The release of the Studio Ghibli Fest schedule is a memorable event for Amanda Mendoza VanCleave and her family. Each year, she, her 3-year-old daughter, and her mother mark their calendars to catch these beloved films in theaters. For the VanCleave family, watching Ghibli movies like My Neighbor Totoro has become a special tradition that brings joy and laughter.
The love for Studio Ghibli, known for its unique animation style and storytelling, is widespread among fans. While many discovered these films on streaming platforms like HBO Max, watching them on the big screen holds a different allure. The annual Ghibli Fest revives these classic films in theaters, attracting both long-time admirers and new fans.
Success and Expansion of Ghibli Fest
Ghibli Fest, organized by GKids and Fathom Entertainment, has been running for a decade. It started in 2017 with five films generating $5 million in ticket sales. Remarkably, its popularity has surged despite the availability of these films on streaming services since 2020.
Dave Jesteadt, GKids president, expressed surprise at the fest’s enduring appeal. He noted, “We keep waiting for the year that people tire of going to the films, but that’s not what’s happening. Every year, records are set, with grosses increasing.” In 2024, Ghibli Fest’s success reached a peak with 14 films earning $16.4 million in sales.
Growing Demand and Wider Reach
The demand for Ghibli movies has led to a significant expansion of the festival’s reach. Shannah Miller of Fathom noted, “Our theatrical footprint was about 640 locations. This year, we’re crossing over 1,100 locations.” The fest now includes longer runs for popular titles due to fan demand.
Initially, GKids and the Japanese studio aimed to host retrospectives in major markets to introduce these films to a new audience. The festival brought these movies into multiplexes, enabling younger viewers to explore animated stories beyond mainstream Hollywood offerings.
The ongoing festival tradition has broadened interest in Ghibli’s work. The release of the catalog to streaming in 2020 expanded the audience, with new fans wanting to experience these films in theaters.
Upcoming Films and Events
This year’s Ghibli Fest continues with movies like Tales of Earthsea, Only Yesterday, and the 4K remastered Princess Mononoke. The festival remains a U.S.-focused event, offering a positive counter-narrative to discussions about the decline of theater-going.
Studio Ghibli’s cultural influence extends beyond the cinema. Exhibitions and musical tours by composer Joe Hisaishi add to the rich experience of Ghibli stories. Yet, it is the films themselves that continue to captivate audiences in theaters.
Angela Lector, a long-time fan, reflects, “Being in the theater is so much more fun than being on HBO Max.” The theatrical experience allows fans to connect with fellow viewers and engage with the films’ enchanting stories.
The main feedback from fans like Lector is a desire for the festival to include more rare films from Ghibli’s collection. They appreciate the timeless nature of these stories and the human-like qualities of the characters.
For families like the VanCleaves, the festival offers opportunities to share these magical experiences with others, creating lasting memories.