When it comes to animated films, no other company does it quite like Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki in 1985. Since then, the prolific studio has released countless animated films that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From the occasionally emotionally devastating storylines to the wholesome creativity of its animation, Ghibli films have garnered a much-deserved reputation for being one of the best animation studios out there.
There is a Studio Ghibli film out there for everyone. An iconic trait of a Ghibli film is the utilization of lovable and unique characters as well as paranormal and fantasy elements to drive stories along. Picking from classics likeHowl’s Moving CastleandSpirited Awayto beloved fan-favorites likeKiki’s Delivery ServiceandPonyo, here is our list of the most iconic characters from Studio Ghibli.
20Ursula - Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
The Right Friend in the Right Place
Kicking things off is everyone’s favorite painter, Ursula. Ursula is a supporting character from the 1989 Ghibli filmKiki’s Delivery Service. Donning our screens in that iconic red tank top and shorts, Ursula is the right friend in the right place, at the right time. Ursula and Kiki cross paths when Kiki looks to retrieve a stuffed cat she dropped while on her broom. The passionate artist ends up being a sort of companion for Kiki when she needs it the most, giving her presence in the vast Ghibli-verse one we won’t forget.StreamKiki’s Delivery Serviceon Max.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Related:Studio Ghibli: The Biggest Names in English Dubs, Ranked
19Setsuko Yokokawa - Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
The Most Devastating Ghibli Film
On a much more pressing matter, we have a character who graces our screen in what could bethe most devastating Ghibli filmout there. Setsuko Yokokawa is a character from 1988’sGrave of the Fireflies.Grave of the Firefliesis a traumatic watch, to say the least.
However, the impact of Setsuko’s character is what makes it a staple in our minds. Setsuko is the 2-year-old younger sister of Seita and is a constant reminder of the tragedy of the war-torn world of the film. If our hearts are going to constantly ache for a character, it has to be Setsuko.
Grave of the Fireflies
18Catbus - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
The Ghibli Version of the Cheshire Cat
My Neighbor Totorocontinues to be one of the most iconic and popular films to come from Studio Ghibli. Catbus, although the appearance brief, surely made an impact. Many of us are familiar withAlice in Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat.
Well, Catbus is the Ghibli version of that. Catbus appears in the forest to meet Mei, Satsuki, and Totoro. The feline form-transportation, equipped with a sly and mischievous smile became one of the most recognized and beloved pieces of this iconic film. StreamMy Neighbor Totoroon Max.
My Neighbor Totoro
17Arrietty - The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
A Fantastical World
Studio Ghibli created a fun little world full centered around a borrower named Arrietty.The Secret World of Arriettyfollows a 14-year-old borrower who, with her tiny tiny tiny stature, dangerously befriends a human boy named Sho.
For her family, this kind of association could endanger their kind. Arreitty is full of life in a giant, fantastical world. She is bright, curious, and full of wonder. Although the film’s fantasy elements are the attention grabber, Arrietty is the kind of character that gets you to stay.StreamThe Secret World of Arriettyon Max.
The Secret World of Arrietty
16Mahito Maki - The Boy and the Heron (2023)
An Oscar-Winning Film
Although there has not been a lot of time for this one to sit with fans of the studio, there is no way to ignore Mahito. Mahito Maki the main character of Studio Ghibli’s most recent project,The Boy and the Heron. In the film, Mahito is settling into life in the wake of his mother’s death when heron tells him that his mother is alive.
“Coming of age” is a common theme in Studio Ghibli animated films. With Mahito, his serious yet youthful presence is something that really stands out. Mahito is the kind of ordinary yet extraordinary character that audiences will cling to.
The Boy and the Heron
15Princess Mononoke/San - Princess Mononoke (1997)
An Absolute Force
Time to appreciate San, our Princess Mononoke herself!Princess Mononokecame out in 1997 and follows Ashitaka as he goes on a harrowing adventure to acquire a cure for an infection. On his journey, he picks up a companion in San, also known as Princess Mononoke.
Raised by wolves, San is an absolute force to be reckoned with. She is determined to defend her territory and the animals that dwell within it to whatever end. A true leader, protector, and a warrior with unyielding loyalty.StreamPrincess Mononokeon Max.
Princess Mononoke
14Sophie Hatter - Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
She Wins Us Over Quickly
Sophie Hatter is a female protagonist in the Ghibli filmHowl’s Moving Castle. Honestly, almost every single character in this beloved film is iconic. Sophie is the eldest of three sisters and is working in her father’s hat shop.
The seemingly quiet and reserved young woman slowly breaks out of her shell to reveal a strong-willed individual looking to hone the mysteries of her own powers. Even after being cursed, becoming an old woman, she still has the capacity to win us over.StreamHowl’s Moving Castleon Max.
Howl’s Moving Castle
13Soot Sprites - My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001)
Fun, Charming, and Marketable
Protagonists this. Villains that. How about just some fun, charming, and marketable characters that make our hearts flutter with joy? The iconic Soot Sprites appear in bothMy Neighbor TotoroandSpirited Away. The little, fuzzy, black spheres and their googly eyes come around when a space is uninhabited or abandoned.
When new occupants come in, the Soot Sprites assess whether they are nice or not. If they deem that they are, then they’ll leave. These characters are some of the most recognizable symbols of Studio Ghibli’s brand, and we are far from forgetting them.StreamSpirited Awayon Max.
Spirited Away
12Seita - Grave of the Fireflies (1989)
An Unforgettable Character
Circling back toGrave of the Fireflies, we have to acknowledge Seita. At just 14 years old, Seita becomes the sole caretaker for himself and his baby sister after they are left without their mother as a result of a bombing.
Now, the siblings are forced to survive and keep themselves afloat in the devastating reality of war. Seita is just one unforgettable character in an unforgettable film. His courage, bravery, and tragic storyline is something that audiences and Ghibli fans need to experience at least once.
11Nausicaä - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
An Epic Hero
Before the founding of Studio Ghibli in 1985, what can be the first film in this comapny’s filmography is the 1984 animated sci-fi fantasy filmNausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The film follows Nausicaä living in a futuristic apocalypse where humans are forced to survive the devastation left on the planet.
In true “epic hero” fashion, Princess Nausicaä is set up to be the one to bring peace to them all. Along with being a badass warrior, Nausicaä is brave, loyal, determined, impressively skilled, and intelligent.StreamNausicaä of the Valley of the Windon Max.
