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Everyone loves Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. Still, few know about the animated movie that had the largest impact on both Hayao Miyazaki and Japanese animation. In the history of Japanese animation, few films hold a place as special as The Great Adventure of Horus, Prince of the Sun (1968). While Miyazaki didn’t direct this film, it did feature him as a key animator.

Though it tanked at the box office, The Great Adventure of Horus has since earned cult status for its bold storytelling and animation. Miyazaki’s contributions to the film laid the groundwork for his illustrious career, while its narratives would impact his storytelling. In a way, The Great Adventures of Horus foreshadowed the rise of Studio Ghibli.

The Great Adventure of Horus was a revolution in terms of animation Horus, the protagonist of The Great Adventure of Horus | Credits: Toei Company

It isn’t a...

So, when Hayao Miyazaki walked on stage at the Toronto International Film Festival to introduce the English dub of Princess Mononoke, he completely bypassed the typical nice guy Oscar speech. Instead, he was all like, “Hey, I threw out all the rules of entertainment movie-making for this one. It’s also super long. Good luck.”

And that wasn’t just some humble-brag. He meant it. He took the classic movie-making rulebook, y’know, the one with tidy three-act structures, happy endings, and comic relief, and set it on fire. Princess Mononoke is 2 hours and 13 minutes of gorgeous chaos, and every second of it is Miyazaki flipping the bird at anyone who ever said animated films need to ‘follow a formula.’ Honestly? I’ve never loved him more for it.

Princess Mononoke: Not your typical Studio Ghibli comfort watch

Let’s be real: What comes to mind when you hear Studio Ghibli?...

Hayao Miyazaki’s mastery of his craft has inspired millions across the globe. Apart from the movies, the director’s experience is reflected in his words during his public appearances and interviews. There’s always something you can take away from his words, and that’s something that Maybe Happy Ending star Darren Criss also believes in.

Darren Criss is an actor, singer, and songwriter who’s leaving a mark on Broadway with his consecutive excellent performances. During an interview, Criss recently mentioned how Miyazaki’s words helped him continue with theatre and look at the bright side of the format.

Hayao Miyazaki’s words inspired Maybe Happy Ending star Darren Criss

Maybe Happy Ending is a very popular Korean musical, and Darren Criss starred in its Broadway production. The musical has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Criss became the first Asian American actor to win...

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re looking for a clear-cut battle between good and evil in a Hayao Miyazaki film, you’re going to be disappointed. No chosen ones. No ultimate bad guy. No grand ‘final boss’ battle. What you get instead is something far more profound, and honestly, way more real.

Hayao Miyazaki’s films don’t hand you morality on a plate. They’re actually making you connect with the story. Everyone’s got a reason for what they do, even the ones causing destruction. Like, A forest god might lash out, not because it’s evil, but because it’s in pain. A witch might be grumpy or selfish, but also kind in her own way. Everything’s all layered, human, and kinda beautiful.

Studio Ghibli’s gray area is the whole point

In Hayao Miyazaki’s movies like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away,...

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...

6 Highest-Grossing Non-American, Non-Chinese Films At The Global Box Office(Photo Credit –Prime Video/Netflix)

When discussions around global box office records arise, the spotlight almost always tilts toward Hollywood’s blockbusters or China’s rising cinematic powerhouses. But beyond these two dominant forces, a select few films from other regions have managed to break through language barriers, cultural lines, and distribution limitations to become true international box office successes.

These films came from countries with vastly different cinematic traditions and storytelling approaches. What unites them is not their country of origin but the unmistakable power they had to attract global audiences and rake in hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office. Here are six non-American and non-Chinese films that stand tall as the highest-grossing in their category, each earning well above $300 million worldwide and proving that global appeal isn’t bound by borders.

6. Suzume (Japan) – $285 Million Director: Makoto Shinkai...

Nearly forty years after the Nintendo game The Legend of Zelda first made its way out into the world, a live-action film adaptation is now in the works, with Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes director Wes Ball at the helm. A couple of months ago, it was announced that The Legend of Zelda would be reaching theatres on March 26, 2027… but now, plans have changed. Shigeru Miyamoto, producer and game director at Nintendo (and co-creator of The Legend of Zelda) has taken to social media to announce that the film’s release has moved back to May 7, 2027.

That date had previously been reserved for Avengers: Secret Wars, but the Marvel project recently moved to December 17, 2027.

This is Miyamoto. For production reasons, we are changing the release date of the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda to May 7, 2027. It will be some weeks later than the release timing we originally announced,...

DreamWorks had a solid 2024, delivering animated hits like Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Wild Robot. While the studio continued its tradition of box office hits, the latter received the kind of critical acclaim that had been missing since its early days with masterpieces like The Prince of Egypt.

During an interview, the movie’s director, Chris Sanders, opened up about bringing The Wild Robot to life. He admitted to taking inspiration from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, which might explain why the movie was so well-received by critics and audiences alike. Here is what Sanders had to say about Miyazaki’s influence on The Wild Robot.

Chris Sanders explained how Hayao Miyazaki inspired DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot

Hayao Miyazaki has delivered some of the most timeless animated classics with Studio Ghibli, including the Academy Award-winning movies Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron. As a result, Miyazaki continues to...

Okay, anime fans, gather ’round, especially those of you who’ve been fantasizing about getting to be able to watch Your Name made into a live-action film with real actors, not just Radwimps singing in the background. We’ve got some tea to spill.

So, Lee Isaac Chung, the same man behind Minari, that beautiful, tear-jerking film that made Oscar voters cry into their expensive wine, was supposed to direct the Hollywood live-action adaptation of Your Name. The one with the body swapping, the forgotten names, the comet, the emotional gut-punch ending. The film that had you gazing out of windows dramatically while questioning fate. Well, not anymore.

Why is Your Name so hard to adapt?

Let’s get real: Your Name is magic. Not in a ‘Harry Potter wand-waving’ kind of way, but in that Makoto Shinkai kind of way. Super soft lighting, ridiculously beautiful skies, awkward teens dealing...

Uniqlo is rapidly becoming the go-to apparel brand for anime lovers internationally in 2025. This summer, the company is teaming up with Studio Ghibli for a fresh new set of fits based on beloved icons from the latter's animation library.

Uniqlo's official U.S. site has revealed 20 stunning new additions to its popular "Ut Graphic" brand, both for adults as well as kids in the 4-13-year age range. As shown below, the collection includes T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring designs inspired by several Ghibli classics, including Princess Mononoke (1997), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Pom Poko (1994) and Spirited Away (2001), among others. The lineup features a variety of different styles, from colorful and cutesy to simplistically chic. Retail prices range from $14.90-$29.90 for kids' sizes and $24.90-$39.90 for adults. Official images can be viewed below.

Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro & More Get International Uniqlo Release

Studio Ghibli...

Anime's increasing popularity is undeniable, but many people who aren't too familiar with the animation style don't realize that it can cover a lot more than adventure stories like One Piece and Dragon Ball Z. A less common theme tackled in anime is historical fiction, but one good representative of the subgenre is coming to Netflix this summer. This week, the streamer confirmed that Leviathan is debuting on the platform and announced a release date: the new anime premieres on July 10.

Leviathan takes place in 1914 — a period when political tensions were high as World War I was just about to begin. In that setting, Aleksandar (voiced byAyumu Murase in the original Japanese) is a prince who is running away from his duties to ascend to the Austro-Hungarian throne, while Deryn (Natsumi Fujiwara) is a girl who took on the daring task of disguising herself as a boy in order to...

It’s a fascinating time to be an anime fan. On one hand, Japan’s still pumping out hit after hit, like Jujutsu Kaisen, the Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan, and the fanbase keeps growing stronger. But on the other hand, there’s a new player quietly climbing up the ranks, and no, it’s not Korea with some random webtoon adaptation. It’s China. That’s right, Chinese animation, aka donghua, is slipping in the back door like a sleeper agent in a shonen anime.

And one of the greatest legends in the anime industry just raised the red flag. We’re talking about Masao Maruyama, the man behind not one, not two, but three powerhouse studios: Madhouse, Mappa, and M2. This man worked with legends like Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars) and helped bring us modern masterpieces like Pluto on Netflix. So when he says he’s concerned...

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,...

Over the decades, Hayao Miyazaki has served fans with back-to-back hits. It’s hard to find a Ghibli movie that has disappointed me, and even rarer to find a Miyazaki creation that has led me down. Needless to say, I trust the director and his decisions completely.

So, if Miyazaki had decided to create My Neighbor Totoro 2 instead of The Boy and the Heron, I would have been completely on board with the idea. But at the same time, I am glad that he didn’t because otherwise the latest movie might have never won an Oscar and wooed so many fans worldwide.

Hayao Miyazaki almost made a My Neighbor Totoro sequel instead of The Boy and the Heron The Boy and the Heron debuted after defeating the idea of My Neighbor Totoro 2 | Credits: Studio Ghibli

The Art of The Boy and the Heron is an official art book by...

Do you think anime’s just for otaku teens with manga and collectibles? Well, think again. Literally, you’d be surprised to know how many Hollywood stars are totally hooked on it. Yep, we’re actually talking about full-blown anime fans, who love binge-watching and merch-buying. From action heroes who’re obsessed with Dragon Ball Z to rom-com queens crushing on Spirited Away, these A-list stars aren’t just dabbling, they’re deep in it.

It turns out that they’ve quoted anime in interviews, rock Naruto gear, and have even debated subs vs dubs like true fans. Of course, it’s not just a hobby, it’s a passion. All anime lovers know that this genre has officially gone from a mere niche to an A-list, and these stars are proudly flying their fandom flags. So, when you’re watching Attack on Titan next time, just know that one...

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,...

Ariana Grande Showing Her Meaningful Tattoo Close-up ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Ariana Grande’s signature powerful vocals and chart-topping hits are likely what come to mind when you think of her. But did you know that your favorite pop star is a huge anime geek? Well, apparently, Grande has a tattoo to prove that she is an anime fangirl beneath all of that glitz. Grande has a deep affection for one of the most famous anime movies ever made, so much so that she permanently inked a tribute to the main character on her skin.

Ariana Grande’s Deep Connection With Spirited Away’s Chihiro

The film? It’s none other than Spirited Away, the Oscar-winning film created by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli. Ariana Grande expressed her admiration for the central character, Chihiro — the brave, determined girl who stumbles into a magical spirit world and learns to grow up fast.

On May 20, voice actor Miyu Irino , known as Haku in Spirited Away and Todomatsu in Mr. Osomatsu , announced resumption of his music activities. As a solo artist, he released six singles, three albums, and seven mini-albums from Bandai Namco Music Live's Kiramune labels from 2009 to 2023, and ended his activities in the label with the best album "15" in June 2024. He has changed his label to Nippon Columbia and will release his first single from the label, "Who I Am," on July 30, 2025, and will hold his first talk event “Miyu Irino Talk & Mini Live 2025 Summer” at Nissho Hall in Tokyo on August 10. This single will include three songs, including the title track "Who I Am” provided by Tail (Taichi Mukai), who has worked on many of his songs. "The day to make an announcement has finally come. It is a restart!" said Irino. "Thirty-three years of artistic career. Have I come this far?...

You can't talk about Studio Ghibli modern classics without mentioning Grave of the Fireflies. The 1988 anime movie might not be as popular as other titles like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but it certainly ranks among the saddest and most brutal entries that the Japanese animation studio produced. Due to its importance, you'd think that Grave of the Fireflies would be available to stream everywhere — which makes it a surprise that the movie will arrive on Netflix for Japanese audiences for the first time ever on July 15.

In the rest of the world, Ghibli feature films are already taken for granted because you can pretty much press play on almost all of them. However, this was not the case in Japan. And there are still a lot more developments to come, since Grave of the Fireflies is so far the only Studio Ghibli movie that will become available to stream on Netflix.

“Lilo & Stitch,” Disney’s latest live-action remake, has been revealed to select members of the press, and the first reactions to the film are overwhelmingly positive.

Critic Wendy Lee Szany wrote on X, “Lilo and Stitch is the best Disney live-action to date. Seeing Stitch in his live-action form on the big screen brings on a huge wave of nostalgia. Tons of laughter and heartwarming moments. The film hits similar beats to the original, as well added something new flavors.”

Journalist Laura Sirikul wrote on X, “Lilo and Stitch was heartwarming & really gave the official film more depth to Lilo & Nani. Maia Kealoha is a Star! The Stitch was so well made. I never imagined in 23 years they’d be able to merge animation w/ live action this well. It was magical. Very sweet.”

The original “Lilo & Stitch” was released in 2002, making this the most recent animated movie...

Another weekend is upon us. That means it's once again time for the Bam Smack Pow team to bring you a weekly round-up of all the most important anime news of the week that was. This week, we're focusing on some major releases for the summer and beyond. Our anime recommendation this week is also one of the most influential and important anime movies of all time.

2025 Anime Awards reveal additional guests, presenters and where to stream

With Crunchyroll's 2025 Anime Awards set for May 25, the popular anime streaming service has announced several additional details about the ceremony. Most importantly, the start time for the ceremony and where fans can watch the live stream: the pre-show for the 2025 Anime Awards begins at 5:00 pm Japanese Standard Time (4:00 am Eastern) and the ceremony itself starts at 6:00 Jst (5:00 am Eastern). Anime fans around the world can watch the ceremony...

Legendary Studio’s Saddest Tale Now Streaming (Photo Credit – Netflix)

Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies has long carried a weight unlike anything else in the studio’s catalogue. The anime masterpiece, released in 1988 under the direction of Isao Takahata, offered a sobering lens on World War II through the quiet suffering of two siblings, drifting through a world shattered by conflict.

This film, which is far removed from the fantastical creatures or enchanted forests Ghibli is known for, built its legacy on raw, human truth and, for decades, remained the only major Ghibli work that couldn’t be streamed in its home country.

Grave of the Fireflies Finally Coming Home to Streaming

Grave of the Fireflies’ long absence ends on July 15, when Netflix Japan finally adds the movie to its library. This marks a significant first as no full-length Studio Ghibli film has ever been available for streaming in Japan before.

Your Name, Weathering with You, and Suzume might have given Makoto Shinkai worldwide fame and recognition, but these aren’t even touching the surface of his brilliance. All of them are emotional masterpieces, but the director loves to switch his art style up for different projects, too.

One such movie where Shinkai ditched his usual style and paid homage to another director was Children Who Chase Lost Voices. The 2011 anime fantasy movie used the classic Studio Ghibli artwork and atmosphere. Some fans accused the director of being a cheap copy of Hayao Miyazaki’s style, but it was clearly meant to be a tribute to him.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices is one of his lesser-known movies, but it deserves to be as famous as Your Name. Considering it takes so much after Studio Ghibli movies, it’s actually quite strange it didn’t. It’s definitely one of Shinkai’s most unique works.

For decades, Grave of the Fireflies has stood as one of Studio Ghibli’s most haunting and revered works. Directed by the late Isao Takahata, the 1988 film is a poignant portrayal of wartime survival and the human cost of conflict, based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical novel. Despite its critical acclaim and influence, it has long remained the only Ghibli feature not available to stream in Japan, until now.

On July 15, Grave of the Fireflies will finally join Netflix Japan’s lineup, marking a significant moment in the film’s history, according to Anime News Network. This release makes it the first full-length Studio Ghibli feature to stream domestically in Japan, a surprising first considering the studio’s immense cultural footprint. While short projects and documentaries have streamed in Japan before, such as Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies on Disney+ and the Ghibli Park documentary on Amazon Prime Video, this...

For decades, Grave of the Fireflies has stood as one of Studio Ghibli’s most haunting and revered works. Directed by the late Isao Takahata, the 1988 film is a poignant portrayal of wartime survival and the human cost of conflict, based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical novel. Despite its critical acclaim and influence, it has long remained the only Ghibli feature not available to stream in Japan, until now.

On July 15, Grave of the Fireflies will finally join Netflix Japan’s lineup, marking a significant moment in the film’s history, according to Anime News Network. This release makes it the first full-length Studio Ghibli feature to stream domestically in Japan, a surprising first considering the studio’s immense cultural footprint. While short projects and documentaries have streamed in Japan before, such as Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies on Disney+ and the Ghibli Park documentary on Amazon Prime Video, this...

The first thing that pops up when someone uses the word “anime” is probably the visual of a spiky-haired protagonist fighting a villain while wielding a sword as large as a skyscraper. For those unfamiliar with anime, such stereotypes may seem niche and over-the-top, making them feel like anime isn’t for them. Yet, Studio Ghibli breaks this norm by creating films that resonate universally.

From the heart-wrenching story of Grave of the Fireflies to the magical world created by Spirited Away or Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ghibli movies have grounded storytelling and amazing visuals that make them perfect for non-anime watchers.

Is anime all about crazy powers and world-ending threats? Goku uses the Spirit Bomb against Kid Buu | Credits: Toei Animation

For many, anime is synonymous with intense action, over-the-top protagonists, crazy powers, and tonnes of fan service (are we referring to Dragon Ball Z? Maybe). While these tropes...

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...

Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer is making an epic comeback with a film trilogy that will focus on the Infinity Castle arc of the story. The three movies are a special addition to the franchise as they will take the success of the Demon Slayer series to a completely different level, and there is a chance that they might break the records set by Hayao Miyazaki, the industry legend.

Every anime fan knows that Miyazaki is the greatest anime movie creator of all time, and his accolades and fame are proof of that. However, if the past is any indication, there is a chance that the upcoming Demon Slayer movies might overtake his projects and even get nominated for the Academy Awards.

While it is still a dream right now, the hints dropped by Tanjiro’s voice actor, Natsuki Hanae, motivate fans to believe that the upcoming movies of Demon Slayer...

Let’s be real, Studio Ghibli is basically a legend factory. They’ve produced some of the most iconic animated movies of all time, from Totoro to Spirited Away. But when their latest movie, The Boy and the Heron, dropped in 2023, it wasn’t just the movie getting attention. Fans were excited because the one and only, the retired legend Hayao Miyazaki, was back behind the wheel. Again.

But guess who wasn’t super thrilled about that? Hayao Miyazaki himself. In fact, the guy called his own comeback ‘pathetic.’ No kidding. He actually wrote it down in a memo. Let’s dive into this bizarre, heartfelt, and ultimately inspiring journey of a guy who just can’t stop making movies, even when he says he’s done for good.

“It’s pathetic, but I kinda want to make another movie”: Hayao Miyazaki on his comeback

Miyazaki has been at...

Exclusive: Goodfellas Animation has boarded international sales on Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of Animal Farm, based on the iconic novella by George Orwell.

The company will introduce the film to buyers in Cannes next week ahead of its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.

Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes star Serkis has gathered an all-star voice cast featuring Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, Kieran Culkin, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Andy Serkis, Kathleen Turner and Iman Vellani to bring the timeless allegory to life.

Directed by Serkis and written by Nick Stoller, Animal Farm is a modern adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel, one of the most widely read books in history with countless copies sold and translations in more than 250 languages.

The story follows a group of farm animals who rebel against their human owners and take over the farm,...

For some reason, Studio Ghibli films always get it right when it comes to coming up with a thought-provoking yet equally calming storytelling. One can guess it’s because of its simplicity, which also has immaculate vibes to it. The stories can be wildly fantastical, but the characters always feel real. But the most impressive thing about their films is their representation of female characters.

Yes, that’s right! Women in anime have usually been portrayed in the most over-the-top, exaggerated ways possible, so it’s quite rare to come across a series that gets it right. However, Studio Ghibli has been the sole exception to this notorious trend. Here’s a comparative analysis of how this Studio managed to justify the female characters like no other Shonen series.

Ghibli’s female protagonists don’t need to “prove” their worth, just cause they’re women!

They’re simple, they’re real,...

Let’s get real for a moment: most animated movies love a good villain. You know the kind: evil laugh, over-the-top costume, no redeeming qualities whatsoever. They want power, revenge, or just to watch the world burn. And the hero? Always pure-hearted and brave, just waiting to save the day. Very straightforward. But Studio Ghibli, led by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, said, “Nah, we’re not doing that.”

Instead of resorting to that old good vs. evil formula, Ghibli films give us something way more interesting: they’re imperfect, nuanced, and relatable. From Princess Mononoke to Spirited Away to Howl’s Moving Castle, the ‘bad guys’ aren’t really just bad guys? They totally have depth. And in the end? You will even find yourself liking them!

What if ‘bad guys’ aren’t bad? Hayao Miyazaki flipping the script with perspective

Let’s take a quick look at how most villains work in classic anime stories.

Crunchyroll is gearing up for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba's upcoming film installment, Infinity Castle, with a special theater-only teaser.

As detailed in a recent press release, Crunchyroll's "stunning" 4K remaster of the franchise's first feature film, Demon Slayer: The Movie -- Mugen Train, is scheduled to debut in North American theaters on May 14. These screenings will also feature "an exclusive trailer" for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle -- the first part of an epic cinematic trilogy which will cover the titular story arc of Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer manga series. Infinity Castle, which is also being distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment, will debut in U.S. and Canadian theaters on Sept. 12, 2025. Readers can check out the theatrical re-release trailer for Demon Slayer: Mugen Train below.

Demon Slayer's New 4K Anime Release Includes Exclusive Infinity Castle Movie Trailer

Initially released in 2020, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train...

A Look At Studio Ghibli’s 10 Highest-Grossing Movies! (Photo Credit – Netflix/Instagram)

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is the world’s most acclaimed and famous animation studio. The studio has entertained global audiences for several decades now and is renowned for its sheeny hand-drawn artistry and imaginative storytelling.

Studio Ghibli has changed the global dynamics of the film industry with its numerous critically and commercially successful movies, and its works have transcended age and culture. Below are the top 10 highest-grossing Studio Ghibli movies of all time, a testament to the studio’s global influence and enduring legacy.

1. Spirited Away ($358M)

At the top of the list sits Hayo Miyazaki’s most famous masterpiece, Spirited Away. It is the story of a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. There, she encounters a host of enchanting and eerie characters...

There are very few animators whose works pass the test of time, and Hayao Miyazaki is one of them. He often blends fantasy and realism in his movies to outline core themes. There’s war, ecological conflicts, nature, and humanity, which intermingle all so perfectly within the storylines.

Most of his movies are filled to the brim with emotional weight and experiences that tug at heartstrings. Loss, despair, and self-discovery are also some complexities that are a common thread. The sprinkle of personal touch makes it all too special, and this Ghibli movie is no different.

Not Spirited Away, but yet another masterpiece stemmed from Miyazaki’s personal experience. This ultimate ingredient makes the movie a recipe for success. On the whole, this work of his is a true marker of craftsmanship, and here’s how.

The personal touch in Hayao Miyazaki’s best movie

Ghibli movies hit different for many reasons.

Let’s get this straight: Attack on Titan is legendary. With over 100 million manga copies sold and an anime that basically broke the internet with every new episode, it’s earned its place in anime history. And Yuichiro Hayashi, the director behind Attack on Titan: The Final Season at Studio Mappa, played a massive role in wrapping up this epic saga.

So when someone like Hayashi talks, people pay attention. But occasionally they cringe. In a 2021 interview, Hayashi was asked about his opinion regarding the Demon Slayer craze. And what did he say? Let’s just say it was giving ‘like an ex pretending they don’t care, but totally does’ vibes.

“It’s beyond my understanding”: Attack on Titan director Yuichiro Hayashi on Demon Slayer craze

In an interview with Japan Forward, they asked Hayashi what he had to say about the entire Demon Slayer phenomenon. And he...

Hollywood may dominate the global box office, but for true cinephiles, the real rite of passage begins with exploring non-English films, which are, by definition, international movies. Stories from countries/regions introduce us to different cultures and broaden our perspectives, offering a new way to see the world.

Movies like Slumdog Millionaire, from Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, are prime examples of people, culture, and struggles shown from a foreigner’s lens. For the real taste of the world, audiences have to dive into cinema beyond Hollywood. When Bong Joon-ho accepted the Academy Award for Best Director for Parasite, he famously said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

From action and romance to slice-of-life genre, including animated ones, this list consists of some of the best non-English films that one must definitely watch before they die. Without further ado,...

Hayao Miyazaki is the number one opposition of CGI and AI-assisted animation. The director and creator has expressed his opinions on such endeavors plenty of times, and has always upheld hand-drawn animation over everything else. But Miyazaki did not build his hatred without ever giving technology a chance.

In fact, CG techniques are used in Ghibli movies during the production process. Miyazaki has incorporated CG techniques into his hand-drawn movies like Spirited Away, so he isn’t completely averse to the idea. But he has never liked creating a movie entirely out of computer-generated images.

Hayao Miyazaki once made a CG animated short movie

After the release of The Wind Rises, Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement, which, as every anime fan knows, eventually failed. Toshio Suzuki, the producer of Ghibli, realized that Miyazaki still wanted to work on projects. Thus, he asked the director if he wanted to create a...

Hayao Miyazaki’s works are so ahead of their time because of all the important elements other than the plot and characters that go into their making. Not only do we get an absolutely enchanting narrative structure with gorgeous animation, but its music is also something that captures everyone’s soul.

Spirited Away is no exception, as its score evokes a beautifully nostalgic feeling and transports everyone to Miyazaki’s magical fantasy world. The ending song, “Always With Me” or “Itsumo Nando Demo”, stands out as an absolute fan favorite, which essentially represents the soul of the story.

However, interestingly enough, Miyazaki never intended this song to be a part of Spirited Away in the first place.

Hayao Miyazaki kept this song for a separate movie

Almost every Ghibli soundtrack, composed by the genius Joe Hisaishi, is known for its emotional tone and spiritual depth that you can hardly find anywhere else.

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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.

If you’ve been paying attention to anything Christopher Nolan says lately, you’ve likely noticed that he’s a bit nervous about the future of movies. And you know what? We can understand why. With lots of social media sites, YouTube, and all those endless streaming options, and the magical ‘pause’ button at home, going to a theater is starting to feel like an ancient ritual.

But here’s the surprise Nolan (and also many of us) didn’t anticipate: almost three decades ago, Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary genius behind My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, had already confronted this very same phobia. And instead of sounding the alarm, Miyazaki had a pretty laid-back (and actually genius) approach to it.

Christopher Nolan’s big fear: Cinema is on the brink of death

Christopher Nolan is the guy who will never let you forget that films exist to...

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...

Fans of Demon Slayer already have a pretty big event to look forward to this fall, but it looks like Crunchyroll and Aniplex decided to give them a treat while they wait. This week, the steamer announced that fan-favorite movie Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is set to be released in theaters once again – this time in 4K resolution. The movie will return to theaters in the U.S. and Canada on May 14, with tickets going on sale as early as April 30. The screenings will be available in Japanese with English subtitles and in the English dub.

The story of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is one of the most shocking and exciting of the franchise: Tanjiro, Nezuko (Akari Kitō/Abby Trott), Inosuke (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka/Bryce Papenbrook), and Zenitsu (Hozumi Gōshi/Aleks Le) team up withFlame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku (Satoshi Hino/Mark Whitten) on a train to investigate the mysterious disappearance of dozens of passengers.

Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon are big names in the anime industry. I have grown up watching both their works. Both have served cult classics that remain unparalleled in their respective genres. The works of both creators and directors have led to a huge international exposure.

Be it Perfect Blue and Paprika or My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, the works of these two mammoth creators are legendary. But the difference between the two has always stood out to me.

While both creators specialize in anime movies, their works could not be more different. While Satoshi Kon invokes a feeling of uneasiness and eeriness, Miyazaki loves creating whimsical and fantastical tales. In fact, they are the perfect parallels to each other.

Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon have perfectly contrasting approaches

Hayao Miyazaki mainly creates movies for children. His target has always been children, and adults are simply a secondary thought in his works.

Okay, so let’s get one thing straight: Hayao Miyazaki is a legend. The man behind Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and pretty much every Ghibli masterpiece you’ve cried to at 2 a.m. Yeah, that same guy. So, of course, people are like, “Let’s reduce his greatness to words by relating him to another person who is just as legendary.”

Like, “He’s like the Walt Disney of Japan!” And Miyazaki’s reaction? Basically: “Ugh, please stop.” Let’s dive into why Miyazaki wants nothing to do with that comparison and who he looks up to from the Disney team (spoiler: it’s not Walt).

Why being called ‘The Disney of Japan’ kinda annoys Hayao Miyazaki

In an interview, when someone actually asked Hayao Miyazaki about how he felt about the title ‘The Disney of Japan’, he didn’t hold back. Miyazaki responded:

Walt Disney is a producer,...

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,...

Those who are surprised by the runaway box office success of “A Minecraft Movie” would do well to remember what director Jared Hess and his screenwriters always understood: The universal appeal of exploring a fun, open world. Or, in this case, worlds. They were able to translate that appeal to film and give it a compelling focus. “A Minecraft Movie” leans into both the inventiveness of the games and the timeless urge to champion freedom vs. oppression.

In this latest iteration, that fight is against the villainous Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House and performed by mo-cap actor Allan Henry), the Piglin ruler of the Nether underworld, who was created specifically for the movie. However, Malgosha, like everything in the film, needed to convey the game’s iconic blocky aesthetic, or “A Minecraft Movie” would have fallen into pieces.

“The biggest challenge for all of us was to find that line between working with [live-action] photography,...

The 16th annual TCM Classic Film Festival gets underway Thursday night in Hollywood with a 45th anniversary screening at the Chinese Imax Theatre of the acclaimed second Star Wars feature, 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back, with creator George Lucas on stage to talk about it. It certainly fits in with this year’s theme, “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film,” though it is hard to wrap my head around the fact that this movie is now old enough to fit snugly in with so many of the classic titles TCM regularly features on their channel and at this festival, which brings them back in all their glory to the big screen.

The heavy programming of more contemporary box office hits this year does provide some irony to the title of one of the festival’s panels happening Sunday, “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To,” featuring among others Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman.

If The Boy and the Heron really is Hayao Miyazaki’s final film, I’m not going to cry. I’m not going to mourn. I won’t scream into the void about him leaving. Because, come on, this man has already given us more than we deserved.

In an industry where so many artists have adopted fan service, wardrobe malfunctions, and ‘oops she fell over on him’ moments, Miyazaki presented us with something entirely different: dignity. For over four decades, he has given us beautifully told stories with complex, well-developed female protagonists without objectifying them. That’s a big thing in anime.

Real girls, real stories, no weird camera angles

Honestly, we have to admit it: anime’s pretty messed up when it comes to how it handles girls. Whether it’s the ‘shy girl with big boobs’ trope or the ’14-year-old with lingerie armor,’ it’s like some creators just can’t resist.

Okay, let’s get things straight: Studio Ghibli is magic. From floating bathhouses and forest spirits to fierce princesses and flying delivery girls, Ghibli’s films have inspired whole generations of dreamers.

But for all the wonderful things they get to show on screen, something not-so-wonderful is happening behind the scenes: not a single woman has ever been given the director’s chair in nearly four decades of Ghibli films. Yes, you heard right. Thirty-nine years. No woman director. Let’s talk about why that’s the situation.

The Studio Ghibli girl paradox

First, a little backstory. Hayao Miyazaki, the complete legend, established Studio Ghibli in 1985 and essentially became the soul and heart of the whole studio. He’s the mastermind behind classics like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and a whole bunch of other amazing films. If Ghibli had a Mount Rushmore, he’d be all four faces on it.