Why Is Everyone Talking About Ghibli? The Viral AI Trend Explained
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably come across it. The Ghibli trend is taking over timelines—thanks to ChatGPT that lets users generate dreamy, Studio Ghibli-style characters and landscapes. It’s all over Instagram and Reddit. But what exactly is this Ghibli trend—and why are so many people enchanted by it?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Ghibli Trend?
tremendous alpha right now in sending your wife photos of yall converted to studio ghibli anime pic.twitter.com/FROszdFSfN
— Grant Slatton (@GrantSlatton) March 25, 2025
Meet Grant Slatton, a software engineer from Seattle, who accidentally became the face of the viral Ghibli trend. When OpenAI rolled out new image-generation tools last week, Slatton decided to experiment. He used them to create a Studio Ghibli-style AI portrait of his family and dog on the beach.
Then came the post.
He shared the image on X (formerly Twitter) with the cheeky caption:
“Tremendous alpha right now in sending your wife photos of y’all converted to Studio Ghibli anime.”
It struck a nerve—and a nostalgic one. The tweet quickly exploded, racking up 42,000 likes and nearly 27 million views, sparking a wave of Ghibli-style edits across the internet. While Slatton wasn’t the first to use the AI tool, his post turned the Ghiblified aesthetic into a global phenomenon overnight.
So yes, we owe this magical internet moment to one man, one AI tool, and one very good dog.
The result? A viral sensation that’s not just fun but deeply nostalgic. It taps into that unmistakable Ghibli feeling—dreamy skies, lush forests, spirited heroines, and soft, surreal vibes.
So… What Does “Ghibli” Actually Mean?
Let’s go back to where it all began. The name Studio Ghibli was chosen by one of its founders, Hayao Miyazaki, and comes from an Italian word for a hot desert wind. He intended to “blow a new wind” through the animation industry. And that’s exactly what he did.
Founded in 1985 by Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli revolutionised animation. Not just in Japan, but around the world. Their stories are quiet but powerful. Magical, yet grounded. Their characters are deeply human—even the non-human ones.
How to Spot a Ghibli Film Instantly
Ghibli art is easy to recognise. And hard to forget. Here’s what makes it iconic:
- Breathtaking nature: Verdant hills, drifting clouds, and sparkling rivers.
- Realistic food: You’ll want to pause just to stare at animated ramen.
- Floating moments: Trains in the sky, girls on broomsticks, spirits in bathhouses.
- Independent heroines: Think Chihiro (Spirited Away) or Sophie (Howl’s Moving Castle).
- Themes that matter: Environmentalism, empathy, anti-war messages, and finding your place in the world.
No wonder AI generators and fans are obsessed.
Must-Watch Ghibli Movies
- Spirited Away – A young girl’s surreal adventure through a spirit world.
- My Neighbour Totoro – Wholesome, fluffy, and heartwarming.
- Princess Mononoke – Gritty and thought-provoking with a deep environmental message.
- Howl’s Moving Castle – Romance, magic, and a literal walking castle.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service – A witch’s coming-of-age in a seaside town.
If the AI version has you spellbound, this stunning book—Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works—is your deep-dive into the real stories, art, and imagination that started it all.
This full-colour collector’s book is a visual celebration of all 26 Ghibli films, from classics like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to the 3D-animated Earwig and the Witch. You’ll find:
- Rare behind-the-scenes images
- Exclusive director interviews
- Beautiful stills and concept art
- Hidden details and trivia even superfans might have missed
Whether you’re new to the world of Ghibli or a lifelong fan, this is a must-have. It’s more than a book—it’s a portal into a studio that changed storytelling forever.
Books That Feel Like Ghibli Films
Want to keep the magic alive after the AI fun? These reads capture that same whimsical, soulful energy. Each of these books brings a touch of the fantastical, with strong characters, rich settings, and a quiet sense of wonder—just like Ghibli.
by Diana Wynne Jones (yes, the movie is based on this!)
When shy Sophie is cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman, she finds herself in the mysterious moving castle of the vain and charming wizard Howl. As they travel across magical landscapes, Sophie uncovers Howl’s secrets—and her own hidden power.
Each year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to a witch they believe is evil—but kind-hearted Xan rescues and raises the children instead. One year, she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, filling her with extraordinary magic. What follows is a story of found family, truth, and love.
Orphaned and bitter Mary Lennox is sent to live in a lonely manor on the moors of England. There, she discovers a hidden, locked garden—and in tending to it, begins to heal herself and those around her in the most unexpected ways.
Set in the icy forests of medieval Russia, this atmospheric tale follows Vasilisa, a girl who can see spirits others cannot. When dark forces begin to rise and old magic is forgotten, she must fight to protect her village—and the mystical world fading from view.
