Ghibli Fest was started in 2017 as a partnership between GKIDS and Fathom Events to bring Ghibli films to theaters every year. Not only were the all-time classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away featured, but lesser-known films from the studio that weren’t directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
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2022’s lineup is full of no-brainers and niche gems, and this detailed list will explore each film’s plot, production crew, and when it’ll be in theaters. As of the time of writing, Princess Mononoke’s 25th Anniversary has already been celebrated with a re-release, and Ponyo had a limited run as well. There are five more films on the horizon, and it all starts June 26th.
The Cat Returns (2002) | June 26 & 27
Directed by Hiroyuki Morita
Technically a spin-off of Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns tells the tale of Haru, a young girl who cannot seem to have anything work out the way she wants. When she leaps to action to save a cat from getting run over, she gets way more than she bargained for when it turns out the cat was a prince from a magical kingdom of walking, talking cats. With the help of a cat by the name of Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen, Haru tries to work through an inconvenient situation and maybe learn to have some faith in herself.
The Cat Returns may not have the grandiose presence of other Ghibli films made by creators like Miyazaki, but there is relaxed and easy-going absurdism that makes this film much-beloved by fans. And really, who can go wrong with a film with these many cats. The English version stars Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, and Tim Curry.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) | July 31, August 1 & 3
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Kiki’s Delivery Service follows young Kiki, voiced by Kirsten Dunst in English, as she moves to a town on the sea to live on her own as part of her training. Even with a magical courier business, she finds herself insecure, which starts to affect her powers, pushing her to confront what’s been holding her back to stand tall as a proud witch.
Anyone who grew up watching Kiki either wanted to be like Kiki or definitely had a sister who wanted to be her and honestly, who could blame them? Witches in fiction tend to be feared or hated, but the witching of this movie just seems plain fun and the entire film creates such a cozy and inviting world.
Only Yesterday (1991) | August 28 & 29
Directed by Isao Takahata
Only Yesterday is another less-talked-about Ghibli film that is a classic “city girl goes to the countryside to get a taste of the simple life” kind of story. The big twist is that she is guided through this journey by her younger self as she reflects on her time in the countryside as a young girl. It’s a story about childhood dreams and reconciling them with whom you grow up to be.
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Ghibli films that aren’t directed by Miyazaki tend to get the shorter end of the stick when it comes to being given their proper recognition. This is another title that many readers may not have heard of, or not heard as much about. It was dubbed more recently than other Ghibli films back in 2016, with Daisy Ridley in the lead role, alongside Dev Patel.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) | September 25, 26, & 28
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Howl’s Moving Castle tells the story of Sophie, a young girl cursed to become an old woman by an evil witch, which forces her to pursue the wizard in a moving castle, Howl, and ask for their help. The ensuing journey is a lengthy one as Howl, Sophie, and friends weather the war that is tearing apart the kingdom.
Howl is the kind of film that is either beloved for its visuals and storytelling or heavily criticized for not adapting its source material adequately. It’s certainly a story about a lot and perhaps the film doesn’t explore every plot point to its completion, but Howl’s Moving Castle still persists as a fan-favorite among the catalog. It helps when Howl is voiced by none other than Christian Bale.
Spirited Away (2001) | October 30, November 1 & 2
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
To the surprise of no one, Spirited Away is coming to theaters in the fall to mark the end of Ghibli Fest 2022. As undeniably the titan of Studio Ghibli’s catalog, it is a high benchmark for what the studio is capable of on an international scale and the power of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
The story is one most are familiar with. Chihiro’s parents suddenly turn into pigs, and she finds herself trapped in a world of spirits, where she has to work in a bathhouse for ghosts to free her parents and escape. With a strong sense of location, a stellar voice cast, and a rich lore behind the world the viewers are thrust into, it’s no wonder people haven’t been able to get Spirited Away out of their heads since it released.
MORE: BBC Children’s Network Acquires Rights for Ghibli Anime SeriesSource: GhibliFest.com
