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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:...

Lucy Liu, born on December 2, 1968, is an American actress known for her versatile career. The Trouble with Bliss actress stands at 5 feet 1 ½ inches (156.2 cm), although she has humorously claimed to be 5 feet 3 inches tall.

Despite her petite stature, Liu has achieved significant success in her acting career, earning accolades such as a Critics’ Choice Television Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Seoul International Drama Award. She was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.

In the photo below, where all three are wearing high heels, Drew Barrymore, at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), stands in the middle height-wise.

Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu reunite in effortlessly chic spring ensembles—Drew in a billowy printed maxi with sky-high platform heels, Cameron in a tailored blouse and jeans with strappy sandals, and Lucy in a floral satin gown paired with metallic peep-toe heels (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

Petite Power: Lucy Liu’s Height,...

In 1988, Studio Ghibli released Grave of the Fireflies -- a heartbreaking war film set during WWII in Japan. Recently, Studio Ghibli president and producer Toshio Suzuki recounted when his team showcased the movie to one of Japan's foremost critics, a moment he now looks back on as one of the "happiest" times of his life.

Per Oricon and PR Times, Studio Ghibli recently unveiled two special teaser visuals for an event titled "Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation." Starting June 27, this exhibition will commemorate Isao Takahata's prolific animation career, which produced renowned works like Anne of Green Gables (1979), Only Yesterday (1991), Pom Poko (1994), The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013) and many others. In addition to Heidi from Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), one of the teasers depicts a heartwarming visual of Setsuko and Seita, the young protagonists of Grave of the Fireflies. While addressing the upcoming exhibition,...

When most people in the anime community think about memorable anime that came out in the 2010s, plenty of examples come to mind. KonoSuba, No Game No Life, and Re:Zero were some of the best shows that made their debut within the past 10 years. However, this train of thought doesn't hold up for anime movies. Films like Dragon Ball Super: Broly or Your Name were popular during this time, but it's easy to overlook other hidden gems that were released in this era.

These underrated movies deserve much more love. At the time of their release, these were films that received critical acclaim from critics and fans alike. Unfortunately, these films haven't gotten the attention they deserved as time has gone on. These films will stand the test of time as modern classics for anyone who takes the time to watch them.

Weathering With You Delivers a Visually Stunning Emotional...

Historical movies are a great watch, whether the viewer is interested in history or just looking for something fun to occupy their time. There are many movies out there that contain historical events, costuming, or characters. However, not all of them are accurate. Some films portray the time period a lot more precisely than others, and some anime movies capture their time periods very well.

A lot of anime movies made in Japan focus on World War II and the atrocities that happened during that time. Movies like In This Corner of the World and Grave of the Fireflies are prime examples of WWII movies that are very historically accurate. Some anime films focus on other time periods and feature a solid amount of true fact to them. For example, Black Butler, while highly fictional, also depicts the Victorian era very well. More anime movies show samurai, princesses, and even prominent historical figures.

The 2025 Academy Awards have come and gone, and the anime community once more finds itself disappointed with no nominations within the field. The Oscars have had a long history of overlooking anime, but to be snubbed for another year—especially when Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s Look Back was more than eligible for the running—had anime fans everywhere shaking their heads.

Previous anime productions have snagged an Oscar in the past, however. Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away became the first anime feature to win an Academy Award in 2001, followed by The Boy and The Heron in 2024. In recent years, other Studio Ghibli productions and anime films have also contended for the entertainment industry's most coveted award, with some close to winning.

When Marnie Was There Is a Much Deeper Story Than Inside Out Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Story by Joan G. Robinson Image via Studio Ghibli

When Marnie Was There is...

There have been many anime movies that have been nominated for Academy Awards, or Oscars, as they're better known, including Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle. However, only a few have won Oscars. Others anime films have won Golden Globes, New York Critics Films, Annie Awards, and much more. Although there are many anime movies out there that deserve awards, it is a very underappreciated genre.

From The Boy and the Heron winning an Oscar to several other movies winning Annie Awards and other awards from boards of film critics, in recent years there has been more appreciation for anime. As anime as a genre becomes more mainstream, maybe more anime movies will take over at these big award shows. It will certainly be interesting to see which anime movies are nominated for future Academy Awards, Golden Globes, etc.

Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron Received an Oscar Stream...

Masashi Kishimoto wrote some of the finest villains in Naruto. They are deeply flawed and complex in terms of their motives and backstories. From Pain to Sasori, the series gave us well-written and layered antagonists that embodied a menacing personality.

However, Kaguya Otsutsuki is an exception to that, especially with how she was introduced. Her being overpowered is one of the criticisms that is often thrown around like confetti. Fans, however, may have been too quick in their judgment of her character’s origins.

Team 7 during the Fourth Shinobi World War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

More often than not, people tend to overlook Kishimoto’s brilliance, and they might have done the same in this case. Fans may have ignored the foreshadowing aspect of the series, which makes the character’s path more coherent.

Kaguya’s foreshadowing in Naruto

From Jiraiya to Tsunade, most characters in Naruto draw inspiration from Japanese folklore.

From thrilling adventure flicks to heartwarming family films, world-renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has created some of the most beloved features in animation history. To kick off 2025, Studio Ghibli's official online store recently unveiled a new piece of merchandise inspired by one of the director's earliest works.

The latest addition to Donguri Sora's product lineup is "Pan-chan's Butt Tote Bag," an adorable tribute to Hayao Miyazaki's Panda! Go Panda! film. As the product's name suggests, the design is meant to resemble Pan-chan's backside, with the cute little bear shown peeking behind at the viewer. Like most conventional totes, the bag is slightly smaller than a standard purse. It also has a large inner pocket with a divider for phones, wallets and other essentials. Including tax, the retail price is 3,850 yen (or US$22.67). Cbr readers can check out Donguri Sora's official product photos below.

Related Studio Ghibli Revives Its Sweetest My...

It's no surprise that anime is filled with rich culture and has some of the most creative iterations of classic mythology and folklore. With how vast asian culture and mythology is, many series have taken inspiration from these well-known stories to create beautiful, memorable tales that leave lasting impressions on the viewers.

Some notable anime that take this approach are Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away and The Tale of Princess Kaguya, but there are some that aren't as popular that are just as fascinating and beautiful, such as Mononoke and Natsume's Book of Friends. Series based deeply on folklore and asian mythology often tell magical tales that are hard to find elsewhere.

Related The 15 Best Studio Ghibli Endings, Ranked

Studio Ghibli films are renowned for their excellent storytelling right to the very end, and films like Princess Mononoke have the best endings.

Mononoke Is a Bright Anime With a...

Studio Ghibli films, amid all the beautiful, bright colors these movies have, tell some of the saddest tales in anime. Many Studio Ghibli characters have a rather sad backstory, or go through heartbreaking events during the movie that is nothing short of tragic and tearful.

That's what makes Studio Ghibli films great though, since they don't shy away from tough topics that pull at the heartstrings. It makes the characters much more relatable and life-like and viewers will find themselves drawing an attachment to these characters. Some of the saddest films include Grave of the Fireflies and The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Both movies have left a heavy impression upon fans of Studio Ghibli, making them films to remember for a lifetime.

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.

Studio Ghibli is often idolized as the best anime studio in Japan. Ghibli fans hero-worship Hayao Miyazaki and cannot tolerate any kind of criticism regarding the popular director. However, very few of them know the reality of Studio Ghibli.

Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Ghibli might be better than the average anime studio in Japan and has continued to wow audiences with its quality, animation, and capturing storylines. But what lies underneath the revered name, is a cruel work environment, take it from an ex-Ghibli staff and an industry veteran, Hirokatsu Kihara.

Those who work at Ghibli leave soon, never to return Ghibli’s toxic work culture is exposed by ex-staff member who worked on Kiki’s Deliver Service | Credits: Studio Ghibli

In an interview with Dazed, Hirokatsu Kihara expressed some of his spicy opinions regarding Studio Ghibli. Kihara was the production coordinator of Nausicaä of the...

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

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

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a 2013 historical fantasy movie by Studio Ghibli. The movie is an adaptation of the traditional Japanese story, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. In the film, a baby is found within bamboo and raised by a man and his wife. However, the imperial palace wants Kaguya to choose a husband, leading her to grow so unhappy with life that she has no choice but to return to the moon.

This film's animation differs from typical Studio Ghibli films, resulting in a more traditional look. Despite this, fans have loved this take on a classic fable, even with its heartbreaking ending. If fans are looking for more fantastical tales based on mythology, they should check out these ten different anime.

My Happy Marriage Is a Sweet Historical Romance Streaming on: Netflix

My Happy Marriage is a historical and romantic fantasy based on the light novel...

Studio Ghibli produces a range of films, from contemporary romance to historical dramas to isekai and high fantasy tales. Ghibli fantasy films are their most well-known by far. Some high fantasy tales are dark and made for a teenage and adult audience, and other fantasy films capture the whimsy and comfort of early childhood.

The Ghibli creators take inspiration from such a wide range of source material that their fantasy stories are incredibly unique. Some draw inspiration from European and Japanese folklore, while others take cues from young adult novels. Even the fantasy films that follow the basic hero's journey storyline and incorporate classic fantasy tropes, like the happily ever after trope, still feel creative and fresh.

Castle in the Sky Is a Classic Epic Fantasy Sheeta & Pazu Seek a Forgotten Realm

Castle in the Sky, also called Laputa: Castle in the Sky incorporates many classic fantasy tropes, like legendary lost kingdoms,...

For decades, Studio Ghibli has captivated audiences with its breathtaking animation and lovable stories, bringing fantastical worlds to life with unforgettable characters. From the quiet magic of My Neighbor Totoro to the epic journey of Princess Mononoke, Studio Ghibli has consistently proven its ability to adapt folklore and mythology into amazing tales. But it has been years since we have seen a groundbreaking new anime from the studio. With the upcoming release of Okami 2, there is no better time for Ghibli to adapt the beloved Okami video game series into an anime.

Despite its critical acclaim, Okami has never received an anime adaptation. The game's story is full of Japanese folklore, following Amaterasu, the sun goddess reincarnated as a white wolf, on her quest to restore light to a darkened world. This mythological foundation is the kind of material that Studio Ghibli thrives on, and an anime adaptation would not...

Although over thirty years have passed since Sailor Moon began, fans still love this classic series. The original show from 1992 is still one of the most popular anime. The series has come a long way from where it first began, but it's always stayed true to the tropes that made Sailor Moon what it is.

Sailor Moon is many things: a tale of the power of friendship, a symbol of female empowerment that embraces femininity and sweetness, and a romantic love story. Its narrative is deeply influenced by the tropes that shape its story and characters, and there are many reasons why it is still beloved to this day.

Endymion and Princess Serenity Are Star-Crossed Lovers The Prince of Earth and Princess of the Moon Loved and Lost Each Other, But Not Forever

Long before the current events of the series, there was a kingdom on Earth led by the handsome Prince Endymion.

Later this month, New York City's Paris Theater will host screenings of several popular anime films and shorts. This lineup includes Chie the Brat: Downtown Story, a film directed by Studio Ghibli's late co-founder, Isao Takahata.

As detailed on GKIDSFilms' official X (formerly Twitter) account, Chie the Brat will have its first-ever slate of East Coast theatrical screenings at the Paris Theater on Dec. 26-30. While the anime and its titular manga series are relatively well-known in Japan, the franchise is significantly more obscure among Western audiences. Chie the Brat: Downtown Story is a condensed version of the television series, which initially aired from October 1981 to March 1983.

Related Studio Ghibli Reveals Over 7.5 Hours of New Footage in Special Feature for Fans of Howl, Princess Mononoke & More

Studio Ghibli spotlights Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle and more in a new special feature available to fans internationally.

Studio Ghibli Fans Are Treated to Some Rare U.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It took Hayao Miyazaki seven years to complete his The Boy and the Heron“, a grueling journey by an artist at the twilight of his life. The story of how the film was painstakingly made is beautifully recounted in “Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron”, a two-hour Nhk documentary which closely follows the daily chores of the master during these seven arduous years. The film conveys the sheer dedication and obsession of a man who lives, and will die, for his work.

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From 2017 to 2023, director Kaku Harakawa filmed Miyazaki hard at work, mostly staying within the premises of Studio Ghibli thanks to the exclusive access granted to the filmmaker. From Miyazaki’s workstation in the office to a house on the lot where he often takes naps in the afternoons, drinks coffee and smokes a cigarette or two, the camera is always...

Kaguya-sama fans can now wear their love for the series on their sleeve -- almost literally -- with new watches based on the Love Is War - The First Kiss Never Ends anime movie. This limited-time collectible comes in colors inspired by the characters Kaguya Shinomiya and Ai Hayasaka.

Amnibus is now accepting preorder reservations for wristwatches designed after Kaguya-sama: Love Is War - The First Kiss Never Ends, the 2023 anime film based on Aka Akasaka's hit manga series. Priced at 14,800 yen (about US$99), the item comes in two color combinations inspired by Kaguya Shinomiya and Ai Hayasaka. Equipped with a chronograph, both variants also come in an all-black alloy casing and wristband. The functional and stylish build makes this wristwatch wearable perfect for any occasion. Preorders are open until Dec. 19, 2024, and fulfilled in April 2025. The item is also available internationally via the Buyee shipping service.

Related Anime's Most...

While anime as a medium is most often recognized and popular in serialized and episodic form, there have been a multitude of groundbreaking feature films in the anime world since the genre's beginning. Easily the most critically acclaimed and recognizable name when it comes to anime films is Studio Ghibli, the legendary animation studio with iconic titles like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and so many more under their belt.

While we know Christian Bale for his role as Batman, the actor has a diverse and versatile portfolio. From American Psycho to The Machinist, Bale is a multifaceted actor. But most importantly, he’s a jack of all trades.

This holds especially true with his stint as a voice actor involved in Studio Ghibli’s projects. With Miyazaki’s final project, Bale’s casting was nothing short of a tedious task.

Mahito in a still from the movie | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Gkids president David Jesteadt revealed the process behind Bale’s casting in The Boy and The Heron. The distribution company has previously worked with Ghibli on The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Jesteadt also sheds light on the secrecy regarding Miyazaki’s final film and how it came to fruition. This also boosted the film’s success in the long run.

Christian Bale was the topmost priority for The Boy...

Gkids' annual "Ghibli Fest" event has given countless Hayao Miyazaki fans a chance to revisit many of the critically acclaimed director's animated works. Next month, the year-long celebration will conclude with showings of Miyazaki's iconic family film, 1988's My Neighbor Totoro.

On X (formerly Twitter), Gkids Films -- the North American distributor for Studio Ghibli's films -- confirmed that My Neighbor Totoro will be returning to U.S. theaters on Dec. 7-11. As with previous Ghibli Fest features, the film will be screened at various times in both its original Japanese language track (with English subtitles) and the official English dub starring Dakota Fanning (Satsuki Kusakbae) and Elle Fanning (Mei Kusakabe). The complete lineup of dates and screen times is included below. All listed times correspond to the reader's respective U.S. time zone.

Related Studio Ghibli's Most Beautiful Totoro Design to Date Gets Exclusive Re-Release

A breathtaking Totoro-inspired...

Known for its dazzling displays of visceral, yet still thought-provoking films, Studio Ghibli has provided scores of amazing movies for viewers to enjoy, from the iconic My Neighbor Totoro to the stunning watercolor masterpiece of The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Filled with heartfelt characters, emotional journeys and introspective examinations of life from the broad strokes to the everyday these films have lived on beyond their theater premieres thanks to their perfection.

Their ability to capture audience attention, and still resonate with the universal themes and challenges all of humanity faces, make them absolutely stunning pieces of creativity. From the murky gray areas presented in Princess Mononoke to the childlike innocence captured and celebrated in My Neighbor Totoro, these Studio Ghibli films mesmerize with their flawless execution from beginning to when the last credit rolls.

My Neighbor Totoro Tells a Simple, Pure Story About Childhood Adventures The Film Beautifully Conveys a...

Anne of Green Gables, the iconic anime from Studio Ghibli legend Isao Takahata, is officially getting a reboot in 2025. While Isao Takahata is best known as the co-founder of Studio Ghibli and director of Grave of the Fireflies and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, he had a storied career well before then, and by that time, he was already known as one of the biggest anime directors around.

Of all of Isao Takahatas pre-Studio Ghibli work, the one hes probably most famous for is the 1979 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. Of all the Anne of Green Gables adaptations, the anime is often seen as the most iconic adaptation and was most peoples introduction to the story worldwide, and surprisingly, Anne of Green Gables will receive a reboot in 2025 from The Answer Studio titled Anne Shirley. Not much is known about the new series, but with the amazing pedigree of the original,...

Studio Ghibli has produced some of the most breathtaking animated films of all time. Their films are filled with the full range of human emotions in all sorts of different scenarios and settings. Studio Ghibli's films are most notably known for how sad some of their films can get, dealing with the darker side of human conflicts, such as war, society, environmental destruction, romance, and the aftermath.

There might never be another animation studio like Studio Ghibli able to tell stories of such captivating stories. From the high-flying adventures of Porco Rosso to the Post-Apocalyptic world nuances of Nausica of the Valley of the Wind, many of their films stay with the audience long after the credits roll.

Related 10 Most Heroic Acts in Studio Ghibli Films, Ranked

There are many kinds of heroism in Studio Ghibli movies, some acts of love & courage are saving a wizard's heart & feeding a hungry child in a storm.

It may sound simple-minded to say, but long-running series last as long as they do for critical reasons. Of course, a higher episode count does not make the perfect series alone, the Naruto franchise is a testament to that. Naruto built its fanbase with beloved characters, an engaging fictional universe, and solid themes to carry a meaningful and emotional story. However, there were moments when the anime failed to impress, leaving fans wanting more.

The Fourth Great Shinobi War received plenty of criticism from viewers, but the moment of highest disappointment for fans is the Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes arc. Through the manga chapters 678 to 690 and the anime episodes 451 to 474, Kaguya was introduced as the final villain to beat, overshadowing Madara Uchiha and shocking the audience. The manga chapters were published a decade ago in 2014 while the anime episodes debuted in 2016, yet in recent years there are still details that fans are questioning.

Studio Durian's Look Back, widely considered one of 2024's most heartbreaking movie releases, has become just one of a very select few anime films to ever achieve a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Via the popular review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Look Back debuted with a perfect 100% on the Tomatometer, comprised of 19 approved critics, and a 99% score on the Popcornmeter (audience score), comprised of over 250 ratings. Comments generally highlighted the film's beauty, tragedy and how the animation complemented the storytelling, with one by Dominick S reading, "Beautiful movie. Heartbreaking, but still a must-see. It provokes deep thought about the fragility of life."

Related A Silent Voice Returns to U.S. Theaters Next Month

One of the most critically acclaimed and emotional anime tales of the last decade, A Silent Voice, gets a theatrical re-release courtesy of Gkids.

'Look Back' Becomes One of Only a Handful of Anime With 100% Rotten...

Donguri Sora, Studio Ghibli's official online storefront, has rolled out an eye-catching piece of merchandise for Howl's Moving Castle fans. Three years after its initial debut, Ghibli's official "sukajan" military-inspired jacket has returned with an updated design.

In Japan, a sukajan is a special type of jacket that typically features elaborately embroidered designs. Accordingly, Ghibli's Howl-themed sukajan jacket is adorned with a highly detailed rendering of the titular wizard's famous castle. There are also nods to two of the movie's beloved side characters. In the embroidery of the film title, Calcifer the fire demon replaces the "O" in Howl's Moving Castle. Decals of "Turnip-head" -- the lovable sentient scarecrow -- are sewn into the front alongside the zipper. Additionally, Heen -- Madame Sulliman's elderly dog -- is visible on the inside collar. The primary difference from the 2021 version is the fabric design, which now utilizes velvet for a "softer...

The myriad worlds created and explored in the films by Studio Ghibli such as Howls Moving Castle, Spirited Away, or Princess Mononoke often include fantastical and whimsical elements sure to delight younger audiences. Yet some of Studio Ghiblis iconic films emphasize and reveal themes and messages intended for adult minds instead, even when introducing child protagonists. And while these films are sure to entertain children, Studio Ghibli imparts messages sure to resonate with their older viewers as well, ensuring that every person watching can glean some kernel of wisdom or understanding.

With these adult viewers in mind, Studio Ghibli included plot lines and themes to better cater to this more mature audience, even while making sure the children were likewise engaged. From the consequences of nuclear fallout in Nausica of the Valley of the Wind to the fleeting nature of life in The Tale of Princess Kaguya, these Studio Ghibli...

In 2013, Studio Ghibli released The Tale of Princess Kaguya -- a gorgeously animated retelling of a classic Japanese myth. Next month, the film will return to U.S. theaters as part of Gkids' annual Ghibli Fest event.

As detailed on Gkids' website, The Tale of Princess Kaguya will be screened in select theaters on Monday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Nov. 27. The first November screening will feature the film's English dub, which stars Chlo Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass) as Kaguya, James Marsden (Disney's Enchanted) as Prince Ishitsukuri and James Caan (The Godfather) as Kaguya's father, The Bamboo Cutter. The second screening will feature the original Japanese language track with English subtitles. The film is one of Ghibli's most unanimously acclaimed works. Over a decade after its release, it maintains a 100% "fresh" score on the popular film review site Rotten Tomatoes and was reportedly the first film of the decade to achieve this distinction.

Among anime fans, Studio Ghibli enjoys special prominence due to its distinct storytelling and art style. Hayao Miyazaki has built an empire by consistently delivering on fans’ expectations and even surpassing them with his works. There are not many who can even come close to the spectacle of Studio Ghibli. However, whenever comparisons arise, fans like to pit Studio Ghibli against Pixar.

A still from Miyazaki’s recent The Boy and The Heron | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Similar to what Ghibli films are to fans, Pixar films have resonated with many, too. The success and popularity of Pixar is phenomenal. While some fans are constantly pitting them against each other it was the Chief Creative Officer of Pixar, Pete Docter, who shared an insight from his dialogue with Miyazaki. With one simple sentence, we learn a lot about the extraordinary track record of Miyazaki.

A Key Aspect of Hayao Miyazaki’s...

Studio Ghibli's 2004 feature film Howl's Moving Castle draws viewers into a wildly imaginative fantasy world inspired by Diana Wynne Jone's titular novel. Recently, Ghibli's official online storefront unveiled two new products that will "transport" Ghibli fans into the realm of Hayao Miyazaki's iconic flick.

Donguri Sora's "Calcifer Antique Tray" and "Howl's Moving Castle Colored Disk Keychain" were recently added to the site's digital catalog. The latter depicts the multicolored portal that Howl uses to travel to various locations in the movie. The brass-colored back of the keychain is adorned with a detailed engraving of the castle itself. The Calcifer tray depicts the fire demon huddled under a frying pan. Including tax, the keychain and tray cost 2,200 yen (US$14.69) and 4,180 yen (US$27.91), respectively. Readers can check out official photos of both products below.

Related Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle & My Neighbor Totoro Humidifiers Return to Soothe Throats and Steal...

If the film and TV industry has one truth, it’s this: There is no single path to success. Pixar director Mike Jones is proof of that, and he’ll be sharing insights into his journey— and what you can expect from your own — at IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit taking place in Los Angeles November 2.

Purchase Tickets for the Future of Filmmaking Summit

Jones has had an inspiring and unique journey in the film world. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he started as a film journalist after graduating from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the mid ’90s, serving as managing editor for Filmmaker Magazine and executive editor of IndieWire. His first screenplay was produced in 2001 when he was 30: “EvenHand” was a small indie that played at SXSW, Tribeca, and AFI Fest. But as so many writers have realized, getting one film produced...

The Academy Awards, or as the world knows them, the Oscars, have been considered the biggest accolade in the entertainment industry, but the Japanese anime has not had much luck with them. The Oscars have a specific category for animated movies called the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, which was started in 2001, but as of yet, the anime industry has only won twice.

Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The first one was won by Spirited Away during the 75th Academy Awards, and the second was won by The Boy and the Heron during the 96th Academy Awards. Both of them were a production of Studio Ghibli and were created by Hayao Miyazaki, a legend in the game. However, there are still some other movies that, according to fans, deserve an Oscar or at least an Oscar nomination.

These movies have done exceptionally well in terms of storyline, characters, development,...

Anime is bigger than ever. With each passing year, the industry continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. From heartwarming tales of love and friendship to epic clashes between good vs evil, Studio Ghibli has solidified its status as a Japanese Animation Powerhouse.

With the likes of Your Name, Suzume, Spirited Away, and many more popular titles earning millions of dollars from their international theatrical releases, Japanese Animation is taking the world by storm.

A still from Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name | Credits: Toho

Despite being recognized as the highest-grossing anime movie of all time, many titles fail to receive a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Rotten Tomatoes focuses less on the quality of a movie itself and puts importance on fans critics’ scores from the community. Interestingly, there are only four anime movies with a 100% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and...

The Boy and the Heron, 2nd Oscar-winning anime, will stream on Max from September 6, 2024. The film follows Mahito post the passing of his mother, meeting a talking heron. The Boy and the Heron joins Studio Ghibli films on Max, enhancing Miyazaki's library.

Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning film The Boy and the Heron has finally announced its streaming release date. Since its premiere in 2023, The Boy and the Heron has been making history for anime fans. It made history at the Oscars by becoming the second anime to win Best Animated Picture after Spirited Away. Now, fans of the film and those that have yet to see it can finally watch The Boy and the Heron on Max later this year.

According to Max, "The Boy and the Heron will make its U.S. streaming debut exclusively on Friday, September 6 on Max." This comes just four years after Max became the...

Rotten Tomatoes does not measure the quality of a movie, no matter what your favorite YouTuber says. What it does measure is the percentage of critics who think a movie is at least decent. The higher the Rotten Tomatoes score, the firmer the consensus is that a movie is at least "good," rather than, say, an exact quality score of the title.

Still, even if it doesn't exactly measure quality, a Rotten Tomatoes score is quite useful to get an idea of whether a movie has a wide appeal or if it's polarizing (meaning different people have vastly different opinions on the title). When it comes to anime, even if the genre is becoming more and more accessible, more mainstream, and more accepted, there are only four anime movies with a 100% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

What's curious is how different, yet very similar, the titles are. That's because,...

Max has shared a curated list of films available to stream on the service in Summer 2024. Max is home to Warner Bros. Pictures films, classics and new favorites from A24, the Studio Ghibli library, and award-winning films spanning multiple genres.

The platform is showcasing its vast film library with curated summer watch lists of blockbusters, horror, family-friendly films, and more.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Dune: Part Two, the groundbreaking sequel to Dune, is now available to stream on the platform along with recent hits like Wonka and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which also has an American Sign Language (Asl) version of the film available to stream.

Viewers can also find summer favorites like Mamma Mia!, Meg 2: The Trench, A Night at the Roxbury, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Dune: Part Two

Horror fans can look to Max for their summer scares and favorite films from franchises,...

The concept of imaginary friends is foreign to kids in Japan, but producer and Studio Ponoc founder Yoshiaki Nishimura saw potential in adapting A.F. Harrold’s children’s novel into the hand-drawn fantasy “The Imaginary” (streaming on Netflix).

Nishimura had no problem relating to the mind-bending adventures of young Amanda (Evie Kiszel) and her imaginary friend, Rudger (Louie Rudge-Buchanan), which he knew had universal appeal. For Rudger, though, there is the worry of eventually slipping from Amanda’s memory and being lost among the forgotten Imaginaries in their isolated town.

“When I was writing the script and making the film, I thought how Harrold expressed it in various layers and how we could do that,” Nishimura told IndieWire through his translator. “The imaginary friend in this world is like the animated filmmaker. And we don’t want to preach from above like teachers saying this is the way the world is to children.

Axel Foley returning to Beverly Hills, an animated feature from former Studio Ghibli talent, a jaw-dropping doc about love-struck “rooftoppers” and final seasons from three big shows — a Spanish teen drama, a viking saga and Daniel Larusso’s last hurrah — are some of the highlights on Netflix in July.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Netflix’s high profile feature release for this month, arrives on July 3. The fourth installment in the Eddie Murphy-led action-comedy franchise, sees Detroit detective Axel Foley return to Beverly Hills, thirty years after his last visit. This time, Foley must team up with a new partner — played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt — when his daughter’s (Taylour Paige) life is threatened. Franchise fans will be happy to see regulars Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), John Taggart (John Ashton), Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser) and Serge (Bronson Pinchot) make appearances and series newcomer Kevin Bacon is also part of the action as Captain Grant.

In the world of The Imaginary (Yaneura no Rajâ), every child has a secret friend, an invisible being with whom they create fictional scenarios and share their deepest secrets. For Amanda (voiced in the English-language version by Evie Kiszel ), the protagonist of this sweet but sprawling Studio Ponoc film, that person is a sprightly and protective blond being named Rudger (Louie Rudge-Buchanan). When Amanda comes home from school, they begin their adventures, flying across a grassy expanse populated by an industrious giant and a chatty squirrel or riding a musk ox through a snowy tundra. In the words of Rudger, “Amanda always imagines the most splendid worlds.”

The Imaginary, which premiered in competition at the Annecy Animation Festival, is the second feature-length production from Studio Ponoc, following 2017’s Mary and the Witch’s Flower. It’s directed by Studio Ghibli alum Yoshiyuki Momose (Modest Heroes, Tomorrow’s Leaves) from a script...

The Imaginary Image: Netflix Let’s address the big Totoro in the room right up front, shall we? The Imaginary, a new animated feature heading soon to Netflix, is not a Studio Ghibli film, though it looks and sounds an awful lot like one. There’s a good reason for...

The ImaginaryImage: Netflix

Let’s address the big Totoro in the room right up front, shall we? The Imaginary, a new animated feature heading soon to Netflix, is not a Studio Ghibli film, though it looks and sounds an awful lot like one. There’s a good reason for that:...

Plot: Studio Ponoc’s The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy no one can see imagined by Amanda to share her thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger, suddenly alone, arrives at The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work, he faces a mysterious threat.

Review: When I was a child, I became very sick. I spent much time in and out of the hospital and had few opportunities to make new friends. To combat the loneliness, I imagined a new friend, January. She was a young ghost girl who followed me everywhere I went, causing mischief, encouraging me to feel better, and listening when I needed to cleanse myself of negative thoughts about my uncertain recovery. As the years passed and I got better, January began to disappear. Three nights ago, I...

“You Imaginaries never learn,” sneers a character in the trailer of Netflix’s new animated movie The Imaginary. “There is one thing imagination can never defeat. And that is reality.”

Snotty as he might be, the speaker has a point. 2024 has already seen the release of two movies about imaginary friends, and both of them met with a mixed response. The Blumhouse horror film Imaginary, about a pretend play pal turned evil, turned a profit but disappointed viewers. The John Krasinski movie If starring Ryan Reynolds has also made back its budget, but audiences seem largely down on it.

Netflix hopes to turn the tide with their entry into the genre, the animated film The Imaginary. Judging by the first trailer, The Imaginary just might pull it off.

The Imaginary introduces the viewers to Amanda (Evie Kiszel), a precocious girl who spends her days playing with her make-believe mate Rudger...

With the release of films like John Krasinski’s If, Blumhouse’s Imaginary, and even Ale de Jong’s 1991 comedy Drop Dead Fred, the power of imagination flows strongly throughout Hollywood. While each of the films mentioned above brings something different to the table, Yoshiyuki Momose’s latest animated feature, The Imaginary, hits differently. Studio Ponoc is proud to present The Imaginary trailer today, previewing an upcoming animated film to boggle the senses, stir emotions, and remind you of friends long forgotten.

Studio Ponoc‘s The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy no one can see imagined by Amanda to share her thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger, suddenly alone, arrives at The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work, he faces a mysterious threat. Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away...

2024 has been a big year for movies about imaginary friends, between the Blumhouse horror film "Imaginary" and John Krasinski's live-action family film "If." Now, Netflix is getting in on the imagination-based fun with Studio Ponoc's "The Imaginary," which already looks to be one of the best animated films of the year. With breathtaking hand-drawn animation and a groundbreaking technique of animating light and shadow, "The Imaginary" looks stunning and seems to be introducing a whimsical, heartfelt, and emotionally charged story to back up the gorgeous visuals. Here's the official synopsis of the film, which is based on A.F. Harold and illustrator Emily Gravett's beloved and award-winning novel of the same name:

"Studio Ponoc's 'The Imaginary' portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy no one can see imagined by Amanda to share her thrilling make-believe adventures.