing of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

Determined to protect the film’s artistic integrity and deliver only the best content and entertainment to the audience, Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki had famously sent Miramax’s Harvey Weinstein a samurai sword with the note, “no cuts.

Studio Ghibli movies are no stranger to the weird and the wonky, with many of the films within the studio’s roster planted firmly in the fantasy genre, such as Howl’s Moving Castle or Spirited Away. Yet sometimes these movies take the weirdness too far, with elements left unexplained, aesthetic choices that seem utterly bizarre or creative elements used that seem plucked from a fever dream.

While these elements do blend together with the overall story to produce truly mesmerizing and iconic results, the weirdness can’t be denied. From Ponyo’s transformation from goldfish to little girl in Ponyo to the surreal tower odyssey Mahito undertakes in The Boy and the Heron, these Studio Ghibli films indulge in all their delightful weirdness.

Related 10 Anime That Would Be Great Studio Ghibli Movies

Studio Ghibli has created masterful fantasy films, which leave fans wanting more. Here are anime series that have the Studio Ghibli charm.

When I was a kid, I wanted to watch every Alison Lohman movie I could find. The actor may not be a household name, but throughout the 2000s, she starred in some of the most interesting films being made, often opposite more experienced stars like Michelle Pfieffer, Nicolas Cage, and Ewan McGregor. Lohman always played characters younger than herself, and I mentally categorized her alongside other teen stars of the moment like AnnaSophia Robb and Keke Palmer -- even though she was born in 1979.

Sometimes, Lohman was cast as a cherubic beauty, but other times she played thornier characters, including troubled teens, child con artists, and, perhaps most famously, a "hag"-hating promotion-seeker. The actor had appeared in fewer than two dozen movies in her career, yet the majority of them were compelling in some way. Then, around 2009, she largely disappeared from the spotlight. In the decade and a half since,...

Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.

Creature Commandos by Kevin Tiernan

Golgo 13 by Luis Martins

The Lighthouse by Fredlobo Lopez

Midsommar by Rebecca Colling

Nacho Libre by Sam Holland

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind...

For years, Hayao Miyazaki has been revered as one of the esteemed animators and auteurs of the Japanese film industry. His works have shaped and revolutionized the animation industry in most aspects.

Be it his methods or his opinions, Miyazaki isn’t the one to shy away from making bold statements. This is reflected in most of his movies, including a controversial film that made waves and stirred the pot consequently.

Jiro and Nahoko in The Wind Rises | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Even after a decade, the Ghibli film stands controversial in its portrayal of war and militarisation. And while the director had most fans throwing brickbats at him, there were exceptions to this as well.

In an interview, Miyazaki expressed his heartfelt gratitude toward Americans for their tolerant stance regarding the film. This is valid considering the controversy and contention surrounding it. In retrospect, it also highlights the political undertones...

For a long time, Western audiences have largely viewed animation, particularly Japanese anime, as a medium restricted to children or as something “vulgar”. However, in 2001, Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece Spirited Away introduced a seismic shift in the global perception of anime.

This Studio Ghibli movie did something unthinkable: it not only captivated audiences worldwide but also became the first anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

The famous train scene of Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away wasn’t just a movie; it was a statement that elevated anime from a niche subculture to global acclaim. And, behind the film’s success lies a complex history of challenges, cultural perceptions, and a director who refused to compromise his artistic integrity.

Spirited Away: The theme that resonated globally

For years, animation in the West was often dismissed as childish entertainment or a popular comedy medium.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the start of 2025 marks the end of the Year of the Dragon and the beginning of the Year of the Snake. To celebrate, Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has released new artwork featuring a serpentine icon from Japanese mythology.

Notably, the zodiac snake is extremely significant to Miyazaki, as the director's birth year, 1941, is also classified as the Year of the Snake. Per Oricon, New Year's Day saw the release of Miyazaki's new illustration, which depicts a famous eight-headed serpent known as the Yamata no Orochi. The Japanese text above the snake's heads asks viewers "How are you?" The image was later reshared via Ghibli Museum's official X (formerly Twitter) page. Cbr readers can check it out below.

Related "I Think My Brain Is Broken": Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki Reveals His Greatest Struggle in New Trailer

A new trailer for an as-yet little-known...

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...

Studio Ghibli has gifted the world many wonderful stories brimming with imaginative and creative elements, with a few even bordering the line between fantasy and science fiction. The floating city of Laputa and its sentry robots, for example, from Hayao Miyazaki’s early work Castle in the Sky, operate thanks to the technologically advanced use of Aetherium. However, with the exception of one, most of Studio Ghibli’s films tend to root themselves firmly in the fantasy camp, including elements such as magic and spirits in the worldbuilding and characterization.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, however, proves to be the exception to this rule, steering itself into distinctive science fiction territory through its plot, worldbuilding and characters. From the scientifically-minded Nausicaä to the explanation for the Ohm and the Toxic Jungle, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind offers sci-fi fans a film that marries together the heartfelt...

An essential part of a superhero's identity is their costume. The color scheme and silhouette of a hero's clothes tell you a lot about them. Batman's black costume fades into the shadows as a dark knight's should, whereas Superman's bright blue and red one speaks to "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."

Who's the comic (anti)hero with the tightest bond to their costume? Venom, of course, for his suit (a dark mirror of Spider-Man) is a living being. The "Venom" movie trilogy leaned in on this, becoming a buddy-romantic comedy between Eddie Brock and the eponymous symbiote alien (both played by Tom Hardy). Yet Venom isn't the only one out there with a living, alien costume. The concept also rears its head in Studio Trigger's 2013 action-comedy anime "Kill la Kill."

Trigger is one of the biggest production houses in modern anime; their recent adaptation of Ryoko Kui's...

In an era when anime’s global appeal is soaring, the thought of Hayao Miyazaki’s potential retirement already sends ripples of uncertainty across the industry. Miyazaki; the creative genius behind Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and many more Studio Ghibli films, has long been regarded as the guardian of meaningful storytelling in anime.

Chihiro from Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, one particular element of anime will suffer a great loss if Miyazaki really retires: the depiction of empowered and dynamic female characters. With industry giants like Eiichiro Oda and Tite Kubo embracing narratives filled with battles and often leaning into hypersexualized portrayals of female characters, the absence of Miyazaki’s voice could leave a void in anime that no one is ready to fill.

Hayao Miyazaki’s world: Female portrayal done right

One of Hayao Miyazaki‘s greatest contributions to anime is his portrayal of female protagonists who...

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings franchise has been a widespread name across the world, and the franchise has decided to ride on the trend of getting itself an anime adaptation. By collaborating with New Line Cinema studios and bringing together an alluring cast featuring Brian Cox, Luke Pasqualino, Gaia Wise, and many more names, they started working on the anime title the Lotr: The War of the Rohirrim.

The poster for the Lotr: The War of the Rohirrim. Credits: Warner Bros. Animation

Though the idea sounds nice and intriguing, where it features bewitching animation with tons of action, it had a steep drop in the voice acting section. The problem was so grim that Cox, the actor behind the voice of Helm Hammerhead, expressed his dissatisfaction with the subpar quality that hindered the anime adaptation from recreating the success of the live-action films.

Brian Cox voices his...

If there’s one thing that can divide the anime fandoms, it’s the dub vs sub debate. Both factions can’t stand the other, and the arguments are severe enough to strain friendships. But you’ll be glad to know that Hayao Miyazaki doesn’t distinguish between them.

The director is known for his scathing views on the animation industry at large. His political opinions have also gotten him plenty of hatred in Japan and other countries. But when it comes to the matter of dubbed and subtitled anime, Miyazaki is simply neutral.

Hayao Miyazaki Couldn’t Care Less About Your Sub Vs. Dub Debate My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Hayao Miyazaki infiltrated the US market with his early movies like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and My Neighbor Totoro. His first Oscar winner, Spirited Away, also has a special...

Hayao Miyazaki won his first Oscar with Spirited Away in 2002, but it wasn’t until more than two decades later that he won his second Academy Award. This time, it was for The Boy and the Heron, his 2023 film. But why the huge gap between his wins? Was he retired in the meantime, or did the Oscars find better international animations to award? Turns out it’s none.

While Hayao Miyazaki’s first win gave audiences hope that the Oscars appreciate truly great creations no matter what corner of the world they are from, the subsequent years were quick to snatch that slither of hope away.

The Oscars Best Animated Feature Category is Dominated by Disney/Pixar Films Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki won the Best Animated Feature Academy Award in 2002 | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Hayao Miyazaki won an Academy Award in the second year of introducing the Best Animated Feature category.

A Sherlock Holmes-inspired anime, directed in part by Hayao Miyazaki prior to the formation of Studio Ghibli, is heading to major streaming platform Hulu. The 40-year-old steampunk-esque series was initially released in 1984 and reimagines the main characters of classic Sherlock Holmes stories as anthropomorphic dogs.

Per Hulu, the iconic Sherlock Hound will be coming to the streaming platform in dubbed form on Dec. 1, 2024. The Italian-Japanese anime series was produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha in conjunction with Radiotelevisione italiana, reimagining Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective, Sherlock Holmes, and other characters as anthropomorphic animals, primarily dogs. Its main protagonist, Sherlock, works to solve various mysteries in Victorian-era London, with Watson, Professor Moriarty, Inspector Lestrade and other familiar characters also making familiar appearances.

Related "I Think My Brain Is Broken": Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki Reveals His Greatest Struggle in New Trailer

A new trailer for an as-yet little-known film reveals...

Hayao Miyazaki’s movies have inspired generations of creators. Studio Ghibli has a unique animation style that is appreciated by the general audience and directors all over the world. The latest Miyazaki movie, The Boy and the Heron also won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Flow (2024) | Credits: Dream Well Studio

But who knew that Miyazaki’s movies would inspire a rival so soon? The Latvian entry for Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards is a movie that feels inspired by the backgrounds and art style of Ghibli.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Famous Film Inspired an Oscar-Nominated Movie My Neighbor Totoro backgrounds | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Flow, a film directed and co-written by Gints Zilbalodis, is the Oscar entry of Latvia for Best Animated Feature category of the 97th Academy Awards. The movie shows a post-apocalyptic world, but rather than focusing on the survival of humans; it portrays a...

Studio Ghibli films are based on varied source materials. Some are inspired by studio executives' original stories, like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke, and some are based on young adult fantasy novels written by Welsh authors, like Howl's Moving Castle. Some are inspired by shojo manga, like Whisper of the Heart.

A basic definition of shojo are works that are marketed toward a young female audience. Though shojo is a demographic and not a genre, shojo stories tend to have certain conventions and trope hallmarks. Fans of shojo manga and anime will find plenty of familiar tropes in Studio Ghibli films, as well.

Shojo Trope: Friends-to-Lovers Taeko & Toshio Bond in Only Yesterday

Taeko goes back to the countryside where she grew up in the quiet contemporary film, Only Yesterday. Only Yesterday is based on a manga written for a female audience, though it's unclear whether it's classified as shojo.

Hayao Miyazaki shaped the course of the animation industry through his exemplary work. From Ponyo to Spirited Away, the Studio Ghibli Director has produced iconic work. It is remarkable in its storytelling and compelling themes. His films center on humanity and its relationship with the environment. However, that is not all considering its impact on Hollywood.

San in a still from the film Princess Mononoke | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Miyazaki has influenced Hollywood Directors like James Cameron. Similarly, the upcoming Lord of the Rings movie takes inspiration from a classic Ghibli film. The War of the Rohirrim is an animated film from the franchise that based its heroine on Miyazaki’s movie. On top of that, both films have a core theme of war and conflict which is encapsulated beautifully.

Hayao Miyazaki’s female hero inspired this The War of the Rohirrim character

Apart from handcrafted animation, Hayao Miyazaki is known for his intricate storytelling.

Every year sees the rise of one anime trend or the other. Some of them are positive, while others are annoying at best, and there’s one man who always has the guts to speak against them: Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli himself.

Over the years, Miyazaki has ruffled quite a few feathers by speaking against the mass production of anime as well as the rise of otakus. Another one of his criticisms, though not well known, is about a weird trend among Japanese voice actors.

Hayao Miyazaki Spoke Up Against the Rise of a Weird Voice Acting Trend Sophie and Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

Hayao Miyazaki was interviewed by the Guardian in 2005, prior to the UK release of Howl’s Moving Castle. The filmmaker was discussing the foreign actor cast for the movie’s English dubbed version. The conversation shifted to Lauren Bacall, who voiced the Witch of the Wastes.