Amanda Mendoza VanCleave eagerly marks her calendar for Studio Ghibli Fest. It is a treasured event for her, her young daughter, and her mother. They make it a tradition to attend each Ghibli movie screening at their favorite theater in Austin, Texas. Her daughter’s excitement is evident when the iconic Totoro logo appears, sparking laughter in the theater.
Initially discovering Ghibli movies on HBO Max, the family has embraced these outings as a tradition. During their latest visit to see Hayao Miyazaki’s classic My Neighbor Totoro, they donned matching Totoro pajamas, celebrating the moment as three generations together.
The dedication Ghibli inspires is widely recognized, and its cinematic presence continues to grow. Where many films fade, Ghibli’s persistence in theaters defies expectations. Every year, an expanding audience fills cinemas to enjoy these beloved animated tales.
Ghibli Fest, spanning from June to October, commenced in 2017. Movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Ponyo are not just occasional releases; they have become staple attractions. The festival is akin to an endless cinematic celebration, akin to Bob Dylan’s enduring tour.
Remarkably, Ghibli Fest keeps growing. In 2017, GKids and Fathom Entertainment launched the festival with five titles garnering $5 million in ticket sales. Despite the availability of Ghibli titles on HBO Max from 2020, recent years have seen record sales. The festival’s vast appeal draws old fans and introduces new ones, including children.
Dave Jesteadt, president of GKids, expresses surprise at the festival’s ongoing success. Each year, it breaks previous records, with ticket sales rising. In 2024, Ghibli Fest’s sales hit $16.4 million with fourteen films. Even as older Ghibli movies become accessible through streaming, the allure of theater screenings remains strong.
Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing for Fathom, notes a significant increase in the theatrical footprint since the festival’s inception. Initially offering screenings at 640 locations, it now spans over 1,100 venues. Due to overwhelming fan demand, some titles enjoy extended five-day runs.
Ghibli’s commitment to theatrical releases remains firm. GKids initially showcased Ghibli retrospectives in major markets and arthouse venues. Today, Ghibli Fest brings these beloved tales into multiplexes, reaching new generations who discover animated worlds beyond Disney.
Jesteadt emphasizes the importance of treating these films as ongoing celebrations, not merely classics to be preserved. As audiences grow, younger fans find entry points through movies like Ponyo or Howl’s Moving Castle.
Despite streaming availability, demand for theater screenings persists. It introduces a fresh audience eager to experience the films on the big screen for the first time.
This year’s Ghibli Fest includes screenings of Tales of Earthsea, Only Yesterday, the 40th anniversary of Castle in the Sky, a 4K remaster of Princess Mononoke, and a 25th anniversary showing of Spirited Away. Ghibli Fest remains a U.S.-focused event.
Miller expresses pride in the festival’s growth, highlighting its positive narrative amidst ongoing discussions about theater’s future.
Studio Ghibli’s influence continues through various avenues, such as exhibits and music tours. Yet, theaters remain central to the Ghibli experience, fostering community among fans.
Angela Lector, 27, shares her experiences of attending screenings and meeting fellow fans. She values the social interaction that theater viewing provides, an aspect missing from home viewing on platforms like HBO Max.
Fans often desire more niche selections from Ghibli’s library. Lector hopes for the inclusion of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in future festivals.
Ghibli films resonate across generations, offering universal appeal. VanCleave noticed a classmate of her daughter wearing a Kiki-inspired bow, sparking conversation. The shared affinity for Ghibli movies led them to attend a screening together.