10 Best Studio Ghibli Characters Of All Time

Studio Ghibli, renowned for its enchanting animated films, has given us a rich tapestry of unforgettable characters. From the lovable forest spirit Totoro to the brave and resilient princess Nausicaä, each embodies a unique blend of realism and fantasy that has defined Ghibli’s narrative style.

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Studio Ghibli characters navigate complex emotions and life-changing journeys, presenting viewers with poignant insights into themes like environmentalism, war, self-discovery, and the human spirit. Many of these popular and beloved characters have left an indelible mark on the landscape of animation. Let’s look at some of the best Studio Ghibli characters of all time.

10 Porco Rosso

Porco Rosso, originally named Marco Pagot, is the captivating protagonist of Hayao Miyazaki’s film Porco Rosso. As a former World War I ace pilot, he’s now a bounty hunter chasing air pirates in the Adriatic Sea. Uniquely, Marco is under a curse that transforms him into a humanoid pig.

His fascinating character arc involves grappling with his humanity, past, and transformation while skillfully navigating aerial battles. The character embodies Miyazaki’s love for aviation and exploration of complex human emotions, making him a standout in the Studio Ghibli lineup.

9 Kiki

Kiki is the youthful and determined witch protagonist of Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. At the age of 13, she leaves home for a year to establish her independence. Accompanied by her sassy black cat Jiji, she settles in a coastal city and starts a delivery business, using her broomstick-flying ability.

Throughout her journey, she encounters various challenges, including losing her magical powers, that test her self-belief and resilience. Kiki’s charm, vulnerability, and resilience make her a relatable and beloved character, symbolizing the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

8 Nausicaä

Nausicaä is the brave and compassionate protagonist of Hayao Miyazaki’s film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. She’s a princess in a post-apocalyptic world filled with giant insects and toxic jungles. Nausicaä is a skilled pilot, scientist, and peacemaker who seeks harmony between humans and nature.

She’s known for her unique ability to communicate with insects, particularly the gigantic trilobite-like creatures called Ohmu. Her empathetic approach toward the hostile environment and tireless efforts to prevent a catastrophic war make her a truly compelling character.

7 Seita and Setsuko

Seita and Setsuko are the heart-wrenching protagonists of Studio Ghibli’s film Grave of the Fireflies. Set during World War II, the film tells the tragic story of these two siblings trying to survive after their city is firebombed. Seita, the elder brother, struggles to care for his young sister Setsuko as they face starvation and homelessness.

The movie explores their deep bond, innocence, and resilience amidst harrowing circumstances. Grave of the Fireflies is a powerful anti-war statement, showing the human cost of war through Seita and Setsuko’s experiences.

6 Catbus

Catbus is a delightful and iconic character from Studio Ghibli’s film My Neighbor Totoro. As the name suggests, Catbus is a large, magical creature that combines the features of a cat and a bus. The body is a cabin, and Catbus has multiple legs, glowing eyes for headlights, and a tail for a rudder.

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Catbus can navigate any terrain with ease and speed. The interior is comfortable and warm, filled with soft seats made from its fur. Catbus is a helper and a transporter, symbolizing the wonderful notion of childhood imagination.

5 Howl

Howl is the enigmatic protagonist of Howl’s Moving Castle, a Studio Ghibli film based on Diana Wynne Jones’s novel. He’s a powerful wizard known for his eccentric behavior and vanity. Howl resides in a magical, walking castle, a metaphor for his wandering and unsettled nature.

He’s cursed by a witch, turning into a bird-like creature in times of danger. Howl’s character development, from a self-centered wizard to a selfless hero, is central to the movie’s narrative. His complexity and charm make him a captivating and beloved Ghibli character.

4 San

San, also known as Princess Mononoke, is the fierce and complex protagonist of Hayao Miyazaki’s film Princess Mononoke. Raised by the wolf-goddess Moro, she fights to protect the forest and its inhabitants from the encroachment of humans. San navigates the boundary between the human world and the natural world.

She’s known for her bravery, fierceness, and deep empathy for the creatures of the forest. San’s character embodies the film’s central themes – environmentalism and the delicate balance between nature and civilization, making her a memorable and beloved Ghibli character.

3 No Face

No Face is an enigmatic and captivating character from Studio Ghibli’s film Spirited Away. Initially a masked, silent spirit, No Face’s character unfolds in the bathhouse where the protagonist, Chihiro, works. He develops a fascination for Chihiro because of her kindness.

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No Face has the ability to consume others and absorb their traits and emotions, which leads to a terrifying transformation within the greed-infested bathhouse. Despite limited dialogue, the subtle complexity and depth of No Face’s character make him one of the most memorable figures in Studio Ghibli’s repertoire.

2 Chihiro

Chihiro Ogino, the main character in Spirited Away, is a young girl who inadvertently enters a world of spirits and deities. Initially scared and helpless, Chihiro evolves into a resourceful, courageous individual.

Throughout her journey, she works in a bathhouse, serving spirits to find a way to save her parents, who’ve been transformed into pigs. Chihiro’s story is a coming-of-age tale, and her journey from a fearful child to a brave hero is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, making her a beloved Ghibli protagonist.

1 Totoro

Totoro, from My Neighbor Totoro, is an endearing and iconic mascot loved by audiences worldwide. Totoro is a large, friendly forest spirit who befriends two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, as they navigate the challenges of their mother’s illness and their move to a new home.

With his furry exterior, large belly, and unforgettable wide-eyed grin, Totoro embodies the magic and innocence of childhood. Totoro’s kind-hearted spirit and the comfort he provides to the sisters make him a symbol of love, hope, and the enchantment of nature.

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