Why Spirited Away Still Captivates Japan After 24 Years

There are few films that manage to hold a nation’s affection for over two decades, yet one animated classic continues to do just that. Despite a constant stream of new anime releases, Japan’s enduring fondness for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away is as strong as ever, as evidenced by the 2025 rental figures. The data is both clear and rather charming: this 2001 fantasy remains the country’s comfort viewing of choice, undeterred by the passage of time or the arrival of fresh contenders.

Spirited Away Leads the Pack in 2025

While the anime industry is busier than ever, with new titles such as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Jujutsu Kaisen Execution making their debuts, Japanese viewers are still reaching for the familiar magic of Chihiro’s journey. According to the latest annual rental and sales rankings from a major national retailer, Spirited Away has once again claimed the top spot among Studio Ghibli’s offerings in 2025. It’s a remarkable feat for a film released at the turn of the millennium, especially when it continues to outperform both recent blockbusters and the latest home entertainment formats.

The full ranking, compiled from January to mid-November 2025, places Spirited Away ahead of both new and classic titles. The list includes:

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)

Spirited Away’s continued popularity is not simply a matter of nostalgia. It has become something of a cultural tradition: parents introduce it to their children, teenagers rediscover it, and adults return to it for comfort. Each viewing seems to reaffirm its status as a cinematic high point.

Ghibli’s Timeless Appeal Surpasses New Releases

It’s not just Spirited Away that’s holding its ground. Other Ghibli classics, such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke, also feature prominently in the top ten, outshining many of the year’s new releases. Even with the arrival of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest work, The Boy and the Heron, which secured an Oscar in 2024 and a strong fourth place in the rankings, the older titles remain firm favourites.

What’s particularly striking is that these decades-old films continue to outperform new productions, many of which benefit from significant marketing efforts, fresh fanbases, and the latest animation technology. Ghibli’s works seem to set the standard rather than follow trends, their influence undiminished by time.

Princess Mononoke, once the highest-grossing film in Japan with over 20 billion yen at the box office, still commands attention. The enduring appeal of Miyazaki’s world of spirits, curses, and forest creatures is evident, while Totoro remains a symbol of gentle reassurance for viewers of all ages.

Where to Watch and Why It Matters

For those interested in revisiting these classics, several are available on streaming platforms, with Spirited Away currently holding an IMDb score of 8.6/10. The Boy and the Heron, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke are also accessible, each maintaining impressive ratings and a loyal following.

Spirited Away, in particular, has transcended its status as a mere film. It has become a cultural event, a touchstone that Japan seems unwilling to relinquish, regardless of how many new titles appear. Its blend of magic, emotion, and originality continues to resonate, shaping both the generation that first encountered it and those discovering it anew in 2025.

It’s a legacy that shows no sign of fading, and one that prompts the question: can any contemporary anime ever truly recapture the timeless enchantment that keeps Spirited Away at the heart of Japanese popular culture?