The Movies You Can Watch During Ghibli Fest 2025
Every year, Studio Ghibli hosts their Ghibli Fest with Fathom Entertainment to bring these classic Japanese animated films to your local movie theater. You'll see familiar favorites, like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, and they also rotate their underrated efforts, such as The Cat Returns and Grave of the Fireflies.
Ghibli Fest 2025 kicked off in May with Kiki's Delivery Service. Below, discover every other screening you can still catch through December.
The Secret World of Arrietty
If you are searching for the perfect evening activity, The Secret World of Arrietty plays tonight (June 23) and tomorrow (June 24). They offered two showings of the English dub, featuring Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Amy Poehler and more. But anyone who prefers subtitles can check out the original Japanese recording this evening to rediscover how a young human saved tiny Arrietty and her borrowing family.
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My Neighbor Totoro
Starting July 19, you can watch My Neighbor Totoro at a theater near you, with both matinee and primetime showings. There will be two English subtitles showings and four for the dubs. In the English dubbing, you will hear voicing from Elle and Dakota Fanning, Lea Salonga and more. The film follows the story of two sisters who meet various wood spirits in their Japanese village. It's regarded as one of the all-time greatest films, so you won't want to miss it.
Grave of the Fireflies
You hear plenty about My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, but movies like Grave of the Fireflies don't receive the same flowers. Known for being especially heart-wrenching, this flick finds siblings Seita an Setsuko attempting to survive after the Pacific War. Bring your tissues because the strings of your heart will be pulled. Watch it in Japanese, starting Aug. 10 through 12.
Ponyo
Ah, does anyone else remember the era of Disney Channel when they'd promote the English dub starring Noah Cyrus and Frankie Jonas? If you missed it in the '00s, here is your chance to watch Ponyo's adventure to become a human girl. It's available from Aug. 23 to 27.
Howl's Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle is, by far, our top Studio Ghibli pick, and it will return to theaters on Sep. 20. Young Sophie gets cursed by an evil witch, but when the mysterious wizard Howl rescues her, she is determined to receive his help. Along the way, Sophie learns there is much more to Howl's nature than she initially realized. With this film, you can't go wrong with the English or Japanese dub. Both are spectacular, but the English version has Christian Bale and Josh Hutcherson.
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Spirited Away
Spirited Away will arrive again on Oct. 18. It's one of the most popular Ghibli movies, so if it's your first time, we'd definitely recommend seeing this one.
Chihiro and her parents are traveling to their new resort town. When they drive down a tunnel, they are transported to a magical village. Except it holds many dark secrets, including their feared leader. Chihiro must fight to find her way home, alongside the help of another boy, Haku.
The Boy and the Heron
Two years ago, Studio Ghibli released their latest film, The Boy and the Heron. Also taking place during the Pacific War, Mahito tries to find home in a new town. Then, a talking heron reveal his mother is still alive. Together, they must go on adventure to uncover the truth. It starts on Nov. 15, and you'll have until Nov. 19 to watch.
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