Experience These Iconic Anime Films With Studio Ghibli Fest 2024
One of the most popular animation companies of all time, Studio Ghibli has been dazzling audiences for decades. From beautiful art to breathtaking soundtracks, the studio has a reputation for creating slow paced, unique stories that culminate into magical movies.
It’s one thing to watch these movies at home, but some things are better on the big screen. Which is why for the past twenty years, the Japanese animation studio has partnered with Fantom Events and GKIDS to bring back some of their most beloved films to select U.S. cinemas through Studio Ghibli Fest.
Here is a list of some of the films in this year’s lineup. For a full list go to the Fantom Events or GKIDS websites.
Spirited Away April 27 to May 1
Kicking off this year’s Studio Ghibli Fest, is the studio’s first Oscar-winning film, Spirited Away. Ten-year-old Chihiro and her parents are in the process of moving, but stop at an abandoned amusement park to explore. All of a sudden, Chihiro’s parents are turned into giant pigs, and she discovers that they are actually in a world of spirits. Forced to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must find a way to save her parents and return to the normal world.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind May 19 to May 21
Originally debuting on screen in 1984, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind officially celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, humanity is divided into factions as they struggle to survive an Earth full of poisons and giant insects. However, at the edge of the Toxic Forest resides the peaceful Valley of the Wind which is led by Princess Nausicaä. She is a courageous leader that has a love for all living things. But when her kind nature accidentally leads her to a terrible danger, Princess Nausicaä must restore the balance between humanity and nature.
Castle In The Sky May 20 to May 22
Loosely inspired by Gulliver’s Travels, Castle in the Sky follows orphans Sheeta and Pazu on their quest to the mystical castle of Laputa. However, the children are not the only ones interested in the city as they must race against a government agent, the army and a gang of pirates that are interested in the castle’s treasures.
A touching story of courage and friendship, Castle in the Sky is a fun watch that blends action and fantasy into a story that is enjoyable for all ages.
The Secret World of Arrietty June 9 to June 11
Underneath the floorboards of an ordinary suburban home are these tiny four-inch-tall people called Borrowers. The Secret World of Arrietty is about a family of Borrowers called the Clock family. Borrowers are supposed to live in secret and never be seen by humans, but Arrietty’s adventurous spirit cannot be confined to the floorboards. She is discovered by a 12-year-old human boy named Tom and an unlikely friendship forms.
When Marnie Was There June 10 to June 12
Turning 10 this year, When Marnie Was There tells the story of Anna, a shy artistic girl that moves to her aunt and uncle’s home by the sea. While exploring her surroundings, she stumbles upon an old mansion and meets Marnie. The two become fast friends but there is something strange about Marnie.
Using elements of gothic fantasy in a way that is still appropriate for children, When Marnie Was There has a gorgeous orchestral score and powerful plot twist.
Princess Mononoke July 13 to July 17
Princess Mononke presents the classic conflict between nature and industrialization. Young warrior prince Ashitaka has been infected with a deadly cure. He hears of the Great Forest Spirit and a girl that protects the forest named Princess Mononke. However, the spirits of the forest are threatened by the people of Iron Town, Princess Mononoke will stop at nothing to stop them from destroying her home.
Full of grand battles and deeply human characters, Princess Mononoke is an animated epic worth seeing on the big screen.
Ponyo August 3 to August 7
Inspired by the classic fairytale, The Little Mermaid, Ponyo tells the story of a little goldfish that yearns to be human. When rescued by a boy named Sosuke, the two develop an unbreakable bond much to her father’s chagrin. A fish out of water story, Ponyo promises lots of silly heartfelt moments.
Whisper of the Heart August 25 to August 27
Shizuku, an avid reader and aspiring author, noticed that all her library books had previously been checked out by someone named Seiji Amasawa. One day while following a cat into an antique store, she discovers a figure called the Baron and Shizuku learns how to listen to the whispers of her heart.
Whisper of the Heart is a coming of age story full of romance, magic, and drama.
The Cat Returns August 26 to August 28
High school student Haru gets more than she bargained for after saving a cat from getting hit by a truck. The episode leads to her being transported to the Cat Kingdom. Turns out, the cat she saved was the Cat Prince and as a sign of gratitude for saving his son, the Cat King wants Haru to marry the prince. Now she must find the mysterious Baron to get back to the human world.
The Cat Returns offers a delightful fantasy adventure spin-off of one of the most popular characters from Whisper of the Heart. Its unique plot effectively creates a story strong enough to stand on its own.
Howl’s Moving Castle September 26 to October 3
A story of true love and looking beyond the surface, the studio celebrates another anniversary with Howl’s Moving Castle turning 20 this year.
Sophie is a shy hatmaker that has been cursed to turn into an old woman by the vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste. She joins the great wizard Howl and his moving castle, and starts a life of grand adventures. However, when confronted with Howl’s dark secret, Sophie must fight to protect her loved ones. Featuring some of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic artwork and soundtracks, it’s no surprise Howl’s Moving Castle is one of their most popular films.
Kiki’s Delivery Service October 26 to October 30
My personal Ghibli favorite, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a whimsical coming of age film that will be in theaters just in time for Halloween.
In every young witch’s life there comes a time when they must leave the comfort of home and spend a year living independently to refine their craft. Excited to start her journey, Kiki and her sarcastic cat Jiji, set up residence in a charming seaside town. Realizing that her magic abilities can serve as a great delivery service, watch Kiki navigate the ups and downs of independent life.
Pom Poko November 24 to November 26
The tanuki are fun-loving raccoon dogs that have shape shifting abilities. When developers threaten their woodlands to build more malls and housing, the tanuki band together to find a way to scare them away. Full of wacky hijinks, Pom Poko takes a heartfelt look at the modern world, while using humor to promote an ecological message.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya November 25 to November 27
Based on the Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale of Princess Kaguya is one of Studio Ghibli’s most visually stunning films.
An elderly bamboo cutter and his wife, one day find a little girl inside of a bamboo stalk. She is beautiful and charming, to the point where everyone that meets her immediately becomes enthralled by her. While she is being set up for a life of nobility and marriage, Princess Kaguya finds herself wanting to escape her responsibilities. But can you really run away from your problems?
My Neighbor Totoro December 7 to December 11
Considered the movie that put Studio Ghibli on the map, no Studio Ghibli Fest is complete without My Neighbor Totoro.
Sisters Satsuki and Mei have moved to the countryside with their father, while their mother is in the hospital recovering from an illness at a nearby hospital. In the nearby woods they meet the gentle giant Totoro, who introduces the girls to the other spirits of the woods. Full of fun, feel good moments, My Neighbor Totoro is a playful masterpiece.
