Natalie Portman Names Spirited Away Her Favorite Studio Ghibli Film
Introduction
At TIFF 2025, Natalie Portman, acclaimed actress and producer, shared her admiration for Studio Ghibli by revealing Spirited Away as her favorite film from the legendary animation studio. This announcement comes as excitement builds around her upcoming animated sci-fi project, Arco, produced through her company MountainA. Portman’s choice highlights the global influence of Ghibli’s storytelling, sparking fan debates and renewed interest in anime classics.
Why Spirited Away Stands Out
Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 2001, follows young Chihiro as she navigates a magical spirit world. The film explores:
- Identity and personal growth
- Environmental awareness
- Hand-drawn animation mastery
It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, remaining the only hand-drawn anime to receive this honor. Portman’s endorsement resonates with fans, emphasizing both its accessibility and timeless appeal.
Natalie Portman says ‘SPIRITED AWAY’ is her favorite Studio Ghibli film.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 10, 2025
(Source: https://t.co/G4JrThGUjK) pic.twitter.com/Idosljrms8
Portman and Arco: Ghibli Inspiration in Action
During a Collider.com interview, Portman discussed her latest project, Arco, with director Ugo Bienvenu. The film draws heavily on Miyazaki’s influence while blending American, European, and Japanese animation styles. Arco tells the story of a 10-year-old boy traveling to 2075, exploring climate change, technology, and human responsibility. Portman voices a key character, alongside stars like Will Ferrell and Mark Ruffalo.
Online Fan Reactions
The tweet revealing Portman’s favorite Ghibli film garnered over 15,000 likes and hundreds of replies. Fans expressed a mix of agreement and playful debate:
- Many praised her choice as “real” and “perfect.”
- Others suggested alternatives like Princess Mononoke or My Neighbor Totoro.
- GIFs, memes, and discussions about streaming availability (Prime, Max) highlighted the film’s cultural resonance.
Upcoming Projects Highlighted by Portman
In addition to Arco, Portman discussed:
- The Gallerist: A satirical art-world comedy directed by Cathy Yan, starring Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones, releasing next year.
- Good Sex: Directed by Lena Dunham, set for 2026.
These projects reflect her commitment to socially conscious and innovative storytelling.
FAQs
Q1: Where can I watch Spirited Away?
A1: Spirited Away is available on streaming platforms like Max and select digital rental services.
Q2: What is Arco about?
A2: Arco is an animated sci-fi adventure about a boy traveling to 2075 to retrieve lost information, exploring climate change and humanity’s future.
Q3: Who voices characters in Arco?
A3: Natalie Portman, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg, and Flea are part of the voice cast.
Q4: Why did Portman choose Spirited Away?
A4: She admires its magical storytelling, hand-drawn animation, and timeless themes, aligning with her inspiration for Arco.
Conclusion
Natalie Portman’s preference for Spirited Away underscores the enduring impact of Studio Ghibli on global audiences and Hollywood creatives. By connecting her admiration for Miyazaki’s work with her own projects like Arco, Portman bridges East and West, showcasing animation as both an art form and a tool for social reflection. Fans are reminded of Ghibli’s magic while anticipating a fresh wave of thoughtful storytelling from Portman’s productions. Ultimately, this highlights how timeless stories continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers, emphasizing the intellectual and cultural value of animated cinema.
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