Christmas time holds a special place in the hearts of many worldwide. It is a time for gift-giving, loved ones, bright lights, and joy. Many anime fans eagerly wait for the Christmas season in hopes of getting that new PVC statue they've had their eye on or a collectors boxset under the tree.
But while you wait for the exchanging of gifts, grab a cup of cocoa and bundle up with your favorite warm blanket to join in on some Ghibli-related festivities. Here are some of the coziest and cutest Studio Ghibli films for the Christmas season.
My Neighbor Totoro
No piece about Studio Ghibli would be complete without mentioning the studio's mascot, Totoro. My Neighbor Totoro is the epitome of cozy, right down to his big furry belly and warm smile. The entire film is about the joy of childhood and the innocent wonder that comes with being little. This is juxtaposed with cute visuals and charming music as well as a story about the power of family and the togetherness that comes with it.
My Neighbor Totoro is the kind of anime where comfort and cuteness take place over action and drama. Whether it's going outside for star-gazing, enjoying a meal as a family around a hot pot, or a loving father telling his daughters about the spirits of the forest--My Neighbor Totoro shows the importance of taking it easy and enjoying the comforts of life. So this Christmas, snuggle up with a loved one and enjoy your time with Totoro.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Growing up can be a challenging time, and the eponymous heroine of Kiki's Delivery Service learns this the hard way after moving out of her parent's home to start her training as a witch. She also learns along the way what it means to make friends, find a place to call home, and how to harness the magic inside her. Beneath the underlying theme of a girl becoming a trained witch, Kiki's Delivery Service is about the beauty of living a simple life.
Instead of grand magical battles, spells, and monsters, Kiki's Delivery Services focuses on the joy of living in a beautiful city on the seaside or enjoying some hot bread pulled fresh from the oven. The entire ambiance of this movie has a homey and rustic charm that few films (animated or not) are able to achieve. Kiki's Delivery Service feels like a cottage in the middle of the woods where fresh gingerbread cookies are baking in the oven and chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. The perfect Ghibli film for the Christmas season. Oh, and Kiki delivers presents, the very essence of the Christmas spirit.
Ponyo
Although Ponyo is one of more action-packed and fantastical Ghibli films, there are more than enough cozy and cute moments throughout to warrant its placement here. Centered around a young mermaid who wants to be human, Ponyo is the film-embodiment of that weird but fun relative who comes over every Christmas. Sure, they seem out of place compared to the rest of the family, but you're always glad they show up.
Much like the Ghibli films mentioned earlier, Ponyo has moments of quaint charm and plenty of adorableness to spare. One scene that comes to mind is the titular character, Ponyo, and her love of ham. Her enthusiasm for pork and the, frankly, delicious way it is presented on screen is infectious. Ponyo will make the cooks who are reading this want to make a delightful ham meal for the holiday season and snuggle up with their family when it is all said and done.
The Cat Returns
The Cat Returns is a lesser-known Ghibli film, which is a shame because if there is one word that can be used to describe this movie, it is cute. Beyond cute, actually, how could it not be? It's an anime about cats! Adventure abounds in this Ghibli flick, but most of the charm of this movie comes from the slower moments, the kind of moments viewers will remember from childhood.
Many have had that childhood moment where they first meet a kitten as its little mews and purring melt their hearts. Aside from the adorable furballs that have slept on warm blankets in family homes or made many laugh via the internet, The Cat Returns reminds viewers of the importance of household pets in their lives. So for the feline in your family (if you have a cat, to begin with), maybe it's time to have it nestle in your lap while you watch this underrated Ghibli classic.