Studio Ghibli Fest 2026

 

Along with classic Disney and the old Warner Brothers cartoon studio, Studio Ghibli is one of my all-time favorite animation studios. And how can it not be? Their movies are possibly the best feature length animated films ever made. Not only this but they hold their own with any great live action movie for any era. These are true cinematic masterpieces and because of this it is always an event, when I can see a Studio Ghibli film on the big screen. Well, if you are like me, I have wonderful news for you. Studio Ghibli Fest is back once again. For those of you who are unaware, this is a series of classic Ghibli films that come back to the big screen (in most of your big movie theater chains) for a few months every year.

Here is a list of what is playing this year. 

Ponyo (2008)

 Legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki based this delightful children's fairytale on Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid. There is charm from start to finish in this extremely creative film. The story follows a little fish girl named Ponyo, who becomes a human when she meets a little human boy named Sosuke. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, her magic causes chaos when she comes to land. A pure delight for the whole family. Rated G

English Dub

Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, June 14 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, June 15 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 PM

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 

From legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki comes one of the greatest family films of all time. In this classic two young sisters move to the country to be closer to their sick mother. In the countryside, the girls meet a magical creature that they call Totoro. This film masterfully blends whimsical fantasy with slice of life storytelling. Few films capture the feeling of childhood quite like this movie. Rated G

 English Dub

Saturday, July 11 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, July 12 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, July 13 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM

Tales From Earthsea (2006)

The directorial debut for Gorō Miyazaki, this fantasy epic adapts the beloved fantasy stories by Ursula K. Le Guin. This underrated film is still exciting and a real visual treat. The movie celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Rated PG-13

English Dub

Saturday, August 8 at 3:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles 

Monday, August 10 at 7:00 PM

 

Only Yesterday (1991)

One of the studio's most heartfelt and poignant films. Directed and written by Isao Takahata. In this film a 27-year-old woman travels the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo. This movie takes a nuanced and deeply moving look at the power of nostalgia. This is a movie that will stay with you and cause you to look at life in a different way. Rated PG

 English Dub

Sunday, August 9 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM     

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Back in theaters for its 40th anniversary is one of Hayao Miyazaki's first masterpieces. This is one of the best action/adventure films ever made. In this movie, two kids go on an amazing adventure to the floating city of Lupita. Filled with larger-than-life settings and characters, great humor, exciting action scenes and a great use of fantasy, this is a pure treat. Rated PG

English Dub

Saturday, August 22 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, August 23 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles 

Monday, August 24 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 PM

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Back in theaters in a wonderful 4K restoration is one of Hayao Miyazaki's most complex films. With complex characters and thought-provoking themes, including man's relationship with nature, this is a powerful cinematic masterpiece that improves with each viewing. A must watch. Rated PG-13

 English Dub

Saturday, September 26 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, September 28 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 PM

Spirited Away (2001)

One of the best movies of the 21st century and one of the greatest animated feature films ever made, don't miss your chance to see this masterpiece on the big screen. Taking you into a larger-than-life fantasy world, while also being a moving coming of age story, this is a real 21st century classic. Rated PG

English Dub

Saturday, October 17 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, October 19 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 PM

If you wish to buy tickets, you can buy them here.

Movie Review: Earwig and the Witch (Âya to majo)

 

Note: This film is in theatres and on HBO Max.

Michael's Movie Grade: C+

Studio Ghibli's first CGI movie is an enjoyable family film but disappointing once you consider that it comes from one of the world's greatest animation studios. 

This is a simple and lighthearted film, it obviously isn't supposed to be Spirted Away and no one should except that. There is still quite a bit to enjoy about this movie. There is a real sense of atmosphere present and the witch's house is simply a great setting. The background art is simply fantastic. The humor while not laugh out loud funny, did put a smile on my face. The Mandrake is a great character and definitely grows on you as you watch the film. The rock band was a great idea (even if sorely underused) and brings some really charming moments to the story.

Our main character is a rather interesting departure from the normal sweet adorable girl you normally see at the center of these types of films. She is manipulative and always tries to get people "to do her bidding." This is both a strength and a fault. On one hand it is interesting to watch a character who thrives on control completely lose it and fight so hard to bring it back. Adding to this is that her attempts to get control back are quite entertaining. On the other hand since this is her main (and one of her few) personality trait, there is little really likable or endearing about this character. This would not be a problem if the movie didn't actively try for warmth. She is one of the main reasons that the movie is entertaining but falls flat when it comes to any sort of emotional connection.    

As stated before the lack of any emotional connection to our main character (or really any character) is the main fault of this film. However something that will also give this movie a bad reputation in many people's eyes is the CGI. While the design work and the animation are both quite good, the look of this film falls short of what people want for a Ghibli movie. The studio's hand drawn work remains a marvel and is often breathtakingly gorgeous. Those films can stand along with the best of any other studio. This first CGI effort though looks good but never stands out. The truth is Disney and DreamWorks CGI movies, simply look better and Studio Ghibli shouldn't take a back seat to anyone. This film also can feel a little rushed at times and the abrupt ending will leave many disappointed. 

All in all this is far from the studio's best work and will disappoint many, yet it is quite enjoyable in its own right.