Summary

• Studio Ghibli's magical characters and idyllic settings have left a lasting impression on fans and artists worldwide.
• Films blend fantasy with reality and draw inspiration from Japanese folklore, creating prodigious works of art.
• Characters like Totoro, No-Face, and Soot Sprites have become iconic mascots for the studio, captivating audiences.

Studio Ghibli has produced countless masterpieces since its founding in 1985. With Hayao Miyazaki at the helm of a good many of their films, there are distinctive elements that have become highly recognizable to fans. The worlds Miyazaki creates introduce magical and unique characters, as well as idyllic settings that leave a lasting impression that continues to inspire modern artists and animators worldwide. Many of his most recognizable characters, like Totoro, No-Face and the iconic Soot Sprites have all but gained status as mascots for the studio.

Blending fantasy and reality, Studio Ghibli films draw much of their inspiration from Japanese folklore, adding spiritual elements to create prodigious works of art. Many of the memorable characters from Studio Ghibli add a distinct element to the films that continually draws fans into the magical story and world. Beyond their masterfully illustrated appearances lies deep thematic components that create enduring memories. The studio's impact on the animation world will no doubt continue to influence future generations.

Updated on March 18, 2024 by Jenny Melzer: Studio Ghibli has given fans some of the most memorable characters, especially the giant, lovable forest spirit, Totoro. Fans recognize him immediately, linking him to Studio Ghibli and their vast collection of iconic animated films. This list has been updated to further explore some of the studio's most recognizable characters, as well as to adhere to CBR's most current standards for formatting.

10 Turnip-Head Had a Lot More In Common With Sophie Than She Ever Would Have Guessed

Howl's Moving Castle

In Howl's Moving Castle, protagonist Sophie Hatter is cursed by the Witch of the Waste, transforming her into a 90-year-old woman. Towards the beginning of Sophie's journey to break the curse, she stumbles upon a walking stick protruding from a nearby bush. After unearthing the stick, Sophie is surprised to find it's attached to a scarecrow, whom she comments has a head like a turnip.

After accompanying her on much of her journey and assisting her along the way, Sophie grows fond of Turnip-head. It would seem he has a lot of answers, and without him it's questionale that Sophi would have made it through her ordeal. At the climax of the film, Sophie appreciatively kisses Turnip-head, breaking his curse and transforming him into Prince Justin, heir to the throne of Ingary. While Turnip-Head is certainly memorable, he sits at the bottom of the list because there are several other Studio Ghibli characters who have received even more renown.

9 The Soot Sprites are Adorable, Even If a Bit Messy

Spirited Away & Totoro

Appearing in both Totoro (aka My Neighbor Totoro) and Spirited Away, Soot Sprites are fuzzy, golf ball-sized creatures. These magical spirits are conjured from soot and dust, and according to Ghibli lore, Soot Sprites are typically found in old abandoned buildings, leaving dust and dirt wherever they travel. Mei and Satsuki spied them while exploring their new home in the countryside, which had been empty for some time before their arrival. Chasing them through the empty house and into the attic, they were just a bare glimpse of the magic that awaited them.

In Spirited Away, Kamajī employs Soot Sprites to continually stoke the fire in the boiler room that heated the baths in Aburaya. They are required to work in order to maintain the spell that gives them life and are rewarded for their hard work with equally adorable star-shaped candies, called Kompeitō.

8 Catbus Is the Stuff Childhood Fantasies are Made of

My Neighbor Totoro

An undeniably memorable character in Totoro is Catbus, a giant, twelve-legged cat who transports passengers across the countryside unseen by adults. Catbus has two mice with glowing purple eyes for headlights and can travel to any spot requested by the passengers at incredible speed.

Satsuki and Mei first meet Catbus while waiting at a bus stop with Totoro for their father, Tatsuo Kusakabe. Towards the end of the film, Satsuki makes a desperate plea to Totoro to help find her lost sister, Mei. Totoro calls for Catbus, who excitedly takes Satsuki directly to Mei and ultimately transports both children to the hospital where their mother is a patient.

7 Baron Humbert von Gikkingen Was Beloved Enough to Warrant His Own Movie

Whisper Of The Heart & The Cat Returns

Another Ghibli character appearing in multiple films is the Baron, a well-dressed anthropomorphic cat who lives in an antique store and comes to life at night. In Whisper of the Heart, the Baron is a statue owned by Shiro Nishi, said to have lost his female counterpart.

His character became popular amongst Ghibli fans and eventually made his way into a much larger role in The Cat Returns, where he works for the "Cat Bureau." He soon meets Haru, the protagonist of the story, and decides to help her after being transported into the Cat Kingdom.

6 Calcifer Takes a While to Warm Up to Sophie

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is full of memorable characters. Calcifer, a self-proclaimed all-powerful fire demon, is responsible for powering and heating Howl's magical castle, though he is bound to his hearth. Calcifer came to being as a falling star, caught by Howl to prevent being extinguished, thus entering a contract with the titular character.

Calcifer develops a sympathetic affinity for Sophie, eventually offering to help her break her curse if she, in turn, helps him break his. Sophie is able to see past Calcifer's tough exterior, and their relationship evolves into a heartwarming bond. Calcifer is certainly a fan favorite, especially once fans get to know him alongside Sophie, but he lands mid-list in the rankings because some Studio Ghibli characters blow the competition out of the water.

5 Porco's High Moral Standards & Skills as a Pilot Make Him a Beloved Hero

Porco Rosso

Porco Rosso features one of Studio Ghibli's few non-human protagonists. Porco, a former Italian World War 1 pilot, was once a human but cursed to take the form of a pig. However, the beauty of his character is that he accepts his transformation rather than viewing it as a curse. The town greatly admires his skills as a pilot as well, looking beyond his appearance.

Audiences root for Porco throughout the film's entirety, aligning with his individualistic view on life and morality. His character has a steadfast opposition to injustice, denouncing fascism in a post-war landscape. He is a hero, through and through.

4 Kodama are a Sign of a Healthy Forest

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke is rich with themes of spirituality in nature, heavily inspired by Japanese folklore. In the film, the spirits of the forest are referred to as Kodama and are prevalent throughout to signify the forest they inhabit is healthy.

With expressionless faces and a signature abrupt head tilt, the Kodama in Princess Mononoke are hauntingly ethereal, illustrating the film's thematic elements. When Shishigami, the Deer God, is brutally slain, the Kodama begin to disappear, indicating the forest's deteriorating health.

3 Jiji Is More Than Kiki's Comfort Animal, He's Her Advisor & Friend

Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service follows Kiki, a young witch-in-training, who leaves her home to travel to Koriko, a peaceful port village. Once there, Kiki seeks to set out on her own, a tradition for young witches. She brings along her trusted companion, Jiji, a talking black cat who advises Kiki and provides emotional support throughout her journey.

Jiji also acts as the voice of reason in the film, guiding Kiki when she faces uncertainty. A particularly memorable scene involves the cheeky Jiji befriending an elderly dog affectionately named Jeff.

2 No-Face May Look Creepy, but He's Really Just Lonely

Spirited Away

No-Face, a haunting and iconic character from Spirited Away, is one of Studio Ghibli's most recognizable characters, second only to Totoro. No-Face shadows Chihiro for much of the film, often seeking her approval for his actions. They first meet when Chirhiro crosses the bridge to the Bathhouse with Haku near the film's beginning.

Chihiro, assuming No-Face is a patron of the Bathhouse, invites him in from the rain, bolstering his fascination with her character. He soon makes it his goal to please Chihiro, giving her a bath token and offering gold and food. Frustrated by rejection from Chihiro, he begins swallowing employees amassing enormous size. Chihiro offers the remainder of her enchanted dumpling, eventually returning No-Face to his original form.

1 Totoro is Studio Ghibli's Most Recognizable and Beloved Characters

My Neighbor Totoro

Fans of Studio Ghibli would be hard-pressed to find a more memorable character than the studio's official mascot, Totoro. The timeless classic, Totoro/My Neighbor Totoro, alludes to the relationship between Shintoism and nature, represented in Totoro, the spirit of the forest. More than just an animistic being, Totoro is, at his core, a protector. He safeguards the forest, evoking a spiritual bond with his surroundings. For Mei and Satsuki, the film's protagonists, Totoro represents a god-like entity and a benevolent spirit to turn to in times of need.

For two little girls in an uncertain time, Totoro provides a sense of comfort and respite from their worries, which is possibly why fans love him so much. He is a very comforting character, even as he snores and roars so loudly, it shakes the earth. Totoro is such an iconic symbol of Studio Ghibli, he's highly recognizable even to fans who have never seen the movie. He's even made appearances in other works, sometimes as a stuffed animal, and other times on the cover of a book. There is no doubt that Totoro is Studio Ghibli's most recognizable and beloved character, and he's more than earned his spot at the top of the list.