For many years, Studio Ghibli has brought beautiful, animated pictures to many screens for fans and audiences around the world. Their fascinating, varied plots and iconic characters have stolen the hearts of people who have had the pleasure of experiencing these commercially and critically successful anime films.

Quite a great deal of these films are centered around a romantic plot or have given characters persisting love interests over the course of the narrative. These relationships are amazingly well-written and are considered very endearing by many. Some of the most renowned, inspiring anime romances have been born from Studio Ghibli.

Updated by Alan A. Mehanna, on March 7, 2024: This list has been updated to adhere to CBR's most recent standards for formatting.

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Spoilers ahead!

20 Marnie & Anna Were Almost LGBTQ+ Representation

When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There centers around the loving bond of two young girls, and for most of the film, viewers could argue that their relationship is romantic in nature. After protagonist Anna discovers an old abandoned mansion, she meets Marnie, a mysterious girl who seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Soon after their meeting, Anna and Marnie become inseparable, forming a close bond that often walks the fine line between friendship and romance.

However, any hope of a true romantic relationship between them is extinguished by the end of the film, when it's revealed that Marnie was the ghost of Anna's departed grandmother all along. Though this twist removes any sort of romantic subtext between them, Marnie and Anna still make for an iconic pair that fans adore.

When Marnie Was there Studio Ghible film poster
When Marnie Was There
PG
Drama
Family
Psychological

Anna, a shy 12-year-old girl, is sent to spend time with her aunt and uncle who live in the countryside, where she meets Marnie. The two become best friends. But Anna gradually discovers that Marnie is not quite who she appears to be.

Director
Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Release Date
August 7, 2015
Cast
Nanako Matsushima , Yûko Kaida , Toshie Negishi , Susumu Terajima , Kasumi Arimura , Sara Takatsuki , Hailee Steinfeld , Kiernan Shipka , Grey Griffin
Writers
Keiko Niwa , Masashi Andō
Runtime
103 minutes
Main Genre
Anime
Where to watch
Max
Studio(s)
Studio Ghibli
Distributor(s)
Toho

19 Arren & Therru Grow Close Over Time

Tales From Earthsea

Therru and Arren from Tales from Earthsea holding onto each other and looking into each other's eyes

Tales From Earthsea may not be as popular as other Ghibli titles, but it still features some lovable and iconic couples. One of the most dynamic relationships in the film is the growing bond between protagonist Arren and the mysterious dragon girl named Therru. When the two first meet, they're far from romantic, and neither can really stand the other.

But as the story progresses and they come to learn more about each other, Arren and Therru slowly start to trust one another and grow very close. Eventually, they even fall in love. Though they part ways by the movie's end, they leave each other with the promise of reuniting someday, showing just how much their bond has changed over time.

18 Umi & Shun's Love Is Tied To Their Past

From Up On Poppy Hill

Umi and Shun in From Up on Poppy Hill

From Up on Poppy Hill is one of Ghibli's more underrated films, and it often gets forgotten by fans. However, it features one of the studio's sweetest romances. The story follows a young girl named Umi, whose life changes forever after she meets Shun, a reckless yet kindhearted boy from her school.

It doesn't take long for Umi and Shun to fall head over heels for each other, and their budding romance is nothing short of precious. However, they soon discover a shocking connection between their pasts that changes everything about their love. From there, Umi and Shun's romance takes a dramatic turn that viewers could never have predicted.

17 Taku & Yutaka Seem More In Love With Each Other Than Rikako

The Ocean Waves

Taku and Yutaka look towards the horizon from The Ocean Waves

The Ocean Waves is undoubtedly Studio Ghibli's most underrated film, and many fans haven't even heard of it before. But for those who have, it's considered the studio's first and only queer film, even if by accident. The story centers around Taku Morisaki and Yutaka Matsuno, two best friends who both seemingly fall for the same girl, Rikako Muto.

But while the boys are supposed to be head-over-heels for Rikako, they seem to be far more interested in each other than anything. Their relationship with each other is far more compelling than any other, and many fans actually believe that they're the true romantic couple of the story.

16 Sparrowhawk & Tenar Have A Loving & Supportive Bond

Tales From Earthsea

Sparrowhawk and Tenar prepare a concoction in Tales From Earthsea

Arren and Therru may be the main focus of Tales From Earthsea, but the true iconic couple of the film is Sparrowhawk and Tenar. From their very first meeting in the film, it's easy to tell there's something between them. They already have a long history prior to the start of the movie, and it's clear they have a close friendship.

However, as the story progresses, their friendship shifts into something more, with romantic undertones that give them the feeling of an old married couple. By the film's end, the bond between Sparrowhawk and Tenar has grown even stronger, and they feel even more like a couple than the main romance.

15 Nausicaä & Asbel Form A Strong Bond Of Trust

Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a beloved classic, featuring Ghibli's very first couple. Though they start out on opposing sides, Nausicaä and Asbel quickly become friends, forming an unbreakable bond through their trust in one another.

Throughout the story, Asbel is one of Nausicaä's biggest supporters, helping her at any chance he gets. Though they are never confirmed as a couple, it's heavily implied that Asbel develops a crush on Nausicaä over time. Either way, they are an iconic duo and would make an awesome power couple if they ever did get together.

The poster of Nausicaa: Of The Valley Of The Wind
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
NR
Adventure
Science Fiction

Warrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
March 11, 1984
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Sumi Shimamoto , Hisako Kanemoto , Gorô Naya , Yôji Matsuda
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
117 minutes
Main Genre
Anime

14 Sheeta & Pazu Are A Classic Ghibli Couple

Castle In The Sky

Sheeta and Pazu from Castle in the Sky lying in the grass and laughing together

Castle in the Sky is the first film to premiere under the Ghibli name, making it the first official film from the studio. Like many films that follow, it stars a pair of young protagonists: a boy named Pazu and a mysterious girl named Sheeta. Though they've only just met, Pazu and Sheeta become instant friends, and their relationship is nothing short of adorable.

From the start, Pazu and Sheeta's bond is incredibly close, and the two often go above and beyond to keep each other safe. The true nature of their relationship is kept ambiguous throughout the film, but there are clearly some strong romantic undertones, making them an iconic classic Ghibli couple.

Castle in the Sky (1986)
Castle in the Sky
PG

Original title: Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta
A young boy and a girl with a magic crystal must race against pirates and foreign agents in a search for a legendary floating castle.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
Mayumi Tanaka , Keiko Yokozawa , Kotoe Hatsui
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki , Jonathan Swift
Runtime
2 hours 5 minutes
Production Company
Tokuma Shoten, Studio Ghibli

13 Haru & The Baron Are An Underrated Pair

The Cat Returns

The Baron rescuing Haru from the Cat Kingdom in The Cat Returns

The Cat Returns is one of Studio Ghibli's more underrated films, and many fans still haven't seen it to this day. Likewise, Haru and Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, known simply as "The Baron," have become one of the studio's most underrated couples. In this film, Haru finds herself trapped in the Cat Kingdom after she unknowingly agrees to marry their prince.

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While in the Cat Kingdom, Haru meets The Baron, who takes it upon himself to help her escape. Along the way, the two become closer and even begin to develop feelings for one another. Unfortunately, because they come from two different worlds, they can never be together, so they have to part in the end.

The Cat Returns
The Cat Returns
G
Adventure
Comedy

After helping a cat, a seventeen-year-old girl finds herself involuntarily engaged to a cat Prince in a magical world where her only hope of freedom lies with a dapper cat statuette come to life.

Director
Hiroyuki Morita
Release Date
July 20, 2002
Cast
Chizuru Ikewaki , Aki Maeda , Takayuki Yamada , Hitomi Sato , Yoshihiko Hakamada
Writers
Aoi Hiiragi , Reiko Yoshida , Cindy Davis
Runtime
75 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Producer
Ned Lott, Toshio Suzuki, Nozomu Takahashi
Production Company
Hakuhodo, Mitsubishi, Nippon Television Network (NTV), Studio Ghibli, Toho Company, Tokuma Shoten, Walt Disney Productions

12 Gina & Porco Only Have Eyes For Each Other

Porco Rosso

Porco Rosso and Madame Gina look posh from Studio Ghibli's Porco Rosso

Studio Ghibli has many unlikely couples, but the romance between Porco Rosso's titular hero and Madame Gina is by far the most unlikely. Though he may not look it, Porco is pretty popular with the ladies throughout the film. However, none can compare to Gina in his heart, and he always goes back to her no matter what.

In turn, Gina has her heart set on him as well, even turning down proposals from other men due to her devotion. Despite their obvious feelings, the two are never open with each other. However, it's implied by the end that Porco may have finally confessed, so there's hope that these two get the happily ever after fans long for them.

Studio Ghibli Porco Rosso movie poster
Porco Rosso
PG
Adventure
Comedy
Fantasy

In 1930s Italy, a veteran World War I pilot is cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
December 16, 1994
Cast
Bunshi Katsura Vi , Shûichirô Moriyama , Tokiko Katô , Akemi Okamura , Akio Otsuka , Michael Keaton , Cary Elwes , Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
94 minutes
Main Genre
Anime
Where to watch
Max
Studio(s)
Studio Ghibli
Distributor(s)
Toho

11 Fujimoto & Granmamare's Relationship Parallels With Ponyo & Sosuke

Ponyo

Granmamare, the goddess of mercy and the sea, meets Fujimoto in Ponyo.

Ponyo's Fujimoto and Granmamare are yet another unlikely pair to come out of the studio. While Fujimoto is human, Granmamare is a goddess of the sea. They couldn't be any more different, but that doesn't stop them from loving each other, much like the story's young protagonists.

Together, Granmamare and Fujimoto control the seas, making sure the oceans stay balanced and the world remains at peace. Throughout the film, their love parallels the budding love between Ponyo and Sosuke, proving that even though they come from two different worlds, they can still be together.

Ponyo Official Poster
Ponyo
G
Adventure
Comedy

A five-year-old boy develops a relationship with Ponyo, a young goldfish princess who longs to become a human after falling in love with him.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
July 19, 2008
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Tomoko Yamaguchi , Kazushige Nagashima , Yûki Amami , Yuria Nara , Matt Damon , Cate Blanchett , Liam Neeson , Hiroki Doi
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
101 minutes
Main Genre
Anime
Awards Won
Tokyo Anime Awards
Where to watch
HBO Max
Distributor(s)
Toho

10 Arrietty & Shawn Represent An Unlikely Pair

The Secret World Of Arrietty

In The Secret World of Arrietty, Shawn, a young teenage boy with a heart condition, moves in with his great-aunt. There, he meets Arrietty, a "Borrower" around his age who is about four inches tall. Over the course of the film, the two develop a deep emotional connection that seems very close to romance.

However, the two are from entirely different worlds, and in the end, Arrietty must depart along with her family to find a new home. The relationship between these two is less explicit than others in Studio Ghibli's library, but the care they have for one another may be interpreted as romantic.

9 Osono & Fukuo Are The Perfect Married Couple

Kiki's Delivery Service

Osono and Fukuo smiling from Kiki's Delivery Service

In Kiki's Delivery Service, the titular Kiki is a young teenage witch who leaves home to work at a bakery in the city. The owner of the bakery, Osono, and her husband, Fukuo, aren't the central focus of the story's plot, but their connection to Kiki allows them a little screentime.

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However, Fukuo and Osono's relationship as a content married couple is easy to fawn over. Seeing Fukuo dote on Osono during her pregnancy culminates in an incredibly heartwarming moment for the audience.

Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service
G
Drama
Family
Fantasy

A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
December 20, 1990
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Kirsten Dunst , Phil Hartman , Janeane Garofalo , Matthew Lawrence
Writers
Eiko Kadono , Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
1 Hour 43 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Production Company
Kiki's Delivery Service Production Committee, Nibariki, Nippon Television Network (NTV)

8 Ponyo & Sosuke Display Young Love

Ponyo

Ponyo floats above Sosuke in Ponyo

Ponyo, the main character in Ponyo, is a little fish girl who wishes to become human. The film follows her adventures in and out of the ocean, and it revolves around the sweet, innocent relationship she forms with a human boy named Sosuke, who lives on the seashore.

The romance between the two children is incredibly simple, pure, and could probably be viewed as one that is more platonic, like many other Studio Ghibli relationships. Still, the connection between Ponyo and Sosuke is utterly undeniable and grows even stronger when she is allowed to remain a human above land so she can remain with him.

Ponyo Official Poster
Ponyo
G
Adventure
Comedy

A five-year-old boy develops a relationship with Ponyo, a young goldfish princess who longs to become a human after falling in love with him.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
July 19, 2008
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Tomoko Yamaguchi , Kazushige Nagashima , Yûki Amami , Yuria Nara , Matt Damon , Cate Blanchett , Liam Neeson , Hiroki Doi
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
101 minutes
Main Genre
Anime
Awards Won
Tokyo Anime Awards
Where to watch
HBO Max
Distributor(s)
Toho

7 Taeko & Toshio Are Proof That Love Can Find You Anywhere

Only Yesterday

Taeko and Toshio sit on hay and talk from Only Yesterday

Taeko is a 27-year-old single woman visiting her family in the countryside in Only Yesterday. As she travels there and works in the safflower harvest, Taeko has numerous flashbacks to her childhood and reflects upon the person she has grown up to be.

Through it all, there is Toshio, a relative of her brother-in-law and a near-stranger to Taeko. Toshio helps Taeko work through difficult memories, and just as she is about to return to Tokyo, Taeko realizes that she was truly happy at the farm with Toshio. The relationship between them shows that love can always come without looking for it, even when it's unexpected.

6 Jiro & Naoko Break Viewers' Hearts

The Wind Rises

Jiro and Naoko talk on the stairs in The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is a film that serves as a fictionalized biography based on the life of Jiro Horikoshi. Horikoshi designed Japanese fighter jets in World War II and the movie depicts his journey through life, as well as the relationship which develops between himself and a girl named Naoko.

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The two fall in love and get married, despite the fact that Naoko is revealed to have tuberculosis, a sure sign of a sad future for the lovers. Regardless, Naoko and Jiro remain together as long as they are able to, resulting in a beautiful, emotional narrative.

The Wind Rises (2013) manga based movie
The Wind Rises
PG-13
Anime
Biography
Drama

Original title: Kaze tachinu
A look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
February 21, 2014
Cast
Hideaki Anno , Hidetoshi Nishijima
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
2 hours 6 minutes
Main Genre
Anime
Production Company
Studio Ghibli, Nippon Television Network (NTV), Dentsu

5 Shizuku & Seiji Defy First Impressions

Whisper Of The Heart

In Whisper of the Heart, Shizuku is bothered and annoyed by a random boy, Seiji, who has been checking out all her library books before she can. Seiji teases her relentlessly, but over time, they learn to respect each other a great deal. Eventually, Shizuku is even inspired by Seiji.

When Seiji leaves for Italy to practice violin-making, Shizuku fully indulges in her love for writing and creates a book. Their relationship begins with fun banter and ultimately leads to something more. What is most important about Shizuku and Seiji is their growth from their first meeting and the fact that they serve as each other's inspiring force.

Whisper Of The Heart
Whisper of the Heart (1996)
G
Drama
Family

A love story between a girl who loves reading books, and a boy who has previously checked out all of the library books she chooses.

Release Date
December 13, 1996
Runtime
1 Hour 51 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Characters By
Yoko Honna, Issei Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana
Production Company
Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network (NTV), Hakuhodo

4 Kiki & Tombo Depict A Realistic First Crush

Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki and Tombo smile and ride a bike from Kiki's Delivery Service

An arguably underrated couple in the Studio Ghibli universe, Kiki and Tombo's relationship in Kiki's Delivery Service is full of realistic behavior in terms of their young, budding romance. When Kiki first arrives in the city to work at the bakery, she runs into Tombo while he's with a group of his friends.

For a while, Kiki acts standoffish, as many young girls would. Tombo, on the other hand, pesters her, kindly but constantly. The two become obliviously flustered around one another, but eventually, they work their way up to being close friends and even go on an unofficial date.

Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service
G
Drama
Family
Fantasy

A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
December 20, 1990
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Kirsten Dunst , Phil Hartman , Janeane Garofalo , Matthew Lawrence
Writers
Eiko Kadono , Hayao Miyazaki
Runtime
1 Hour 43 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Production Company
Kiki's Delivery Service Production Committee, Nibariki, Nippon Television Network (NTV)

3 Chihiro & Haku Promise To Reunite

Spirited Away

Chihiro and Haku argue in Spirited Away

After her parents are turned into pigs, 10-year-old Chihiro is lost and alone in a world of spirits in Spirited Away. She has to work there and find a way to save her parents, and along the way, she meets Haku. He is revealed to have been the spirit of a river that Chihiro fell into as a young child, a river that saved her life by depositing her onto the shore.

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Throughout the movie, Chihiro and Haku save and protect one another from the dangers and entrapments of the spirit world. Although they go their separate ways at the end, Haku swears to find Chihiro again someday, solidifying the connection between them.

Chihiro poses on Miyazaki's Spirited Away film poster Studio Ghibli
Spirited Away
PG
Adventure
Family

During her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, a world where humans are changed into beasts.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
July 20, 2001
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Rumi Hîragi , Miyu Irino , Mari Natsuki , Takashi Naitô , Yasuko Sawaguchi
Runtime
125 minutes
Main Genre
Anime

2 Ashitaka & San Are A Power Couple — Literally

Princess Mononoke

Ashitaka and San in danger in Princess Mononoke

In Princess Mononoke, Ashitaka and San are both fierce characters who are skilled fighters. Set in a fantasy version of early Japan, Ashitaka is the Emishi prince who protects his people and eventually resolves himself to want peace for everyone, including the spirits of the forest. San was adopted by wolves, so she originally attempts to kill Ashitaka, as she is wary of humans.

Eventually, San grows to trust Ashitaka and fights alongside him. In the final moment of the film, San returns to the forest while admitting that she cares for Ashitaka, and Ashitaka tells her he will visit her whenever he can. These two strong, powerful individuals form a bond based on love and loyalty that is admired by audiences everywhere.

Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke (1997)
PG-13
Action
Adventure

On a journey to find the cure for a Tatarigami's curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
December 19, 1997
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Yôji Matsuda , Yuriko Ishida , Yûko Tanaka
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki , Neil Gaiman
Runtime
2 Hours 14 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Production Company
DENTSU Music And Entertainment, Nibariki, Nippon Television Network (NTV)

1 Howl & Sophie Find The Romance Everyone Longs For

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl Jenkins-Pendragon and Sophie may very well be one of the most well-known romances put forth by Studio Ghibli. Howl's Moving Castle introduces young Sophie as a no-nonsense sort of girl who has very low self-confidence at the start of the story. Howl, on the other hand, is shown to be a rather audacious and self-important young wizard.

During their adventures, the two butt heads, but they always make up. By the end of the film, the two realize their love for one another and they begin a relationship. The depth and significance of their relationship come from the way they're made better in each other's presence.

The cover art for Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle anime film
Howl's Moving Castle
PG
Adventure
Family

When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Release Date
June 17, 2005
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Cast
Takuya Kimura , Tatsuya Gashûin , Chieko Baisho
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki , Diana Wynne Jones
Runtime
1 Hour 59 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Production Company
Buena Vista Home Entertainment, DENTSU Music And Entertainment, Mitsubishi.