Beyond the Aesthetic: What is this Ghibli trend all about?

Right now, Ghibli-style images are trending all over the internet. Everyone’s hopping on the bandwagon, generating their own dreamy “Ghibli versions” with AI tools — picturesque train rides, glowing forests, tiny cafés bathed in golden light. And yet, as someone who loves Ghibli, I can’t help but feel a little frustrated.

Studio Ghibli isn’t just an aesthetic. It’s not a filter. It’s a legacy of hand-drawn animation, emotional storytelling, and years — decades, really — of artistic integrity. Films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and Ponyo weren’t created in minutes. They were crafted, frame by frame, emotion by emotion.

When people recreate that style with AI — often without ever watching the actual movies — it feels like something sacred is being glossed over. It’s as if the original animators’ years of work are being turned into background wallpaper for a trend. The heart, the story, the soul behind the visuals are often missing.

We discussed this in one of our faculty-led sessions on Intellectual Property Rights and creative ethics, and it really opened my eyes. It’s not about gatekeeping creativity — it’s about respecting its roots. AI can be an amazing tool, but when it starts to mimic someone else’s legacy without understanding or acknowledgement, it enters a gray zone. And when people start selling this AI-generated “Ghibli-style” art? That’s when it gets messy.

Yes, the trend may be giving Ghibli more visibility. But what’s the point of visibility if it doesn’t lead to understanding? These films are rich with culture, emotion, philosophy, and visual poetry. If we’re going to borrow from that universe, the least we can do is engage with it — deeply and honestly.

Because Ghibli isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it feels. And that’s something no AI can truly replicate.

Trends come and go, but true art endures. As fans, creators, or even casual admirers, we have a responsibility to recognise the difference between imitation and inspiration. Studio Ghibli’s work is not just a visual style — it’s a philosophy rooted in patience, emotion, and deep storytelling. If we want to engage with that magic, we must do so with awareness and respect.

It’s easy to be swept up in what looks beautiful. But beauty without context is hollow. By taking the time to understand the stories behind the art, we not only enrich our own experience, but also honor the legacy of the artists who made it possible.

So yes, appreciate the Ghibli aesthetic. Play with creativity. But let’s not forget: some things deserve more than a passing trend — they deserve reverence.