If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the phrase “Ghibli style” or seen dreamy, hand-drawn animations paired with lo-fi music.
But what exactly is the Ghibli style trend, and why is everyone talking about it?
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know—from its magical roots in animation to how it’s influencing design, fashion, and digital aesthetics in 2025.
What Is the Ghibli Style?
The Ghibli style refers to the distinct, dreamy visual and storytelling aesthetic inspired by Studio Ghibli, the legendary Japanese animation studio behind hits like:
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Spirited Away
- Howl’s Moving Castle
- Princess Mononoke
Founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is known for its beautiful hand-drawn art, rich storytelling, and whimsical worlds that blend fantasy and reality.
Today, “Ghibli style” has become a viral aesthetic—inspiring everything from animations and illustrations to home decor and social media content.
Why Is the Ghibli Style Trend Blowing Up in 2025?
Here’s why this nostalgic aesthetic is going viral again:
✅ Comfort in Chaos: In a fast-paced world, the calm and cozy Ghibli vibe offers emotional escape.
✅ Nature & Simplicity: Ghibli’s deep love for nature resonates with a generation craving minimalism and meaning.
✅ Lo-Fi & Visual ASMR: Ghibli-style loops paired with relaxing music have become internet gold.
✅ AI + Animation: New tools like AI animation generators make it easier than ever to create Ghibli-inspired visuals.
Key Features of the Ghibli Style Aesthetic
If you’re wondering how to recognize or recreate the Ghibli look, here’s what stands out:
- Soft, warm color palettes – Think pastel greens, golden light, and moody blues.
- Detailed backgrounds – Lush forests, traditional houses, and quiet streets full of charm.
- Gentle movement – Floating dust, swaying trees, fluttering clothes—like nature is breathing.
- Whimsical characters – Often wide-eyed, curious, and emotionally expressive.
- Emphasis on everyday magic – A focus on small moments like making tea, walking in the rain, or watching clouds.
How Ghibli Style Is Influencing Pop Culture in 2025
The Ghibli aesthetic has expanded far beyond film:
TikTok & YouTube
Creators are making Ghibli-style animations using AI tools like Runway and Kaiber to turn regular videos into dreamy sequences.
Interior Design
Ghibli-core home decor includes cozy nooks, wooden furniture, plants, and vintage lighting—designed to feel like a warm hug.
Fashion
Earthy tones, oversized cardigans, flowy dresses, and vintage accessories are all part of the Ghibli-girl aesthetic trending on Instagram.
Social Media & Branding
Brands are using Ghibli-inspired visuals in product videos, especially in lifestyle, wellness, and slow living niches.
Tools to Create Ghibli-Style Content
Want to jump on the trend? Here are tools to help you create your own:
- Runway ML – AI video generator to create Ghibli-style clips
- CapCut – Add lo-fi music and filters to your edits
- Midjourney / DALL·E – Create dreamy Ghibli-inspired art prompts
- Canva / Adobe Express – For social media posts with the Ghibli color vibe
- Soundraw / Epidemic Sound – Use lo-fi Ghibli-style music legally in content
Final Thoughts
The Ghibli style trend isn’t just a passing aesthetic—it’s a celebration of slowness, magic, and beauty in the ordinary.
Whether you’re a digital artist, content creator, or just someone who loves cozy vibes, the Ghibli aesthetic gives you permission to pause, dream, and create with intention.
