Whenever Amanda Mendoza VanCleave checks the calendar, she eagerly marks the dates for Studio Ghibli Fest. This annual event, known for its theatrical revivals of Ghibli movies, holds a special place for her, her daughter, and her mother, Araceli. Each year, they head to the theater in Austin, Texas, to watch the beloved Ghibli classics, creating cherished family traditions.
VanCleave shares the joy of the experience, recounting how her daughter enthusiastically shouts ‘Totoro!’ at the first sight of the iconic Totoro logo, prompting laughter among theatergoers. These outings began as a way to experience the movies they discovered on HBO Max together. Now, wearing matching Totoro pajamas, the trio eagerly enjoys these cinematic adventures every year.
Studio Ghibli’s films have a dedicated fanbase, and their consistent presence in theaters, even years after release, sets them apart from other movies. Ghibli Fest, stretching from June to October, has become a yearly cinema marathon. This enduring popularity, often compared to Bob Dylan’s Never Ending Tour, is a testament to the timeless appeal of Ghibli films.
Since 2017, Ghibli Fest’s impact has grown within North America. In its first year, a mere five titles generated $5 million in ticket sales. Remarkably, recent years have seen even greater success, despite streaming availability on HBO Max. GKids president, Dave Jesteadt, admits surprise at the festival’s longevity, noting the increasing audience interest each year.
The festival achieved record-breaking ticket sales in 2024, with 14 films earning $16.4 million. Last year, eight films generated $10.6 million. This year, both ‘Ponyo’ and ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ have enjoyed successful five-day screenings.
Shannah Miller, Fathom Entertainment’s marketing vice president, notes the expanding theatrical footprint of Ghibli Fest. Initially covering 640 locations, it now spans over 1,100, accommodating increased fan demand with extended run times for certain titles.
GKids’ acquisition of the Ghibli library in 2011 marked a shift towards theatrical presentations, aligning with the Japanese studio’s intent. Initially limited to retrospectives in major cities, Ghibli Fest brought the films to multiplexes, introducing a new generation to the world of Japanese animation.
Older movies are progressively filling gaps in theatrical schedules. As theaters navigate limited new releases, they explore past successes, with Ghibli paving the way. Classic titles like ‘Spirited Away’ were once gateways for younger audiences, now joined by films like ‘Ponyo’ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle.’
If anything, [streaming] brought in a new audience that wanted to see these films in theaters for the first time.
The fest continues this year with showings of ‘Tales of Earthsea,’ ‘Only Yesterday,’ a 40th anniversary screening of ‘Castle in the Sky,’ a remastered ‘Princess Mononoke,’ and a 25th anniversary celebration of ‘Spirited Away.’ These events remain U.S-exclusive for now, offering a vibrant celebration amidst broader concerns about the future of theaters.
Studio Ghibli’s influence has spawned various tributes, including an exhibit at the Academy Museum and composer Joe Hisaishi’s tour of film scores. Yet, the theatrical screenings remain the heart of Ghibli’s enduring legacy, attracting fans eager to immerse themselves in the films’ natural beauty.
Angela Lector, a devoted fan, recalls attending ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ dressed as its hero, Sophie. The theater environment, she notes, offers interactions and memories that streaming cannot replicate. The festival invites community engagement, allowing fans to share the joy of Ghibli together.
The festival continues to receive requests for lesser-known titles from the library. Some fans, like Lector, express interest in seeing classics like ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ return to theaters.
Ghibli’s films resonate due to their universal themes. VanCleave notes her daughter’s encounter with another Ghibli fan, leading to an invitation to ‘Ponyo,’ marking a first theater experience for the young viewer. Such moments reflect the broader impact of Ghibli Fest, fostering connections through the timeless art of Studio Ghibli.
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