Studio Ghibli movies have captivated audiences around the world with their breathtaking animation, captivating stories, and memorable characters. But beyond their visual beauty, these films also offer thought-provoking and inspiring quotes that resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.
Whether you’re a fan of films like “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” or “Princess Mononoke,” you’ll find that Studio Ghibli movies are filled with wisdom and insight. These quotes explore themes of love, friendship, courage, and the importance of connecting with nature.
One of the most iconic quotes comes from “Spirited Away,” Miyazaki’s masterpiece. Chihiro’s journey through the spirit world is a metaphor for personal growth and resilience. As she navigates through challenges and learns to trust herself, she reminds us that sometimes, we must lose ourselves to find our true selves.
Another beloved quote can be found in “My Neighbor Totoro,” a heartwarming tale of friendship and imagination. Totoro, a mythical forest creature, teaches us the value of appreciating the small wonders of life. “Trees and people used to be good friends,” he says, reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Inspirational Quotes from Studio Ghibli
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1. “Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living.” From: Princess Mononoke |
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2. “Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear.” From: The Cat Returns |
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3. “Just follow your heart, and keep smiling.” From: Kiki’s Delivery Service |
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4. “I finally made it. I’m free from this place. I’ve won.” From: Spirited Away |
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5. “Don’t give up, there’s no shame in falling down! True shame is to not stand up again!” From: Porco Rosso |
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6. “No matter how many weapons you have, no matter how great your technology might be, the world cannot live without love!” From: Castle in the Sky |
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7. “Life is suffering and sorrowful, and yet, it is beautiful.” From: Grave of the Fireflies |
Quotes on Friendship
“It’s not just a simple thing – I still have fun with my friends now; it’s just that the nature of your relationships change as you get older. My generation – we have so many opportunities to meet new people and travel the world. We’re more mobile than our parents. The world is more of a melting pot. But human nature never changes. The friendships from your youth carry over into your older years, and change from location to location. I have best friends who go back decades. Friendship is something that transcends borders, like love.” – Isao Takahata
“I’ve become friends with Julian Lennon, and I want my daughter to be able to feel the same way. My movie appeals to Julian’s emotions. I know how hard it is being the firstborn and because I’m the last one I can protect her. I want my child to feel that Dad isn’t someone already distant. That’s why I made the movie. Rather than read all these books, I’d rather they see my movie any day!” – Hayao Miyazaki
“In movies, you have to add situations that are not in the original. I put those things that I like a lot – such as friends that heal and transform the heroine in some way…These things come from my own past. I find it intriguing to look back at the present, from a remote vantage point, but objectively. At the same time, I like to look for ways to help heal the wounds or ease the pain of a person who is still living life today.” – Hayao Miyazaki
“It is not necessary to forgive others when they do something bad to you. But, if you manage to come back to your position and to be tolerant with them, kindness follows. If you are such a person, the next kind of person that you encounter will also become a kind person.” – Isao Takahata
Quotes on Love and Heartbreak
“I’ve finally found someone I want to protect.” – Sheeta, Castle in the Sky
“I’ll be looking at the moon, but I’ll be seeing you.” – Seiji Amasawa, Whisper of the Heart
“Love is a war you never win, but you have to keep fighting.” – Jiro Horikoshi, The Wind Rises
“I can’t be home if you’re not there.” – Satsuki, My Neighbor Totoro
“Love is a wretched, wretched thing. I’m better off without it.” – Jiji, Kiki’s Delivery Service
“Maybe we’re both just waiting for something that will never happen.” – Taeko, Only Yesterday
| Character | Movie |
|---|---|
| Haku | Spirited Away |
| Howl | Howl’s Moving Castle |
| Ponyo | Ponyo |
Quotes on Nature and the Environment
1. “The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.” – Hayao Miyazaki
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing our connection to the natural world and the responsibility we have to protect and care for it.
2. “Nature is where we find solace, and it’s important to respect and appreciate its beauty.” – Isao Takahata
This quote encourages us to find peace and inspiration in nature, recognizing the value of preserving its beauty.
3. “Understanding and living in harmony with nature is the key to a balanced and fulfilling life.” – Yoshifumi Kondo
This quote reminds us that living in harmony with nature brings not only balance to our surroundings but also to our own lives.
4. “Every living creature is a unique and valuable part of our natural world.” – Hiromasa Yonebayashi
This quote emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect all living beings in order to maintain a healthy and thriving environment.
5. “Nature has the power to heal, inspire, and teach us important lessons about life.” – Gorō Miyazaki
This quote highlights the transformative power of nature and the lessons we can learn from its wisdom.
Quotes on Childhood and Imagination
2. “You mustn’t give up. No matter how hopeless it gets, you must keep going.” – From Kiki’s Delivery Service
3. “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” – From Howl’s Moving Castle
4. “Just follow your heart and keep smiling.” – From The Cat Returns
5. “It’s funny how you wake up each day and never really know if it’ll be one that will change your life forever.” – From Whisper of the Heart
6. “Remember, you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – From My Neighbor Totoro
7. “Life is suffering, but it is also beautiful.” – From Grave of the Fireflies
8. “Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance.” – From Princess Mononoke
9. “A heart’s a heavy burden.” – From Howl’s Moving Castle
10. “The memory of that summer will always be with me.” – From Only Yesterday
Quotes on Identity and Self-Discovery
Studio Ghibli films often explore themes of identity and self-discovery in their characters. Here are some quotes that touch upon these topics:
- “I feel lonely when I see your lip trembling and realize you’re about to cry. But… when I touch those tears, I can taste the salt on my fingertips. It’s salty. Your tears are salty.” – Howl’s Moving Castle
- “Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living.” – Princess Mononoke
- “Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear.” – The Cat Returns
- “You cannot alter your fate. However, you can rise to meet it.” – Princess Mononoke
- “You must have faith. Trust in your own true friends, and they will come.” – Kiki’s Delivery Service
- “You cannot change your nature. You must trust in your calling.” – Princess Mononoke
- “It’s funny when you’re with someone… and you’ve visted the same places… you begin to pick up on their mannerisms… and their way of speaking… you learn to love those things about them.” – Whisper of the Heart
- “Think ahead. Don’t be reckless.” – Spirited Away
- “Our memories are what make us who we are. They’re the seat of our values and source of our character.” – The Wind Rises
- “Just follow your heart and keep smiling. That’s what I always do.” – My Neighbor Totoro
Quotes on Courage and Perseverance
“I’ve become strong. Because I’ve had to protect myself.” – Spirited Away
“Even in the face of death, we must have courage.” – Howl’s Moving Castle
“As long as you keep moving forward, no matter how slow, you’re still making progress.” – The Wind Rises
“Don’t give up, keep going! You have the strength to overcome any obstacle.” – My Neighbor Totoro
Quotes on Loss and Healing
2. “I want to be able to cry. To be able to let out my feelings.” – Only Yesterday
3. “I finally get to see you. I’m glad.” – The Wind Rises
4. “I’ve just been so depressed… I’ll be okay. Just tears… Nothing but tears.” – Grave of the Fireflies
5. “Memories that you’ve forgotten. People that you’ve forgotten too. So many memories.” – When Marnie Was There
6. “You cannot alter your fate, however, you can rise to meet it.” – Princess Mononoke
7. “Life’s a journey that’s homeward bound.” – My Neighbors the Yamadas
8. “Even if you’re swept away, you mustn’t give up. I believe you all have that strength inside.” – Howl’s Moving Castle
9. “The wind is rising… We must try to live!” – The Wind Rises
10. “Don’t underestimate humans.” – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
11. “I don’t want to run away anymore… I want to find something.” – Neon Genesis Evangelion
12. “Whenever someone creates something with all their heart, then that creation is never truly gone. It may come back to them in a different form.” – Whisper of the Heart
13. “But people can’t survive without dreams. Always dream, even if your dreams are shattered.” – Porco Rosso
14. “Sometimes… you have to fight for what you love.” – Howl’s Moving Castle
15. “I’ve had enough. I’m going home. It’s time to end this war.” – The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
16. “No one could say where he went. What became of him? And as it always does, the legend grew.” – Castle in the Sky
17. “When you’re walking through a dark tunnel, the only way out is to keep moving forward.” – The Secret World of Arrietty
18. “I was truly human. I wasn’t dreaming.” – Akira
19. “Believe in yourself.” – Ponyo
20. “Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire