4 Studio Ghibli films to hit Vietnamese theaters in fall 2026

Studio Ghibli possesses many works beloved by audiences across generations - Photo: Studio Ghibli

When Marnie Was There
Released in Japan in 2014, When Marnie Was There was adapted from the children's novel of the same name by British author Joan G. Robinson. This was director Hiromasa Yonebayashi's final work at Studio Ghibli and was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2016.

The film follows Anna, a 12-year-old girl suffering from asthma who struggles to open up to others. During a summer vacation in a coastal village, Anna meets Marnie, a mysterious blonde girl living in a mansion by the bay. The friendship between the two helps Anna gradually confront her loneliness, memories, and past traumas. The film premieres in Vietnam on September 18, 2026.

The film revolves around friendship and the journey of confronting past traumas - Photo: Studio Ghibli

Castle in the Sky 
Castle in the Sky was the first work by Studio Ghibli after the studio was officially established in 1985, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. After four decades, the film remains known for its fantasy-adventure style and signature hand-drawn animation frames. 
The story follows Pazu and Sheeta on their journey to find Laputa, a castle floating in the sky. Pazu wants to fulfill a promise to his father, who was an explorer, while Sheeta is a descendant of the Laputian royal family and possesses a pendant capable of guiding the way to the castle. The film hits Vietnamese theaters on September 25, 2026.

Pazu and Sheeta on their journey to find the castle of Laputa in the sky - Photo: Studio Ghibli

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya 
Based on the Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is the final work in the artistic career of director Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. The film was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards.

An old man happens to find a baby girl inside a glowing bamboo stalk and takes her home to raise. She grows up quickly, becoming the beautiful Kaguya, and is taken to the city to live as a princess. When five suitors come to propose, Kaguya sets them difficult challenges. The film is scheduled to be released to Vietnamese audiences on October 9, 2026.

Princess Kaguya and her journey to find happiness in the mortal world - Photo: Studio Ghibli

From Up on Poppy Hill 
Released in 2011, From Up on Poppy Hill was directed by Goro Miyazaki, with a screenplay co-written by Hayao Miyazaki. The film is set in 1960s Japan, a period associated with significant social changes and student movements.

Umi Matsuzaki is a high school student living at the Coquelicot Manor boarding house. When the historic Latin Quarter building at her school faces the threat of demolition, Umi and Shun Kazama join efforts to preserve the site and gradually grow closer. However, an old photograph leads them to suspect they might be siblings. The film is scheduled to hit Vietnamese theaters on October 16, 2026.

Umi and Shun in a story of youth set in 1960s Japan - Photo: Studio Ghibli