Although the mostly-human protagonists of Studio Ghibli movies get a lot of well-deserved attention for their complex characterization and charming personalities, there are a whole host of non-human characters that also charm audiences in the same way.
Whether they're integral to the plot of the movie, acting as sidekicks and companions to the heroes, a hero themselves, or simply part of a film's enchanting world, the varied cast of non-human Ghibli characters make a memorable impact on the viewer and help to enrich the stories they appear in.
10 The Baron - Whisper Of The Heart (1995) & The Cat Returns (2002)
Making his debut in an underrated Studio Ghibli movie, Whisper of the Heart, the Baron is an anthropomorphic cat first introduced as a statue who becomes the inspiration for protagonist Shizuku's novel. The scenes featuring him were so popular upon the movie's release that The Cat Returns was made, where the Baron is one of its main characters.
The Baron's full name, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, is a nod to his German origins in Whisper of the Heart, and the character's charismatic personality makes him entertaining to watch. His commitment to helping Haru in The Cat Returns contributes to the fairytale-like quality of the story, and adds to the Baron's overall likability.
9 Totoro - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
An iconic character that has come to be a symbol for the works of Studio Ghibli as a whole by appearing on the company's logo after My Neighbor Totoro's success, Totoro is a large forest spirit who lives in the great Camphor Tree. He is often followed around by two smaller Totoros, Chu Totoro and Chibi Totoro.
Totoro's actions over the course of the movie, befriending and assisting young sisters Mei and Satsuki, have endeared him to audiences worldwide. His curiosity and considerations of the natural world enforce the movie's themes, giving the young girls a direct connection to the spiritualism of their environment.
8 Jiji - Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
As a sidekick to Kiki's Delivery Service's titular main character, Jiji the black cat accompanies Kiki on her adventures to another town as part of her witch training. Upon settling into their new home, he also finds a new companion in the form of a white cat named Lily.
Jiji acts as a familiar piece of home for Kiki in an uncertain new stage of her life, providing sarcastic remarks and trying to raise her spirits when she becomes unsure of herself. Interestingly, Jiji's personality in the movie's original Japanese version is very different from his dubbed counterpart, instead appearing as a far more humble and cautious companion. In both appearances, though, his fondness and loyalty for Kiki remain the same.
7 No-Face - Spirited Away (2001)
One of the spirits who inhabit the world Chihiro finds herself in during Spirited Away, No-Face is a curious and lonely spirit who causes havoc in Yubaba's bathhouse after absorbing the greed and corruption of those he comes into contact with.
Given that many of his actions are motivated by a wish to please Chihiro, No-Face's misguided deeds still manage to be somewhat endearing, even when they involve engulfing other spirits (helped by the fact that this doesn't turn out to be permanent). He's also shown to be highly intuitive and finds a calm life with Zeniba at the end of the movie that perfectly suits his true peaceful personality.
6 Calcifer - Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
A powerful fire demon and former falling star, Calcifer made a deal with Howl prior to the events of Howl's Moving Castle. Taking on Howl's heart, Calcifer keeps the castle running and heated from the confines of the hearth.
Speaking some of the most memorable Howl's Moving Castle quotes, Calcifer has a surprisingly sensitive side, despite the menacing facade he sometimes puts forth to uphold his demonic reputation. His contrasting dynamics with Sophie and Howl are delightful in their own ways, from Sophie's dismissal of his evil ways to his and Howl's history, but both enrich the story and the lore of the world.
5 The Kodama - Princess Mononoke (1997)
While the Kodama from Princess Mononoke are some of the movie's more minor spirits, their presence within the narrative is nonetheless an important one, as the creatures act as an indicator of whether or not the forest is a healthy environment.
At the end of the movie, the return of a single Kodama after their decimation heralds the promise of the natural world recovering after their land is healed. The Kodama's also make for a striking visual, and the clicking noises they make only serve to add to their ethereal nature.
4 Ponyo - Ponyo (2008)
One of Studio Ghibli's most likable characters, the titular protagonist of Ponyo is a goldfish who gains the ability to turn into a little girl. She has a great love for ham, and the new human friend she makes on land, Sōsuke.
Ponyo's wonder for the little things and her journey to become fully human have audiences rooting for her throughout the story, as she battles against the consequences her desires have on the balance of the world. Her sweetness and determination are heartwarming, as are the connections she makes with Sōsuke and his mother.
3 Soot Sprites - My Neighbor Totoro (1988) & Spirited Away (2001)
Also known as susuwatari, Studio Ghibli's soot sprites debuted in My Neighbor Totoro, living in the shadows of Mei and Satsuki's new family home at the start of the movie. They later also appeared in Spirited Away, carrying coal to help stoke the fires of the bathhouse, where they are befriended by Chihiro.
The soot sprites eat konpeitō, a brightly colored Japanese sugar candy, and are shown to be full of personality, as seen when both when they are fed, and in that they are happy to let Chihiro do their work for them. Their simple yet distinctive design also makes these sprites hard to forget.
2 Haku - Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away's co-protagonist Haku helps Chihiro a lot over the course of the movie, though he does keep some secrets. Although he appears initially as an apparent human, Haku is later revealed to be the river spirit of the Kohaku River with the ability to take on a magnificent dragon form.
Even in his human form, though, Haku has one of the most iconic Studio Ghibli looks, and it's this in addition to his interactions with Chihiro, as well as his struggles and resolve over the course of the movie that make him such a well-loved character.
1 Teto - Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)
Teto is a fox-squirrel that becomes Nausicaä's pet in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind after he's been found and rescued by Yupa. Though at first he is wary of Nausicaä, even biting her finger out of fear when they first meet, he soon becomes her loyal companion after she shows him he has nothing to be frightened of with her.
Teto's presence shows Nausicaä's constant consideration for animals and the natural world, and though as a character he doesn't have too much of an individual story, his presence helps solidify Nausicaä's personality and assists in the movie's worldbuilding.
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October 06, 2021 at 02:00AM
