The animated characters ofStudio Ghiblicome in many shape , size , and levels of cuteness . While some are meant to intimidate , others add more wonder and enthrallment to their antic   moving-picture show .

These Studio Ghibli animals can be base on veridical creature — there are several Studio Ghibli CAT — rooted in mythology or purely young   creations . Regardless of appearances , though , the animal can play central character in a movie , often suggest at a deeper meaning in the story or   providing human character with more information about their environs .

update on June 5th , 2022 by Stacie Rook : My Neighbor Totoro has been   adapt forthe level in London , but it ’s not the only Studio Ghibli pic to have welcome the theatre handling , as Spirited Away also do to lifethis yr in Tokyo . In both cases , Ghibli ’s celebrated animals are   primal to the story , and take on new salient forms in this live - natural action arena .

imagery from The Boy and the Heron

Totoro - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

One of the most widely - known animations from Studio Ghibli isMy Neighbor Totoro . In the picture , co - protagonist Mei is the reference who first interacts with the animal , a groovy woodland spirit who live in a tree near her new countryside abode . Mei   then gleefully introduces Totoro to her older sister , Satsuki , and their founder .

Totoro acts as   an avatar of nature in the film and help Mei and Satsuki to explore and appreciate their surroundings with care . Often accompanied by two smaller Totoros , the emotional state has become the mascot for the Studio Ghibli company , exemplifying the studio ’s motifs of fantasy and environmentalism .

Calcifer - Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

InHowl ’s Moving Castle , Calcifer is a   fire demon who gain many demands but is never seen   as a very threatening or dangerous graphic symbol . On the reverse , his ardent personality leads to him becoming ally with heroine Sophie , who appreciate his skill , but is n’t intimidated by his declarations .

earlier a fall star , Calcifer was saved by the wizard Howl and figure into a contract with him . Though Calcifer can be chaotic , he has no malign intentions and is in fact one ofHowl ’s Moving Castle ’s most likable charactersthanks to his witty remarks and   the friendships he shares with those around him .

Soot Sprites - My Neighbor Totoro (1988) & Spirited Away (2001)

diminutive soot sprites , also called Susuwatari , can be seen in one ofStudio Ghibli ’s good movies , Spirited Away , mold for Kamajī the boiler man . They are under a spell to function by carrying coal to the burner , and they charmingly corrode konpeito candies for luncheon . Before this memorable appearance , though , the sprites were   also seen inMy Neighbor Totoro , hide in the attic before   get away from Mei .

Although they only make small appearance , the carbon black sprites make a big impact and add to the wondrous feel of their picture . They ’re also show to have a fortune of personality , playfully hold their employment when Chihiro helps them in the boiler elbow room , eager to slack off .

Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen - Whisper Of The Heart (1995) & The Cat Returns (2002)

Given a recollective name that echoes his knightly   character , Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen is really a statue of an anthropomorphic kat who wears a dapper suit . He first appear inWhisper of the Heart ,   in which his statue give Shizuku inspiration for her novel , then once more ,   as the movie ’s title suggests , inThe Cat Returns .

The Baron ’s presence in the 2d film is far larger , as the statue come to life and assists independent fictional character Haru on her journey into the Cat Kingdom . The Baron has a sincere yet stoic personality , which is contrasted to great event with his cunning appearance .

The Kodama - Princess Mononoke (1997)

The Kodama are tree   smell   that appear inPrincess Mononokewhen   the forest is healthy . Their comportment is come with by   a queer clicking noise as they tilt their heads , and they fade in and out of sight .

While their unusual aspect might   be a bit unsettling   for first - time looker of the photographic film , the story   soon prove that Kodama   are a good omen . The cute observer are base   on figure of the same name from Nipponese folklore , and Ghibli ’s Kodama help to reinforce the picture ’s environmental substance .

Ōtori-Sama - Spirited Away (2001)

The   Ōtori - Sama are giant duck / chick - like spirit   that call in the bathing machine inSpirited Away . Despite only sustain a modest scene in the film , they are very memorable , thanks to their fluffy   appearance and wide - eyed stare .

Servants of the god   Ōtori , these spirits take time to unwind at the bagnio , overwhelm themselves in blissful - looking waters . Some of thebest spirits   inspirit off , the   Ōtori - Sama are nonetheless of import as they show that not all part of the Spirit Realm are fearsome .

Teto - Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)

One of the early creatures created by Studio Ghibli , Teto is find out inNausicaä of the Valley of the Wind . A gift from   Nausicaä ’s mentor Lord Yupa , Teto is   a fox - squirrel who   usually perches on Nausicaä ’s articulatio humeri .

In malice of his sweet appearance , Teto was   initially ferocious , bite   Nausicaä ’s fingerbreadth as before long as the two fill , but   Nausicaä ’s calm reaction to the blast soon allowed   Teto to trust her . A loyal companion , Teto proves that   Nausicaä has talent when it comes to interact with wildlife .

Jiji - Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

The titular protagonist ofKiki ’s Delivery Serviceis accompanied throughout   her story by Jiji , her speak computerized tomography . Notably ,   there are major deviation in Jiji ’s personality   between the original Japanese - language and   dubbed   English - language version of the picture show .

In the dub movie , Jiji is sarcastic , talkative , and cynical , make water him a comedic character who balances out Kiki ’s determined personality . In the Japanese translation , though , he is humble and conservative , which passably bear on   the movie ’s tone . Either way , though , Jiji is one of the cutest cat quality in Studio Ghibli ’s history , with a simple yet memorable design .

Baby Boh - Spirited Away (2001)

Yubaba ’s son   Boh first appear inSpirited Awayas a human baby . A gigantic spoilt infant who sample to terrorize Chihiro into meet with him , the number is   one of manySpirited Awaycharacters with mythological source . In this cause , the inspiration was   Kintarō , a Japanese folks hero .

Initially selfish and demanding , Boh is reverse into a wanted small mouse by Yubaba ’s twin baby . He then goes on a long adventure with Chihiro , through which   he learns valuable life lessons , becoming more independent and caring . This change even top him to stand up against his female parent on Chihiro ’s behalf at the pic ’s climax .

Niya - The Secret World Of Arrietty (2010)

The Secret World of Arriettyfollows a menage of Borrowers , including girl Arrietty , who   struggles to keep her loved ones   secure while also explore the human world around her and learning to be independent . The movie ’s antagonists are the humans who might ruin their home , and ( it seems ) the family   cat , Niya .

To a Borrower , Niya seems   the ultimate baddie , with sharp fang and keen   hunting inherent aptitude . In bitchiness of early suspicion , though , Niya afterward turns out to be a   favorable cat who makes friends with Arrietty , later aid her   to reunite with her human friend Shō when their   family must flee .

NEXT : Which Studio Ghibli Side Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac ?

In a dusty landscape Finn stares out into the distance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Sidious, Tyranus, Maul, and Vader.

Split image showing Totoro, Calcifer, and the Baron from Studio Ghibli

Totoro walks in a field with two girls and carries an umbrella in My Neighbor Totoro.

Calcifer in the hearth of Howl’s Moving Castle

Soot sprites eating Konpeito in Spirited Away

The Baron as seen in living form in The Cat Returns

The Kodama walk across the countryside at night in Princess Mononoke.

Ōtori-Sama

Teto stands on Nausicaa’s shoulder

Jiji points at a mug that has his likeness on in Kiki’s Delivery Service

Boh in mouse form flying with Yubaba’s tiny bird

Niya from Arrietty curled up on Sho’s stomach

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