Why Spirited Away Still Captivates Japan After 24 Years

It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away first hit screens, but if you’re after proof that Japan’s not letting go of this classic any time soon, just look at the latest rental stats. Despite a constant stream of new anime blockbusters, locals are still reaching for Chihiro’s bathhouse adventure like it’s brand new. The numbers for 2025 are in, and they’re as clear as day—this film’s not going anywhere.

Spirited Away Leads the Pack in 2025

Let’s get straight to the point: Spirited Away is still the most-rented Studio Ghibli title across Japan in 2025. That’s right—24 years on, it’s outpacing fresh releases and the latest Blu-ray hits, holding its ground as the undefeated champ. This isn’t just a hunch, either. The data comes from Geo Corporation, which runs over 900 stores nationwide, so it’s a solid snapshot of what punters are actually watching.

Here’s how the top rentals stack up for the year so far:

• Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary (2024)
• Detective Conan the Movie: The Million Dollar Five-Star Mystery (2024)
• Spirited Away (2001)
• The Boy and the Heron (2023)
• My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (2017)
• Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom (2024)
• Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales (2025)
• Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony (2024)
• Princess Mononoke (1997)

So, even with all the new releases, Spirited Away is still the go-to pick. It’s not just a film for kids, either—teens keep coming back to it, and adults seem to find comfort in it when life gets a bit much. Every time, viewers reckon, “Yep, this is still top-notch.”

Ghibli Favourites Outshine the Newcomers

What’s really striking is that Spirited Away isn’t the only Ghibli classic holding its own. My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke have also landed in the top ten, beating out much-hyped new anime with big promo budgets and flashy animation. Ghibli doesn’t chase trends—it sets them.

Even The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki’s latest, is still going strong after its Oscar win, coming in at number four. Meanwhile, Princess Mononoke, which once held the record for Japan’s highest-grossing film, is still drawing in viewers with its world of forest spirits and epic battles. Totoro, as always, remains the nation’s favourite fluffball.

Decades On, Ghibli’s Magic Endures

It’s not just nostalgia at play. These films have become part of the cultural fabric—something families share, mates revisit, and new generations discover. The staying power is impressive, especially when you consider the competition from modern titles with all the bells and whistles.

Here’s a quick look at how some of these classics are rated and where you can catch them:

Spirited Away isn’t just a popular title—it’s a cultural touchstone. It’s defined one generation and is now shaping another. Calling it a masterpiece almost doesn’t do it justice. It’s a legacy, an emotion, and, 24 years on, Japan’s still absolutely smitten with it.

Reckon any of the new anime can ever match the timeless appeal that keeps Spirited Away at the top? Let us know what you think below.