The enchanting world of Studio Ghibli returns to Richmond this week as Studio Ghibli Fest takes over the historic Byrd Theatre. Kicking off Monday, March 31 with a screening of Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), the fest brings a lineup of beloved animated films that have defined generations — and there’s more magic ahead all week long.
A bit of a bonus for longtime Byrd-goers: the newly restored balcony seating will be open to the public starting March 31. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s only the first phase in a larger restoration effort to keep The Byrd as one of Richmond’s crown jewels. If you want to help move the project along, donations are open HERE.
So, What’s the Deal with Studio Ghibli?
If you’re not already a fan, Studio Ghibli is Japan’s most celebrated animation house — home to modern classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. What sets Ghibli apart is how its films blend childlike wonder with weighty themes like war, environmental decay, self-discovery, and resilience. These aren’t just cartoons for kids — they’re layered, emotionally rich films that speak to all ages.
Here’s a look at what’s playing at the Byrd Theatre next week:
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Monday, March 31 | 7 p.m.
A dreamlike journey into a fantastical world, Howl’s Moving Castle is one of Ghibli’s most visually ambitious films. The eponymous castle — a clunky, shape-shifting mechanical creature — is an icon in itself, and Howl’s magical powers add another layer of intrigue. The film touches on themes of war, transformation, and identity, and features a standout English dub with Billy Crystal voicing Calcifer, a fire demon with comedic flair. Originally started by director Mamoru Hosoda, the film was ultimately brought to life under the meticulous eye of Hayao Miyazaki, and it shows.
Ponyo (2008)
Tuesday, April 1 | 7 p.m. (English dubbed)
Saturday, April 5 | 10 a.m. (English dubbed)
One of Studio Ghibli’s most accessible films for kids, Ponyo is a vibrant reimagining of The Little Mermaid, with elements of Pinocchio tossed in. It’s lighter on philosophical themes, but full of joy, motion, and energy. The hand-drawn animation is dazzling, and the relationship between Ponyo (a goldfish who longs to be human) and the boy Sōsuke is sweet without being cloying. It’s Ghibli in a good mood — and it works.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Wednesday, April 2 | 7 p.m. (English dubbed)
Sunday, April 6 | 2 p.m. (English dubbed)
The gateway drug for many Ghibli fans, Totoro is all lush forests, mysterious spirits, and simple childhood adventure. There’s no villain, no real conflict — just the quiet tension of moving to a new home, dealing with change, and finding solace in the woods behind your house. Totoro, the now-iconic creature, is equal parts cuddly and cryptic — and his bus? It’s a cat. Say no more.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Thursday, April 3 | 7 p.m.
This pre-Ghibli film (but widely considered part of the canon) is where Miyazaki’s obsessions — post-apocalyptic landscapes, giant insects, ecological collapse, and powerful female leads — fully take root. Imagine Dune, but with a pacifist heroine gliding over toxic wastelands on a glider, trying to stop humanity from repeating its worst mistakes. Heavy stuff, but thrillingly told.
Spirited Away (2001)
Friday, April 4 | 7 p.m.
The film that earned Ghibli its first Academy Award, Spirited Away follows a girl named Chihiro as she gets trapped in a bizarre, otherworldly resort for spirits and gods. It’s a coming-of-age story cloaked in surrealism, where bathhouses are run by witches and pigs are people (literally). Beneath the spectacle lies a story about courage, memory, and identity. It’s arguably Miyazaki’s most well-known film — and for good reason.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Saturday, April 5 | 7 p.m.
Young witch Kiki leaves home to start a delivery business in a seaside town, accompanied by her sarcastic black cat, Jiji (voiced by the late Phil Hartman in the English dub). The plot is simple, but the emotional landscape is rich. It’s about burnout, loneliness, and the strange detours we take on the road to independence. The cityscapes are beautiful, and the warmth is real. One of Ghibli’s most quietly powerful films.
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Sunday, April 6 | 7 p.m.
The newest — and possibly final — feature from Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron just took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 96th Academy Awards. Loosely based on Genzaburō Yoshino’s novel, the film follows a boy navigating grief after the death of his mother during WWII. Fantastical, strange, and deeply personal, it’s a film that echoes Miyazaki’s earlier work while carving out new emotional territory. A fitting close to a legendary career — if this really is the end.
You can find more information and full schedule details on the Byrd’s website HERE.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting acquainted with Studio Ghibli’s work, this week offers a rare chance to see these beautifully animated films on the big screen — and in one of the most iconic movie theaters in the country. Catch a few. Or catch them all. Either way, there’s plenty of magic to go around.
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