Studio Ghibli Fest continues to grow as new generations embrace classic animated films

A decade after its launch, Studio Ghibli Fest continues to attract growing audiences across the United States, bringing longtime fans and young viewers together to enjoy beloved animated classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo and Spirited Away on the big screen.

For Amanda Mendoza VanCleave of Austin, Texas, the annual festival has become a family tradition shared with her three-year-old daughter and mother.

Every year, the three attend Ghibli screenings together. VanCleave said her daughter excitedly recognises the familiar Totoro logo as soon as it appears on screen, often delighting audiences with her enthusiasm.

Although the family first discovered Studio Ghibli films through HBO Max, watching them in cinemas has become a special yearly event. During a recent screening of Hayao Miyazaki's 1988 classic My Neighbor Totoro, the three even wore matching Totoro-themed pajamas.

Studio Ghibli films have long inspired devoted fans, but their continued success in cinemas years—and in some cases decades—after their original release is rare. Every year, both loyal followers and first-time young viewers return to theatres to watch the films.

Running from June through October, Ghibli Fest has been held for the past 10 years. Popular titles including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Ponyo have become regular cinema attractions rather than occasional re-releases.

The festival has also continued to expand. When North American distributor GKids and Fathom Entertainment launched Ghibli Fest in 2017, five films generated about $5 million in ticket sales. Since then, annual box office earnings have steadily increased, even after Studio Ghibli films became widely available on HBO Max in 2020.

GKids President Dave Jesteadt said the festival's continued growth has exceeded expectations.

He said organisers initially never imagined the programme would last this long, noting that attendance has continued to set new records each year instead of declining.

The festival reached its highest box office in 2024, earning $16.4 million from 14 films. Last year, eight titles collected $10.6 million. This year, Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro have already completed successful five-day theatrical runs.

According to Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, the festival has expanded from about 640 cinema locations in its early years to more than 1,100 this year. Strong audience demand has also led to longer screening schedules for many films.

When GKids acquired North American distribution rights to the Studio Ghibli catalogue in 2011, the Japanese studio emphasised the importance of theatrical releases. Initially, screenings were mainly held in major cities and independent cinemas. Ghibli Fest later expanded into multiplexes, introducing the films to a wider audience, particularly children discovering animation beyond Hollywood productions.

Industry experts say the festival has also helped cinemas fill quieter periods, as older films increasingly attract audiences when there are fewer new Hollywood releases.

Streaming has also introduced Studio Ghibli to younger viewers, many of whom later choose to experience the films in theatres. Jesteadt said the arrival of the films on streaming platforms actually created a new generation of cinema-goers eager to watch them on the big screen.

This year's festival continues with Tales of Earthsea in August, Only Yesterday, the 40th anniversary screening of Castle in the Sky, a 4K restoration of Princess Mononoke in September, and the 25th anniversary screening of Spirited Away in October.

Although Studio Ghibli films are occasionally re-released in other countries, Ghibli Fest remains a unique event exclusive to the United States.

Fans say the cinema experience offers something that streaming cannot.

Angela Lector, who has attended screenings dressed as characters from the films, said watching Ghibli movies in theatres creates opportunities to meet fellow fans and share the experience with others.

Many fans also hope the festival will include more lesser-known Studio Ghibli titles in future editions.

For VanCleave, the annual screenings continue to create new memories. She recently invited another family to a showing of Ponyo, giving their three-year-old daughter her first cinema experience.

The two children ended up sharing a recliner while watching the film together, adding another memorable moment to the growing tradition.