From Totoro to No-Face: The Creatures of Studio Ghibli

The creatures found in the collective works of Studio Ghibli come in many shapes and sizes. Some are unfathomably cute while others are intimidating, odd, or just downright enchanting. The fantastic creatures that inhabit the worlds of these films often guide our protagonists towards their inevitable character growth.

With Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 kicking off later this month, we are diving into some of the enchanting creatures found in this year’s festival.

No-Face: Spirited Away

Spirited Away is filled with magical creatures, but none stand out more than the lonely spirit, No-Face. First introduced to us as a semi-transparent figure, No-Face quickly won the hearts of audiences after joining Chihiro on her journey to Swamp Bottom.

Ohms: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

The giant insects that exist in the Sea of Corruption, Ohms are unique creatures that protect the ecosystem of the post-apocalyptic world of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. They are a vital part of the story and the survival of all creatures in this beautiful world.

Laputian Robot: Castle in the Sky

Although not given a lot of screentime in Castle in the Sky, the caretakers of the legendary floating city Laputa play a significant role in Sheeta and Pazu’s journey. Designed to protect and serve the city and the royal bloodline, they are gentle giants to non-hostile creatures.

Moro: Princess Mononoke

While Princess Mononoke is filled with forest spirits, boar Gods, and other fantastical creatures, Moro is a standout. She is a 300-year-old goddess of the wolves, possessing divine power and intelligence. She can communicate with the humans and is the adopted mother of San (Princess Mononoke).

Ponyo: Ponyo

The protagonist and one of the most lovable creatures on this list, Ponyo is a little goldfish whose real name is Brünhilde. Longing to be a human, she ventures out to discover the surface world, meeting a boy named Sôsuke.

The Baron: Whispers of the Heart

Also known as Humbert von Gikkingen, the Baron is a statue of an anthropomorphic cat who is fully dressed in a suit. He is first introduced to audiences in Whispers of the Heart but plays an important role in The Cat Returns. The Baron and Muta guide Haru through the Cat Kingdom all while helping her blossom into a more confident person.

Muta: The Cat Returns

The grumpy and sarcastic cat Muta (also known as Renaldo Moon) is a supporting character in The Cat Returns. He speaks to humans, walks bipedally, and is an unwilling guide for Haru. Throughout the film, we all fell in love with this lovable curmudgeon.

Calcifer: Howl’s Moving Castle

Everyone’s favorite bacon-burning fire demon Calcifer is a vital part of Sophie’s journey in Howl’s Moving Castle. Their lives are connected to each other, and throughout the film Sophie and Calcifer plot to break their spells.

Jiji: Kiki’s Delivery Service

In this fan favorite, Kiki is a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service. She is accompanied on this journey by her magical sarcastic black cat, Jiji. Throughout the film he helps Kiki discover who she is, often provoking her immature side.

Shōkichi: Pom Poko

One of the main protagonists in Pom Poko, Shōkichi is an adorable brown-furred tanuki who can transform into a human. Unlike his father, who despised humans, Shōkichi is curious and wants to understand them. His curiosity allows him to have a more dynamic perspective of the world.

Totoro: My Neighbor Totoro

Arguably one of the most recognizable figures in animation, Totoro or torōru is a forest spirit found in My Neighbor Totoro. He appears when Mei and Satsuki need him most, offering a much-needed escape from the realities of life.

Join us in theaters nationwide for Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 to see these enchanting creatures on the big screen.