Scientists Confirm Studio Ghibli Makes Us Happier

Scientists Now Say Studio Ghibli's Movies Are a Cure For Sadness

My Neighbor Totoro yelling with a wide-eyed expression as he holds an umbrella.

By Evan D. Mullicane Published 19 minutes ago Evan Mullicane is the senior editor and founder of Screen Rant's anime section. Having started as a writer for the Comics Team at the beginning of the Pandemic, Evan was swiftly promoted from writer to editor, and then from editor to lead of Screen Rant's newly established anime vertical. Throughout his time with Screen Rant, Evan has made a handful of appearances at conventions such as Anime Expo and San Diego Comic-Con, and has interviewed some of the biggest names in Anime and Comics history. In addition to editing anime and manga articles for Screen Rant, Evan is also a science fiction and fantasy author. In 2018 and 2019, his short story "The Demon's Mother" won honorable mentions from the Writers of the Future contest. You can find Evan on Twitter @EvanDM and BlueSky @evandmu.bsky.socia Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Studio Ghibli films are beloved across the world, and new research suggests there's actually a deep psychological reason for that. Fans have been calling the studio's output therapeutic for decades, but that term might be more accurate than anyone could have predicted.

A new paper written by British researchers at Imperial College London suggests that Studio Ghibli films and open-world video games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be tremendously beneficial to mental health.

As part of the study, 518 participants were divided into four groups, one of which would get to watch clips from Ghibli films. Those in the group who watched Ghibli clips ended up reporting greater senses of calm, exploration, and satisfaction with life. Ultimately, the study concluded that watching Ghibli movies is a legitimate benefit to mental health.

This study shows that playing an open-world game, such as The The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and nostalgia evoked by Studio Ghibli films significantly foster a sense of exploration and calm in life, as well as a feeling of mastery and skill, and purpose and meaning, hence ultimately contributing positively to one’s overall happiness in life.

Studio Ghibli's Films Help Mental Health By Making Viewers Feel Secure

The Boy and the Heron Studio Ghibli anime featured image - The Boy and the Heron shocked

One thing the study does an excellent job of highlighting is the stress many young people face in the modern world. The study cites high expectations from guardians as a key factor in creating anxiety and a severe fear of failure among today's youth. This, according to the researchers, is key to explaining Ghibli's uniquely calming effect.

In addition to the feelings of nostalgia evoked by Ghibli's best movies, the study recognizes the positive effects of focusing on everyday moments and people. The pastoral aspects of Miyazaki's work, in particular, get a shout-out as an example of how film can make viewers feel secure and satisfied with their day-to-day lives.

Films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service often focus on the small, everyday wonders of life, such as playing in the countryside or sharing mealtime with family. By shining a spotlight on ordinary moments and turning them into something magical, Miyazaki’s works tap into a universal longing for the innocence and wonder of childhood. This kind of warmth can evoke nostalgia for times when people felt safe and cared for.

Though the research is based on good reasoning, and the results speak for themselves, it is important to avoid taking things too far. 518 people is a relatively small sample size, and the methods used (self-reporting through a questionnaire) are not exactly rock solid in terms of concrete data. Still, it's hard to deny that this research is another piece of evidence to suggest that Ghibli's work is a powerful tool for good.

Studio Ghibli Understands That Comfort Can Only Come From Pressure

Kiki's Delivery Service Studio Ghibli anime featured image - Kiki from Kiki's Delivery Service putting her hands up and looking shocked surprised

One thing that the research doesn't highlight is how Ghibli films balance tension. While movies such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Only Yesterday are famous for being cozy, they are also not without conflict. Yes, Totoro's Mei and Satsuki experience intense wonder upon meeting characters like Totoro and Cat Bus, but they are also dealing with feelings of anxiety over the health of their mother.

Even Kiki's Delivery Service touches on burnout and the difficulties of finding self-sufficiency at an early age.

Despite the tension these conflicts cause, however, Ghibli films succeed by giving the characters (and therefore the audience) room to breathe and process their emotions. There is a reason that one of Spirited Away's most iconic scenes is Chihiro and No-Face sitting on a train together. It is a moment of quiet contemplation where Chihiro gets to think of all that has happened to her and all that she still needs to do.

In a time where people are expected to be always on, Ghibli's work encourages people to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures. Based on the potential mental health benefits, it's clear why Studio Ghibli's films have earned such international acclaim.

Anime
Studio Ghibli

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