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Hayao Miyazaki has spent decades of his life crafting cinematic tales of bravery, innocence, warmth, and childish curiosity. His movies range from those that can give one butterflies in the stomach to those that can create an unsettling feeling. He has created adrenaline-pumping action adventures stemming from romanticized mundane daily chores.

All in all, Hayao Miyazaki can capture the full spectrum of human emotions. Thus, this list of works by the famous director ranks each and every one of his creations from the most feel-good Hayao Miyazaki movies to those that can incite dark reflections on nature and existence.

15. Ponyo Duration1h 41mRelease DateJuly 19, 2008Imdb Rating7.6Where to Stream?HBO...

In 2023, prominent animation director Takeshi Honda collaborated with Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki on the latter's coming-of-age fantasy epic, The Boy and the Heron. Recently, Honda returned to Ghibli to create an animated short for Marushin -- a company that has been partnered with Studio Ghibli for over 30 years.

Initially founded in 1966, Marushin is a popular manufacturer of high-quality towels in Japan. The company became a licensing partner with Studio Ghibli in 1994, thus allowing Marushin to release collaborative products bearing motifs and themes from Ghibli's works. As detailed on Marushin's official site, Studio Ghibli recently helped its 30-year-old affiliate create its first-ever TV commercial. The short features a small white dog happily chasing after various objects, including Porco Rosso's red seaplane and the little car driven by Sousuke's mother in Ponyo. By the end of the commercial, the dog is sitting with a bright yellow towel at its feet. Cbr...

Alright, anime fans, let’s get this out of the way first: Grave of the Fireflies is emotional destruction in movie form. It’s the type of movie that devastates you, leaves you staring at your ceiling for hours, and then somehow makes you say, “That was beautiful.” And yeah, it rightfully deserves all the respect. But guess what? That movie wasn’t even directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Yup. That soul-crushing war drama was made by Isao Takahata. And when we’re talking about Studio Ghibli’s darkest film? Oh no no no, that cannot be Totoro or Kiki’s Delivery Service or even the slightly sad Howl’s Moving Castle. The real answer is Princess Mononoke. That movie? That’s where Miyazaki went full “I’ve seen the world and it sucks” mode.

Princess Mononoke: Not Just a Fantasy, But a Warning

So let’s rewind. Miyazaki used to...

Studio Ghibli is giving Spirited Away fans one more chance to snag one of its most sought-after jewelry collections. After selling out four years ago, the Spirited Away collectible earrings based on the comical Hopping Lantern are available for purchase once again.

Donguri Sora, the official online store of Studio Ghibli, has restocked one of its most popular items based on the 2001 animated classic. The earring accessories are inspired by the Hopping Lantern, one of the many magical creatures featured in Spirited Away. In addition to the anime jewelry, Studio Ghibli fans can also decorate their homes with a real-life functional lamp modeled after the Hopping Lantern.

Spirited Away’s Hopping Lantern Earrings & Interior Lamp Are Available on the Studio Ghibli Online Store

The Spirited Away Lantern Accessories Earrings are currently available on Donguri Sora for 3,300 yen, including tax, equivalent to approximately $22.40 in the U.S. As described on the product page,...

Fans of Studio Ghibli's Kiki's Delivery Servicecan now show off their favorite franchise with a whole line of matching denim.

As seen via Studio Ghibli's official online storefront, Donguri Sora, a whole new line of official Studio Ghibli bags have now hit the market in the form of the "Kiki's Delivery Service Denim Embroidery Series." The set includes five new denim bags of varying sizes, all of which feature matching embroidered artwork inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli film, featuring both Kiki herself alongside her iconic talking black cat, Jiji.

Kiki's Delivery Service Returns to Studio Ghibli's Official Store With New Denim Collection Release

The five-piece Kiki's Delivery Service Denim Embroidery Series starts with a mini pouch that's perfect for keeping change or other small items. The Kiki's Delivery Service Denim Embroidery Series Gusseted Pouch is the second-smallest item in the line, a little less than double the size of the mini pouch.

In 1997, Studio Ghibli dazzled Japanese audiences with Princess Mononoke -- a film that advocates for nature with a heartfelt, action-packed storyline. Next year, Viz Media will be honoring the work with a brand-new physical release for its popular comic adaptation.

Viz's official X (formerly Twitter) account recently unveiled an upcoming, all-in-one edition of Princess Mononoke: The Film Comic. Originally released in 2005 as a five-volume series, this 856-page graphic novel retells Princess Mononoke's epic narrative using full-color animation stills from the hit film. According to Viz Media's X page, the comic is scheduled to hit bookstores in "Spring 2026." However, as of writing, Amazon's official listing states that the work will be released on Jan. 27, 2026. Viz Media has made Princess Mononoke: The Film Comic available to pre-order for $35.

Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke Fans Have a New International Release Coming in January Announcement: Ashitaka, Lady Eboshi, and forest protector San rise to...

Goldbeak arrives as a Chinese computer-animated family film that tackles the well-worn “fish out of water” narrative through the lens of an orphaned eagle raised among chickens. Directed by Dong Long and Nigel W. Tierney, this lesser-known animated feature brings together a voice cast including David Henrie as the titular character, Valkyrae as his inventive sister Ratchet, and veteran voice actors Debra Wilson, Mick Wingert, and Crispin Freeman.

The premise sets up a classic tale of identity and belonging: a young eagle who has never learned to fly must discover his true heritage while navigating the gap between his adoptive chicken family and his biological legacy as the son of a prominent political figure. Aimed squarely at families with young children, Goldbeak enters a crowded field of animated features exploring themes of self-discovery and acceptance, carrying both the weight of expectation and the challenge of distinguishing itself from countless similar stories.

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” 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.

The Boy and the Heron by Conor Fenner-Torra

Castle in the Sky by John Dunn

Howl’s Moving Castle by Raf Banzuela

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Conor Smyth

My Neighbour Totoro by George Townley

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind...

Let’s talk anime legends for a moment. Hayao Miyazaki is the man when it comes to making creative, emotional, highly personal movies that somehow get you to cry over a girl flying a broomstick or a pig in an airplane. And Makoto Shinkai? He’s the guy who wrecked all of us with Your Name and Weathering With You. Two different vibes, right?

But here’s the twist: when Shinkai started working on Suzume, a movie full of magical doors, emotional healing, and literal disasters, he had one surprisingly cozy film in mind as inspiration, Kiki’s Delivery Service. Yes, you’re reading that correctly. Wild combo? Totally. But somehow, it works. Let’s unpack it.

Suzume: When Hayao Miyazaki’s Warmth Meets Makoto Shinkai’s Sadness

So here’s the back story. After Weathering With You, Shinkai was traveling around Japan, doing talks and meetups, signing autographs,...

Hayao Miyazaki’s popularity is a side effect of directing worldwide hits like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and more. The director has a tendency to touch the hearts of his audience and even change a few lives while he is at it. But before he became the renowned Oscar winner and Ghibli’s soul, he contributed to works that rarely get any mention these days.

Like most others, Miyazaki did not make his debut as an anime director and worked his way up from the bottom. He first worked as an in-betweener for Toei with Isao Takahata. The two struck up a quick friendship, but Miyazaki was not happy with his position and moved up to being a key animator. However, he kept longing for creative fulfillment and finally worked on a cult classic project with Takahata.

Hayao Miyazaki worked with Isao Takahata on a cult...

Studio Ghibli, the beloved anime studio behind My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), is helping fans gear up for the rainy season in style. Official Ghibli storefront Donguri Sora recently re-released a popular umbrella collection highlighting some of Ghibli's most iconic characters.

For summer 2025, Donguri Sora's "Rain Goods" catalog now features folding umbrellas with unique designs inspired by Howl's Moving Castle (2004), My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) -- three iconic films directed by world-renowned Ghibli co-founder Hayao MIyazaki. Each umbrella is relatively large, with sizes ranging between 47-50 cm. Additionally, each one features a Uv protection rate of 99%, making them handy accessories for especially hot days as well. Official images can be viewed below.

Studio Ghibli Re-Releases 'Rain or Shine' Umbrellas for Howl, Totoro & Kiki Anime Fans

As with many Ghibli products, Donguri Sora's Totoro, Kiki and Howl-themed umbrellas feature many clever nods to their respective films. My...

Burnout sucks... but you don’t need me to tell you that. But it’s the way it sucks that gets to me. Sometimes, I’m burnt out from things I hate that I have to do. Othertimes, I’m burnt out from things I love that I want to do. Sometimes, I notice it immediately, recognizing when I’m tired “for no reason” or stressed out. Othertimes? It’s a slow build-up that explodes “out of nowhere,” usually at the worst possible moments. Anyway, did you know that there’s an anime about burnout? Several, actually, that tackle it in a variety of ways. More than can fit on this list, even. From trying to survive toxic work environments to not being able to put into words how something you love can, in fact, exhaust you, this feature highlights 10 anime that touch on this rather frustrating feeling that can occur within us.

Studio Ghibli fans are often spoiled for choice when it comes to merchandise, with the anime studio's official online store, Donguri Sora, routinely stocking up on everything from plushies to high-end jewelry. However, one of the other most popular forms of merchandise among fans is stationery, with the store now re-releasing a popular series of notebooks inspired by six different Ghibli films.

First seen on Donguri Sora in 2023, the graphic notebook collection is inspired by some of Studio Ghibli's best-known anime movies, both old and more modern. Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl's Moving Castle (2004) are all represented in the line-up, with the notebook series starring their respective films' most famous 'mascot' characters, including the likes of Totoro, Jiji, No-Face and Calcifer. Official images can be seen below.

Studio Ghibli Appeals to Stationery Lovers With Merchandise Release for Totoro,...

With May nearly over, summer 2025 is just around the corner. To help fans prepare for the upcoming season, Studio Ghibli has re-released a popular fan collection inspired by three of its most iconic fantasy films.

For 770 yen (~US$5.33) each, Studio Ghibli's official online store, Donguri Sora, has made available five adorable mini-fans featuring characters from My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) and Spirited Away (2001). These cute accessories provide fans with a great way to stay cool, while adding a bit of traditional Japanese flair to their summer wardrobes. My Neighbor Totoro's 'Moonlit Walk' fan and Spirited Away's 'Seaside Railway' fans are adorned with memorable scenes pulled straight from their respective films. The remaining three fans feature original designs starring No-Face, Totoro and Kiki's feline familiar, Jiji. While Donguri Sora does not offer overseas shipping, many of its products can be ordered via official international online retailers such as Meccha Japan,...

Hayao Miyazaki. The man. The myth. The animation legend. If you’re even slightly into anime, chances are you’ve heard his name whispered like some ancient spell. The guy basically is Studio Ghibli, the visionary mind behind classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and most recently, The Boy and the Heron. He’s the one who made half of us believe that a talking cat bus is totally normal.

But here’s a little secret you may not know: before being the godfather of Ghibli, Miyazaki originally started life on this tough little TV series that he thinks is one of the best things he ever produced. Yeah, we’re talking about Future Boy Conan, that awesome post-apocalyptic masterpiece of 1978, which was Miyazaki’s debut as a solo director. Forget whatever’s trending right now, this show might just be the greatest anime you’ve never heard of.

Makoto Shinkai’s most notable movies are probably Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume. You might notice that all of them have a similar theme of romantic separation, longing, a disastrous event, and the power of love. As a long-time fan of Shinkai, I have loved his tried and tested formula.

These films have taken me through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and with an ending that sparked hope in me for a better tomorrow. And who doesn’t love that? In this world full of terrible mishaps and daily injustices, Shinkai’s movies deliver a dose of resilience of humankind with a sprinkling of stunning visuals. But it’s high time that the director breaks out of his repetitive tropes.

Makoto Shinkai has a hard lesson to learn from Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki has experimented with a variety of genres. While movies like Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service...

I used to think Kiki’s Delivery Service was just a cute little movie about a teenage witch trying to run her own delivery business. It was always that cozy comfort movie you watched when life felt a little too crazy. Cute cat, laid-back atmosphere, flying broomstick, and a girl just trying to find her place in the world. Come on, what’s not to love?

However, there’s always been this one scene that stuck in my head. It’s that moment at the end when Kiki smiles at Jiji, and he doesn’t talk back. I always brushed it off. Like, maybe her magic didn’t return fully? Or maybe it was just a cute animation trick? But after all these years, like, decades, finally, I realized there was more to it.

Why doesn’t Jiji talk anymore? It’s not about magic at all, it’s about growing up

Alright,...

Judd Apatow is the first guest curator at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, overseeing a new comedy film exhibition focused on celebrating the genre and its filmmakers. Apatow’s new position was announced during the Academy Museum’s 20th celebration and screening of his feature debut “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin,” which featured a conversation between Apatow, Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Jane Lynch, Gerry Bednob, and Kat Dennings in the museum’s David Geffen Theater.

Apatow’s currently untitled exhibition is slated for April 2027, and will mark the Academy Museum’s first exhibition dedicated to the art of comedy in film. “We’re thrilled to announce that our first guest curator at the Academy Museum is none other than the hilarious and brilliant Judd Apatow,” said Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma in a statement. “Judd’s comedies have shaped entertainment and culture, and we know his expertise, appreciation, and love...

As anime fans, we’re all basking in Hayao Miyazaki’s glory and wonders. His works have shaped the Japanese industry as a whole. There aren’t many artists and visionaries whose films instill a sense of longing and awe the way his works do.

From Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki has created timeless masterpieces that remain etched into fans’ memories. Some even went so far as to win accolades, including Oscars. Yet, there is a movie so remarkable that it remains shrouded as an underrated gem.

Interestingly, this movie was treated as contraband after its release outside Japan. This is a one-of-a-kind movie that isn’t produced by Studio Ghibli, which makes it even better. But what’s more, it’s one of the showpieces, often slept on, and here’s why.

The non-studio Ghibli movie that got the “contraband” treatment

At this point, Studio Ghibli isn’t...

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 1988 film, My Neighbor Totoro, features a colorful array of food items that look extremely appetizing. On April 22, 2025, Viz Media released a 64-page cookbook that teaches Totoro fans how to bring the movie's delectable cuisine to their own dinner table.

As detailed on Viz Media's official site, My Neighbor Totoro: The Official Cookbook uses "step-by-step instructions and photography" to help both adults and young children create the many foods seen in the film. Initially published in Japan as part of the "Ghibli's Dining Table" series, Totoro'sCookbook is just one of several publications that teach fans how to prepare Ghibli-style food. The series also includes cookbooks based on Castle in the Sky (1986) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) -- two popular fantasy films also directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki.

Studio Ghibli's Official My Neighbor Totoro Recipe Book Releases for International Fans

My Neighbor Totoro captures the quaint, naturalistic atmosphere...

The anime industry is by far one of Japan's most lucrative enterprises, with many popular studios amassing millions -- or even billions -- of yen in profit each year. A newly-surfaced data report has revealed the most recently disclosed net profit of 25 prominent individual studios, including Studio Ghibli, Bandai Namco Filmworks (Mobile Suit Gundam), CloverWorks and more.

This data was initially largely published in Japan's Official Gazette, a public journal that contains detailed financial disclosures from Japan-based companies. A Redditor known as Mazen141 shared the data via the R/anime subreddit. The resulting chart provides anime lovers with an overview of how much their favorite studios have earned from their respective IPs. The total profit margins of the top 12 highest-earning studios (of those included in the report) are listed below.

New Anime Studio Data Shows How Much Profit Ghibli, A-1 Pictures & More Really Earn So, How Much Money Do Anime Studios Actually Make?...

Almost two years after selling out, one of Studio Ghibli’s most popular merchandise collections has been re-released. The adorable collection includes tumblers in two sizes featuring characters from three iconic anime movies: Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle and My Neighbor Totoro.

After selling out in 2023, the popular tumbler collection has returned and is available via Studio Ghibli’s official online store, Donguri Sora. The collection includes four Skater stainless steel tumblers in two sizes -- two large tumblers in 400 ml size, and two smaller ones in 250 ml size. Each tumbler is vacuum-insulated and equipped for both warm and cold beverages. Donguri Sora describes the collection as "A tumbler that goes well with beer during the hot season." Official images can be seen below.

Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro & Kiki's Delivery Service Tumblers Make a Cute Comeback

The large tumblers are available in the Howl’s Moving Castle...

Let’s be real for a second: Your Name wasn’t only a great movie, it was a cinema in its purest form. It really hit differently. Whether you were a die-hard anime fan or someone who normally rolls their eyes at anything animated, Your Name somehow stole your heart. It was beautiful, emotional, and universal.

You didn’t need to know what a ‘shonen’ or ‘isekai’ is. You didn’t need to get into all the anime lingo. You just felt it. And here’s the thing: Your Name wasn’t really ‘anime’ in the traditional sense. I mean, it looked like anime. It was anime, sure. But it was something else too, at the same time. Something a whole lot bigger.

Taki and Mitsuha from Your Name. | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

And people have been wondering ever since: why hasn’t Makoto Shinkai attempted something like that again?...

Seven years before the founding of Studio Ghibli, Oscar Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki entered the world of anime directing with Future Boy Conan (1978) -- a post-apocalyptic adventure story based on Alexander Key's novel, The Incredible Tide. Now, the series has finally landed a streaming home for Ghibli fans in North America.

As detailed by IndieWire, Episode 1 of the Future Boy Conan anime will become available on Cineverse's RetroCrush streaming site starting Friday, April 18, with additional episodes slated to debut on the site each following week. As an extra treat for hardcore fans, the television-streaming version of RetroCrush (Fast) will also feature Future Boy Conan as part of its "A Very Hayao Miyazaki Earth Day" marathon. This special content block dedicated to Miyazaki-produced works will be shown on April 20, 22 and 27.

Studio Ghibli & Hayao Miyazaki Fans Get New U.S. Streaming Release After Nearly 50 Years Image via Nippon Animation

According to PR Newswire,...

In a recent online session, famous Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio introduced his director from the movie Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Martin Scorsese to Studio Ghibli, beginning with Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. The film Spirited Away is a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki that also won the prestigious Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

Miyazaki, arguably the best animation director of all time, is celebrated for his hand-drawn masterpieces that combine fantasy, adventure, and profound philosophical undertones. His movies, like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle, have left a lasting impression on Japanese and world animation.

Chihiro and Haku from Spirited Away. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, although Spirited Away is a masterpiece, it might not be the most suitable introduction for new viewers who are not yet familiar with Miyazaki’s work. Rather, Leonardo DiCaprio could have recommended another Ghibli movie to Scorsese, a more...

Hayao Miyazaki is a filmmaker known for transporting audiences into a magical world through storytelling and animation. Over the years, he has received critical acclaim, and several people hail him as the greatest filmmaker of the modern day.

Prince Ashitaka leaves his village | Credits: Studio Ghibli

A quality about his films that impresses everyone is how diverse each of them is. Every film depicts Japan differently according to the period that it is set in. Princess Mononoke, in particular, is quite famous for Miyazaki’s depiction of the Muromachi-era.

Princess Mononoke and its deeper philosophies Ashitaka feeding his red elk, Yakul | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Princess Mononoke follows the journey of Ashitaka, the last prince of the Emishi, as he travels towards the west to seek a cure for his curse. Ashitaka is a brave prince who kills a demon to protect his village but in the process, his arm is afflicted with a curse,...

Hayao Miyazaki is a man of words and staunch ideas that have often stirred up controversy. He sure is the grumpy mastermind, but there’s one thing we know about him. And that is, he never backs down, especially when it comes to his movies.

For one thing, we know he isn’t merely an animator or a filmmaker; he is a storyteller and an auteur. His methods revolutionized the Japanese animation industry for decades and inspired a whole generation of filmmakers. And while there were inspirations and influences, he had rivals as well.

San in a still from Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli

One of the most common rivalries and controversies that the Studio Ghibli founder had was with the American studio, Disney. They’ve had a feud over the years regarding ideologies as well as creative approaches. But Miyazaki had a solid reason for dropping the acclaimed story Mulan,...

Kiki’s Delivery Service might not be the most popular movie by Hayao Miyazaki. But it is the movie that has stuck with me the most. It is quite hard to say why this quaint film about a little witch and her cat is so special, that was until I closely observed how every scene in the movie mirrored the journey that everyone goes through.

Studio Ghibli movies are special in the sense that they don’t try to attempt the extraordinary. Some of the Ghibli films that are the most beloved are the ones that romanticize the things that we do on a daily basis.

Kiki’s Delivery Service lends a spotlight to Kiki’s personal struggles | Credits: Ghibli

Trust me, you would not want to watch The Boy and the Heron more than a few times, but films like Kiki’s Delivery Service or My Neighbor Totoro are evergreen. So no...

I watched Spirited Away years back and absolutely loved it. It was my first exposure to Hayao Miyazaki’s incredible worlds, and I was hooked from the beginning. A few years back, I decided I’d see more of his films to catch up on the things I’d missed. Princess Mononoke, Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service were S-tier films for me in no time. But then, I reached Howl’s Moving Castle, and I was actually kinda disappointed.

A still from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Howl’s Moving Castle. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Not that it was terrible, but it just didn’t feel right, you know? After watching it, I learned that it was based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, and suddenly it all made sense. Miyazaki absolutely did his thing like took some artistic liberties with the source material. However, it made me...

Princess Mononoke is hands down one of the finest creations of Hayao Miyazaki that enjoyed unprecedented success when it was first released in 1997. However, now it is being re-released as a 4K IMAX movie on March 26 in both subbed and dubbed versions.

San and Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke [Credits: Studio Ghibli]

This is not only a technical achievement but proof of the unbroken legacy that Hayao Miyazaki has. Even after so many years of its release, fans are as excited about it as if it is a brand new film from the director.

But, there was once a time when this beloved movie ran the risk of being tampered with by none other than the notorious Harvey Weinstein. Thankfully, he was no match for Miyazaki, who refused to just sit and watch him do as he pleased.

Miyazaki versus Weinstein that almost led to a disaster San from Princess Mononoke [Credits: Studio Ghibli]

Princess...

Studio Ghibli are considered the masters of anime movies. Over the years, they've released plenty of films that have become beloved by the anime community. However, most of these films follow an unfortunate trend that keeps them from being perfect in every way. These films need sequels or spin-offs to carry on their story. Otherwise, these films end up feeling like there's something missing.

Studio Ghibli is neglecting an important opportunity to turn fan-favorite films into franchises. Each movie the studio makes is another opportunity to enchant audiences by building on an already fantastic world, only for the directors and producers to move on to the next unrelated film when the last is done. While these films are fantastic on their own, turning them into a series is an opportunity best not missed. Studio Ghibli showing restraint with sequels is admirable, but it's prevented the studio from developing its serious franchise potential.

With Studio Ghibli perpetually churning out alleged "final films" from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, fans of the iconic Japanese animation studio find themselves in a familiar position — cherishing the stellar library of masterpieces they have while seeking anime alternatives that capture that Studio Ghibli magic. Thankfully, Kamome Shirahama's delightful, award-winning manga series, Witch Hat Atelier, is due for a Spring 2025 anime release and offers a successor for Ghibli enthusiasts.

The premise is simple: after a tragic turn of events, a dressmaker's daughter self-actualizes in an unexpected world of arcane study and adventure. Like Studio Ghibli favorites, Witch Hat Atelier is a wholehearted fantasy tale, complete with complex magic systems, nuanced characters, and coming-of-age themes. From breathtaking artistic detail to its transposing art as a form of magic itself, Witch Hat Atelier is the perfect new anime for Miyazaki fans to "spirit away" to.

Witch Hat Atelier Became A Fantasy Manga...

Hayao Miyazaki’s movies are celebrated all over the world. But as more recent films get popular, old ones are forgotten. In the wake of successes like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron, fans tend to forget the films that shaped Ghibli’s path to success.

Miyazaki’s most popular movies are often thought to be Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. But there is another underrated movie that simply grows more and more relatable as time passes.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service is a precious gift to the world Kiki struggled with deliveries due to burnout | Credits: Ghibli

To put it in simple terms, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming-of-age movie. A young witch named Kiki begins her first adventure with her cat, Jiji. As per the traditions followed by her kind, she sets out for a new town to settle in to refine her skills as a witch.

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.

Studio Ghibli's renowned dark fantasy epic, Princess Mononoke, will soon have its 4K theatrical debut in North America.

As detailed on Gkids' official site and its X (formerly Twitter) page, an "all-new 4K restoration" of the Princess Mononoke anime movie will be screened at select IMAX theaters in the U.S. and Canada starting March 26. This event will feature both the original Japanese version (with subtitles) and the Miramax-produced English dub. The special 4K remaster of the film is being released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli, which first opened its doors in 1985. In addition to Princess Mononoke, the studio has produced some of the most beloved animated films in Japanese history, including Spirited Away (2001), My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), among many others.

Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke Comes to IMAX Theaters in First-Time Release Count your days. The Wolf Princess is here. 🔥Princess...

Those who love Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are rarely out of luck when looking to accessorize. Practically every season, there are new releases based on a variety of Ghibli's iconic anime films, and spring 2025 is no different.

Now available for purchase from Donguri Sora, Studio Ghibli's official online store, fans of Hayao Miyazaki's coming-of-age anime movie Kiki's Delivery Service in search of new spring accessories will likely fall in love with the 'Blue Carpet' bag series. The line, brand-new to the site, is composed of four bags, each featuring Jiji, Lily and one of their kittens, surrounded by beautiful flowers on a light blue background dotted with blue and purple flowers. The official images can be seen below.

Hayao Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service Returns to Official Store With Brand-New Merchandise

Released in 1989, Kiki's Delivery Service tells the story of Kiki, a young witch looking to hone her craft...

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...

Anime dubbing has evolved a lot in the last 30 years. Localization has gotten a lot better, along with the translations and script writing, which means the dubbing has also gotten more advanced as time has gone on. This is a really good thing, as the days of Speed Racer are long passed. Anime dubbing has also had a mixed reputation for a very, very long time, despite the many strides that have been made in that arena. In fact, many dub artists in anime these days are celebrities in their own right, coming out to the screams of adoring fans at conventions across the world.

There is something fun about having a recognizable celebrity pop up in anime. Playing the "wait, I know that voice!" game with one's friends can be a lot of fun, and sliding down that IMDb rabbit hole can be more than a little gratifying. Hollywood...

Kiki's Delivery Service is a well-beloved Studio Ghibli film, considered one of Hayao Miyazaki's classics. Fans may think they know all about this movie, considering it was released all the way back in 1989. However, it's hard to know everything about a movie, even if it's one of fans' favorites. There are some facts only true Studio Ghibli fans know.

Kiki's Delivery Service may be one of Miyazaki's most popular movies, but even this film has some secrets and details that remain hidden beneath the usual hype. Fans are likely to be eager to learn everything they can and more about their favorite movie. It's always nice to learn something new about an anime one cherishes.

Disney's Dub of Kiki's Delivery Service Isn't the Only English Dub to Exist The Second Dub Remained Closer to the Original Movie

Those who watched Kiki's Delivery Service in English may have had a...

Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki films are treasured gems in the anime community. Even film enthusiasts love the collection enough to get further into more animated materials. Hayao Miyazaki’s works definitely strengthened the reputation of animation in the industry.

Kiki’s Delivery Service. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of the most nostalgic and beloved films Hayao Miyazaki has directed. From the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery to the feel-good vibes of the film, there’s nothing fans don’t love about it. However, the ending left us with little closure and major heartache.

Jiji, Kiki’s familiar, talks to her throughout the film. The two had an understanding of each other that no one else did. However, by the end of the film when she regains her powers, he can only meow at her, indicating she grew up. The English dubbing, on the other hand, doesn’t include this ending.

Directed by anime icon Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli's very first animated film, Castle in the Sky, is about to return in a new form, with U.S. licensor Viz announcing the upcoming release of an official cookbook for the movie.

Viz's recent licensing announcement revealed that Castle in the Sky: The Official Cookbook would receive an English release in the fall of 2025, with the account teasing, "Embark on a culinary adventure with hearty recipes inspired by Sheeta and Pazu’s journey in the classic Studio Ghibli film from Hayao Miyazaki." It officially drops on Dec. 4, 2025, featuring Castle in the Sky-inspired recipes like Crystal Agar Candy and Bread & Butter Pudding. Readers can check out the front cover and more information below.

RelatedResearchers Discover Rare Fish From Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke

A scientific research group announces the discovery of a new fish species that bears an uncanny resemblance to a famous Ghibli warrior princess.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli feels like a warm hug to its viewers. Whether one is fond of watching anime or not, they can never say that they are not into Ghibli movies. With a meaningful plot, bewitching animation, and lovable characters that leave a lasting impression on its viewers, his work makes people want to live in fictional worlds.

A still from My Neighbor Totoro. Credits: Studio Ghibli

Over the years, several titles have been released, like Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, My Neighbor Totoro, and so many more. Though the films are targeted towards a young audience, they have deeply resonated with adults, as the meaningful themes tend to resonate with viewers not just in Japan but around the world.

Thus, making Ghibli widely popular around the world. Part of the studio’s success goes to the celebrities who have dubbed the characters. One such instance would be how...

This week on The Anime Effect: Nick is back and he's a dad?!?!?! Plus, Leah and LeAlec chat with professional WWE wrestler Zelina Vega about her love of cosplay, how anime inspires her in the ring and more! In our audio-exclusive episode we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world including the Art of Manga Exhibition coming to San Francisco , Komi Can't Communicate coming to an end, and more! Episode 50 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 50 Summary In this week's news episode, LeAlec, Leah and Nick discuss the IDOLiSH7 Season 4 announcement, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End raking in accolades, among other updates. Plus, we talk to Joe Eisma about the...

Pokémon is one of those few anime franchises that has always stayed evergreen in the hearts of fans. The central characters, Ash and Pikachu, might have retired, but the series continues with new additions. The latest update from the franchise includes a new anime.

The last anime produced by the franchise was Pokémon Horizons: The Series, the 26th installment featuring Liko and Roy’s adventures. Ash and his trusted electricity-producing Pokemon might no longer be in the picture, but the upcoming anime is getting some major updates nonetheless.

New Pokémon anime will be produced by the same studio as Your Name and Weathering With You Latest Pokémon anime, Dragonite and the Postman | Credits: CoMix Wave Films

An upcoming Pokémon anime has been officially announced, and it is titled Dragonite and the Postman. The movie is all set to be released on February 27, 2025, on the official YouTube channel of Pokémon. Given...

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...

Kiki’s Delivery Servicecame out 36 years ago, and it remains one of Studio Ghibli’s best films, as well as being the highest-rated Hayao Miyazakifilm on Rotten Tomatoes. Miyazaki is known to draw from his own experience in his movies, with his most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, being his most autobiographical project to date. Kiki's Delivery Service is also very much about Miyazaki, but in a different way-- it serves as a metaphor for Miyazaki's creative process. Kiki's journey with her powers contains important wisdom that will resonate with artists in any medium.

When people think of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, they often associate it with whimsical tales like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, or Kiki’s Delivery Service. However, not every Ghibli film is lighthearted. Some of the studio’s most profound works delve into the darkest corners of human emotion, leaving viewers shattered.

The Wind Rises offers one of the most tragic love stories of Naoko and Jiro | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Grave of the Fireflies is one such film, a masterpiece of sorrow that showcases the brutal realities of war through the eyes of two innocent children. Another film from the studio, The Wind Rises, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, presents heartbreak in a way that is equally, if not more, devastating.

Grave of the Fireflies: A war tragedy that shatters our hearts

Grave of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking depiction of war’s consequences. The film follows brothers Seita and...

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...

Hayao Miyazaki is often regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time in the field of animation, and his works have expanded beyond cultural and generational boundaries to become an integral part of the global cinematic industry. Among his most beloved works are Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, both of which stand as monumental achievements in the world of animation.

Prince Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away has achieved remarkable success worldwide; becoming the first and still only non-English language animated film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. However, it is often Princess Mononoke that remains overlooked, despite being arguably Miyazaki’s finest and most complex creation.

Princess Mononoke: A darker and more mature masterpiece

Princess Mononoke is often considered the more complex, mature, and thematically ambitious than Spirited Away. Released in 1997, it was a departure from the more fantastical and...