Studio Ghibli is an acclaimed anime studio that has produced dozens of legendary films. The house built by director Hayao Miyazaki is often compared to Disney for how its films have defined the animation industry. Yet, rewatching some of these films can come with a share of unexpected downsides that may make repeated viewings less enjoyable than the initial experience.
It might be that the surprises don't hit as hard when the audience already knows what to expect, or that the films may feel a little dated when compared to modern stories. No matter the reasoning, it's best to be prepared for these potential downsides to rewatching beloved Ghibli classics.
10 It’ll Make Viewers Feel Sad All Over Again
Hayao Miyazaki has a knack for creating stories that evoke raw emotion in viewers. They can be fantastical but also deeply personal, and many of them have tear-jerking moments for even the most cynical of anime watchers.
Rewatching a story can often lessen the impact because the viewer knows what is going to happen. But, in the case of a Ghibli film, a fan would also be subjecting themselves to an emotional rollercoaster all over again.
9 It Becomes Easier To Notice The Art Style Similarities Between Films
Anime fans who watch a Ghibli film will often go on to watch others from the studio. That speaks to the high quality of each individual film and the strong impression they leave on people.
After seeing enough films though, a Ghibli fan may start to notice that they all share a similar art style. That feeling becomes even more pronounced upon rewatching a Ghibli film and realizing how similar a beloved character looks to other Ghibli characters.
8 Deciding Between Sub And Dub Is A Hard Choice
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Anime fans have been debating about whether it's better to watch anime in its original Japanese language with subtitles or in its English dubbed form. Ultimately, it's a choice determined by personal preference, but there are anime that fans can clearly point to where one choice is superior to the other.
In the case of Ghibli films, both options are equally viable. That makes it even harder to decide how to enjoy a favorite Ghibli film during a rewatch.
7 The Missing Music Might Stand Out More
Many Ghibli films tell stories that are somewhat old-fashioned but have a charmingly pure and classic feeling. However, this method of storytelling also comes with drawbacks, including a directing style that is rooted in older ideas.
Scenes can sometimes feel like they are missing an important piece of music that would have elevated the moment. An example of this is one of the final scenes of Kiki’s Delivery Service, which feels a little empty without the use of music. When rewatching a Ghibli film, these minor nit-picks become more noticeable.
6 There Is A Strong Focus On Japanese Folklore In Some Ghibli Movies
Studio Ghibli has a remarkable record of producing films that are appropriate for all ages, genders, and cultures. That said, the studio does sometimes delve deeper into tales that depend on knowledge of Japanese folklore to appreciate.
Films like Pom Poko can be enjoyed by all, but those who are aware of the Japanese folklore surrounding Japanese raccoon dogs can gain a deeper level of appreciation. The same applies to films like Spirited Away, which can be enjoyed even more by viewers who already have an understanding of its Japanese folklore references.
5 The Pacing Can Feel A Bit Off Compared To Modern Anime Movies
By and large, Ghibli films are a product of their time. There is a certain classic and timeless quality to them, but it can also result in a strange feeling compared to more modern anime films. The biggest example of this is how different the pacing can feel in Ghibli films.
Oftentimes, scenes will hang for longer than a viewer might expect, as the films want the audience to soak in the moment with a character or an environmental shot.
4 It’s Harder To Be Surprised By Any Plot Points On A Rewatch
An obvious downside to rewatching almost anything is that the audience already knows how the story will unfold. As a result, any twists or surprises that the viewer already knows are coming have less of an impact.
A strong story should hold up regardless of these factors, but there's just something special about watching a Ghibli film for the first time and not knowing what wonderful surprises lie in store.
3 Audiences Change Their Preferences Over Time
Everyone has a preference for enjoying different types of content. As time passes, people can often find that those preferences can change as well.
A Ghibli film that the viewer once loved as a child might be something that the person no longer cares for when rewatching it as an adult. This is no fault of the film itself, but rather a natural change in viewers' preferences over time.
2 Some of the Ghibli Movies May Have Aged Poorly
Simply put, most of the films produced by Studio Ghibli are old when compared to modern anime films. A lot of Ghibli films were made in past decades, and they might contain story beats that focus on things that are no longer relevant to a modern audience.
Some jokes may have not stood the test of time, and some scenes that were intended to provide breathtaking vistas may not hold the same wow factor as they did upon the initial release.
1 There Is Less Community Discussion To Be Had
One of the perks of watching a recent anime film or a seasonal anime is that there is a true sense of community forming around these stories. Fans take to social media to share their love of these stories, theorize about future plot points, and produce hilarious memes.
Yet, the older nature of many Ghibli films means that they are often not in the current conversation. So, even after enjoying rewatching a Ghibli film, a viewer might find that they have very few people with whom they can discuss it with.