Studio Ghibli Film Festival brings five fantasy-adventure movies to Philippine cinemas

Classic animated films from the Japanese company Studio Ghibli are returning to Philippine cinemas this April as part of the Studio Ghibli Film Festival 2026.

The weeklong film festival will feature films from animator and director Hayao Miyazaki. The lineup includes adventure and fantasy titles "Spirited Away," "Howl’s Moving Castle," "My Neighbor Totoro," "Castle in the Sky, "and "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea."  Each title will be shown in its original theatrical format during the festival period.

"Spirited Away" follows Chihiro, a young girl who enters a mysterious spirit world after her parents are transformed. "Howl’s Moving Castle" centers on a young woman named Sophie who is cursed and encounters a wandering wizard named Howl and his living castle.

"My Neighbor Totoro" tells the story of two sisters who move to the countryside and discover forest spirits and the cuddly creature Totoro. "Castle in the Sky" follows Sheeta and Pazu searching for a floating city tied to an ancient mystery.

"Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" focuses on a young fish who wishes to become human after forming a friendship with a boy living by the sea.

The acclaimed animation studio has produced over 20 feature films since its founding. Ticket prices are set at ₱275 in Metro Manila and ₱230 in provincial branches.

The limited screening will run from April 15 to 21 at participating SM Cinema branches nationwide.  The company has released the list of participating branches, with individual schedules varying per location.