In celebration of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, animation fans across North America are in for a treat. Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 is back with an exciting program of eight beloved films, curated by GKIDS in collaboration with Fathom Events. For the first time since its initial theatrical release, Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron joins the lineup, offering fans another opportunity to experience the Oscar-winning masterpiece on the big screen.
The magic of Ghibli returns to theaters with timeless favorites
This year’s festival doesn’t just spotlight the studio’s newest triumph. It also honors the legacy of co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata with selections such as the heart-wrenching Grave of the Fireflies and fan-favorite classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Spirited Away. Also marking a milestone is Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s The Secret World of Arrietty, which celebrates its 15th anniversary with special screenings.
Audiences will have the choice of watching each film in both the original Japanese with subtitles and English dubbed versions. In addition to the films themselves, the screenings will include never-before-seen bonus content, making each showing a unique event.
Where and when to catch the screenings across the U.S.
Tickets are now available through major platforms like FathomEntertainment.com, GhibliFest.com, and participating theater box offices. As always, it’s best to check your local listings for availability and specific times, as participating venues may vary.
Here’s a quick look at the full 2025 Studio Ghibli Fest schedule:
| Film Title | Dates (DUB) | Dates (SUB) |
|---|---|---|
| Kiki’s Delivery Service | May 17, 18, 21 | May 19, 20 |
| The Secret World of Arrietty (15th Anniversary) | June 22, 24 | June 23 |
| My Neighbor Totoro | July 19, 20, 23 | July 21, 22 |
| Grave of the Fireflies | — | August 10, 11, 12 |
| Ponyo | August 23, 24, 27 | August 25, 26 |
| Howl’s Moving Castle | September 20, 21, 24 | September 22, 23 |
| Spirited Away | October 18, 19, 22 | October 20, 21 |
| The Boy and the Heron | November 15, 16, 19 | November 17, 18 |
Collaborations and perks for Ghibli superfans
To sweeten the celebration, Hot Topic has teamed up with the festival to offer a special promotion: visitors who present their Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 ticket stub in-store will receive 25% off their purchase. This gives fans a chance to not only relive their favorite films, but also pick up official merchandise to remember the experience.
Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events, emphasized the importance of this annual tradition:
“Fathom has become synonymous with celebrating cinematic experiences beyond the ordinary, and Studio Ghibli Fest perfectly captures the magic of non-traditional film events.”
Similarly, GKIDS President David Jesteadt shared his enthusiasm:
“We’re proud to continue our collaboration with Fathom to honor Studio Ghibli’s incredible contributions to animation. This year’s inclusion of The Boy and the Heron makes the event even more special.”
Why Studio Ghibli Fest continues to enchant audiences
More than just a series of screenings, Studio Ghibli Fest has grown into a cultural event that unites generations. From whimsical adventures like Kiki’s Delivery Service to profound stories like Grave of the Fireflies, the films transport viewers into rich, hand-crafted worlds with timeless messages. The 2025 edition reaffirms Studio Ghibli’s lasting impact on animation and storytelling.
