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- The Studio Ghibli theme park in Japan is now officially open (via Japan Today), featuring wondrous exhibits that put some of the studio's most memorable characters front and center. In doing so, Ghibli's characters take on a new importance as a physical representation of the company, which will hopefully delight visitors for many years to come.
The wonder of Studio Ghibli films can make audiences dream of abandoning modern life and wander off into their whimsical worlds. Studio Ghibli has produced a catalog of awe-inspiring and heartwarming films that have made a serious impact on the world of animation. Known for their soft scenery, focus on everyday moments, and memorable characters, the studio has an easily identifiable aesthetic.
Although every character from the works of Studio Ghibli is memorable in their own way, there are a select few that are prominent in modern pop culture even outside the movies' fan bases. The most memorable Studio Ghibli characters often illustrate their films' larger themes, and are able to represent an important message through their journey.
Updated on November 1st, 2022 by Stacie Rook:
The Studio Ghibli theme park in Japan is now officially open (via Japan Today), featuring wondrous exhibits that put some of the studio's most memorable characters front and center. In doing so, Ghibli's characters take on a new importance as a physical representation of the company, which will hopefully delight visitors for many years to come.
No-Face - Spirited Away (2001)
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No-Face, or Kaonashi as he is called in the original Japanese, is a figure from Spirited Away with an instantly recognizable design. Even people who have seen very few Ghibli films tend to be familiar with No-Face, thanks to his prominence in internet culture.
Within the story of Spirited Away, No-Face is a spirit who becomes very attached to protagonist Chihiro after she shows him kindness. Later, though, his growing greed disrupts the order of Yubaba's bathhouse, in one of the movie's many comments on consumerism. No-Face is a morally complex character and adds further nuance to the Spirit Realm that Chihiro finds herself in.
Catbus - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
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The Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro has become a popular figure with those who love the Studio Ghibli films, and is a mainstay in Studio Ghibli merchandise lines internationally.
Although in the film the Catbus exists as a secondary character who helps the main characters along their journey by acting as their method of transportation, it also helps to showcase the wonder and surprise of the natural world, adding to Totoro's charm as one of the best anime movies for kids. The Catbus' popularity also led to the creation of Mei and the Kittenbus, a Ghibli short film screened exclusively at the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan.
Kiki - Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
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Kiki's Delivery Service is a movie that shows the appeal of finding a home in the perfect location in order to pursue creative ions. In this film, teenager Kiki moves away from her home in order to honor a witch tradition as she hones her skills.
In an unfamiliar place, though, self-doubt eventually robs Kiki of her powers, and she must embark on a journey of self-love in order to recapture her lost magic. Kiki is a memorable character because of this journey; dealing with self-doubt, no matter the context, is very relatable, and Kiki's determination to recapture what she's lost acts as a soothing coming-of-age tale.
San - Princess Mononoke (1997)
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the best movies with godly pantheons, this film follows a conflict between humans and the animal gods of the forest. Protagonist San, who was raised by wolves, fights for the forest, against other humans.
San is a princess character who defies stereotypes as a warrior who is unafraid of conflict and is deeply in touch with nature. She's central to the film's themes of environmentalism and human destruction, serving as a reminder that balance between humans and the natural world is crucial.
Totoro - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
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My Neighbor Totoro follows two young sisters in post-war Japan as they adjust to their new home, deal with their mother's illness, and spend their days with the spirits that surround them, one of which is the ginormous Totoro.
Totoro is one of the most beloved and well-known Studio Ghibli characters of all time, thanks in part to his status as Studio Ghibli's mascot, and the fact that he features on the studio's logo. My Neighbor Totoro is playful and whimsical, but it also explores the importance of childhood imagination and the magic that can be found in nature if it's paid due attention and respect. Totoro himself is at the center of this message, acting as a guide for sisters Mei and Satsuki.
Sheeta - Castle In The Sky (1986)
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Sheeta, from Ghibli's iconic steampunk film Castle in the Sky, is the rightful heir to Laputa, a lost floating city. In the movie, she s co-protagonist Pazu, and together they embark on a journey to find Laputa before their many enemies do.
Sheeta is known for being polite, kind, and intelligent, which makes her a character that's easy to root for. At one point in the movie she seeks to separate from her group out of the fear that her presence endangers them, but later comes to realize the importance of relying on those around her when she needs to, and it's this lesson that makes Sheeta resonate with many.
Seita - Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
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Some of the Grave of the Fireflies, which follows Seita and his young sister Setsuko as they try to survive on their own at the end of World War II.
In spite of the tragic and emotional nature of the film, Seita has become a relatable figure to those who have experienced hardship in their lives. After losing their mother, Seita has to grow up very quickly in order to care for Setsuko. In the same way that people gravitate towards Studio Ghibli's romantic portrayal of everyday life and the magic in the mundane, Grave of the Fireflies' story of protecting those who mean everything to you resonates deeply with many, particularly those who've had to similarly step into parental roles at a young age.
Haku - Spirited Away (2001)
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In both his human and dragon form, Haku is one of the most iconic characters from Spirited Away. Having had his name taken from him by Yubaba, the owner of the bathhouse, he forgets his identity and becomes a servant to her every whim.
Haku's true identity is that of a river spirit, and he does everything within his power to protect Chihiro while she's in the Spirit Realm. Haku's character arc is notable because in his two forms he represents both the kindness and ferocity of nature. Additionally, his quest to reclaim his freedom and identity are struggles that have parallels in the real world.
Ursula - Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
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Arguably the best character from Kiki's Delivery Service, Ursula acts as a friend and creative mentor to Kiki. A painter who lives in a cabin in the forest, Ursula dedicates her life to her ions, but she has not been without struggles.
In some ways, Ursula acts as a representation of the kind of person that Kiki could become once she regains her magic. Ursula has suffered from her own creative blocks, but she is proof to Kiki that it's possible to move past these and thrive once again. Ursula's solitary life among the birds that she paints is not presented as a lonely one, but a peaceful and fulfilling option.
Chihiro - Spirited Away (2001)
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Studio Ghibli stories often feature characters leading ordinary lives before they are transported in some way to a new world full of magic and adventure, but even such fantastic places are not without their peril. Spirited Away sees Chihiro transported to the Spirit Realm, where it's not long before her parents are transformed into pigs.
Chihiro wants nothing more than to return home with her parents in tow, but on her quest to do so, she ends up entangled in the dealings of a great bathhouse for spirits. Chihiro grows greatly as a character over the course of the movie, showing immense bravery and determination as she becomes a more independent person.
