Ghibli Fest’s Growing Popularity in U.S. Cinemas

Studio Ghibli Fest has become a cherished tradition for Amanda Mendoza VanCleave and her family. Every year, they attend the screenings of Ghibli films in theaters. For them, seeing the Totoro logo is a moment of excitement and joy, as exemplified by VanCleave’s 3-year-old daughter enthusiastically shouting ‘Totoro!’ during a screening.

This tradition began with their discovery of Ghibli movies on HBO Max, but it quickly turned into regular outings to the theater. Recently, the family even wore matching Totoro pajamas to watch the 1988 classic, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Such heartfelt experiences highlight the unique connection fans have with Ghibli’s animated worlds.

Ghibli Fest, established by GKids and Fathom Entertainment in 2017, showcases films like ‘My Neighbor Totoro,’ ‘Spirited Away,’ and ‘Ponyo.’ The fest operates from June through October, essentially turning these films into ongoing cinema staples. Similar to Bob Dylan’s ‘Never Ending Tour’ in music, Ghibli Fest attracts long-time fans and new viewers alike, reflecting an enduring appeal.

Since Ghibli Fest’s inception, ticket sales have consistently climbed. The fest’s inaugural run included five titles that grossed $5 million. The festival’s most profitable years occurred post-2020, coinciding with the availability of Ghibli films on HBO Max.

As GKids President Dave Jesteadt notes, the festival defies conventional expectations. Despite concerns about possible waning interest, audience enthusiasm continues to grow, breaking records annually. Notably, 2024 was the fest’s highest grossing year with 14 movies achieving $16.4 million in sales, while eight films grossed $10.6 million in 2023.

The expansion of Ghibli Fest is evident in the increased number of screening locations. Vice President of Marketing at Fathom, Shannah Miller, notes a rise from 640 locations to over 1,100 this year. The festival has adapted with five-day screening periods for popular titles in response to audience demand.

The fest has helped introduce Ghibli classics to younger audiences. Jesteadt emphasizes the importance of showcasing these films alongside new Hollywood releases, preventing them from being perceived merely as classic relics. This approach fosters a new generation of Ghibli enthusiasts who might first encounter works like ‘Ponyo’ or ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ in theaters.

This year’s lineup features titles such as ‘Tales of Earthsea,’ the 40th anniversary of ‘Castle in the Sky,’ and the 25th anniversary of ‘Spirited Away.’ Ghibli Fest remains a primarily U.S.-based event, offering fans a positive narrative amidst discussions about the decline of traditional moviegoing.

Studio Ghibli’s cultural influence extends beyond film screenings. The Academy Museum hosts a ‘Ponyo’ exhibit, and composer Joe Hisaishi tours, performing music from Ghibli films. Yet, cinema screenings remain vital, sparking fan interaction and immersion in the films’ visuals.

Angela Lector recounts attending ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ dressed as Sophie and meeting other Japanese film students at ‘Princess Mononoke’ screenings. She highlights the interactive theater experience as more engaging than home viewing.

Fans express enthusiasm for expanding the festival’s offerings to include deeper cuts from the Ghibli library, such as ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.’ According to Lector, the films resonate with audiences by depicting human emotions and challenges relatable to all.

VanCleave shares a touching moment when she connected with another mom whose child wore a bow like Kiki’s. They bonded over their mutual appreciation of Ghibli films, leading to a shared theater experience with their children.