Studio Ghibli Fest is back to celebrate the studio’s 40th anniversary in 2025 with a lineup of fan-favorite titles. Studio Ghibli is one of the most globally influential and treasured animation houses in film history. With legendary filmmakers like Isao Takahata, Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli carries the torch for traditional hand-drawn animation, crafting masterpieces that have inspired audiences and artists for generations. The dates for each movie are now available, and they might come to a theater near you as GKIDS partners with Fathom Events.
Kiki’s Delivery Service – May 17-21
The high-flying magic of Kiki’s Delivery Service soars back into theaters to kick off Studio Ghibli Fest. It is tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon to learn their craft. That night comes for Kiki, who follows her dream and embarks on the experience of a lifetime. The light, stunning soundtrack makes this the perfect intro for new fans. This is one of my comfort movies. I’m always happy to watch it on the big screen when the fest comes around (again and again).
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The Secret World of Arrietty – June 22-24
The Secret World of Arrietty, based on one of the most beloved children’s books of all time, kicks off summer for the fest. This is Arrietty’s 15th birthday, but we can hardly believe so much time has passed since the initial release. In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live out of sight of humans. But when brave and tiny Arrietty is out gathering supplies, a human boy, Shawn, discovers her, and they begin to form a friendship that blossoms into an extraordinary adventure.
My Neighbor Totoro – July 19-23
When Satsuki and her sister, Mei, move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find that country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. This is one of the most recognizable and merchandisable of all the Studio Ghibli releases.
Grave of the Fireflies – August 10-12
It is only fitting that Grave of the Fireflies follows My Neighbor Totoro in the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 lineup, just like they did in the original release. These contrasting films were sold as a double feature, giving unsuspecting crowds a shock with the tone shift between the two. When an American air raid kills their mother in the final days of World War II, 14-year-old Seita and his 4-year-old sister Setsuko are left to fend for themselves in the devastated Japanese countryside. With food running short, the siblings can only cling to fleeting moments of happiness in their harsh reality. If you have never cried in public, this is your chance.
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Ponyo – August 23-27
This poignant, masterfully animated film is perfect for audiences of all ages. Ponyo centers on the friendship between five-year-old Sosuke and a magical goldfish named Ponyo, the young daughter of a sorcerer father and a sea-goddess mother. After a chance encounter, Ponyo yearns to become a human to stay with Sosuke and eat ham. My family loves this movie, so seeing it in theaters again is a highlight of our summer.
Howl’s Moving Castle – September 20-24
Sophie Hatter is cursed to take the form of an old woman after a chance meeting with the Wizard Howl puts her in the bad graces of the Witch of the Wastes. Embarking on an incredible adventure to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl’s magical moving castle.
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Spirited Away – October 18-22
On a long car ride to their new home, young Chihiro and her parents stop by an abandoned park that turns out to be a gateway to the spirit world. Chihiro’s parents become cursed, and she is put to work in a bathhouse frequented by creatures both adorable and grotesque. Stripped even of her true name, Chihiro must cling tightly to her slipping memories to reconnect with her mother and father and break free from this bizarre, dreamlike realm.
Spirited Away earned Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki their first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains heralded not only as a landmark of animation but also as one of the greatest films of all time.
The Boy and The Heron – November 15-19
The newest Studio Ghibli movie is closing out the festival just in time for the holidays. If you haven’t seen this one yet for any reason, don’t miss your chance in November. After losing his mother during World War II, young Mahito moves to his family’s estate in the countryside. A series of mysterious events led him to a secluded and ancient tower, home to a mischievous gray heron. When Mahito’s new stepmother disappears, he follows the gray heron into the tower and enters a world shared by the living and the dead.
You can find tickets for the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 through Fathom Entertainment to re-watch your favorite movie at a theater near you.
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