Yay or nay: How do we feel about the Ghibli trend?

If you spent the long weekend doomscrolling (because, same), you probably noticed the internet’s latest obsession—Ghibli-style images. Even if you don’t spend hours online, you might’ve surely seen at least one of these AI-generated images floating around on Instagram and Twitter. All of a sudden, everyone's selfies, pet pics, and travel shots have been transformed into dreamy, hand-painted scenes that seem straight out of Spirited Away. The soft colours, painted textures, and nostalgia in these images tap into the love for Studio Ghibli’s signature aesthetic. And if you don’t know what we’re talking about, maybe take a minute to check out their incredible work—we’ll wait. 

Now, while many are embracing the charm of these animated transformations, not everyone seems to be a fan. And it’s not because of visuals but what they represent. With AI taking over every aspect of our lives, it is only normal to question whether AI-generated art can truly capture the essence of hand-drawn animation. While it is just a fun, creative experiment, it does raise deeper questions about art and originality. And we are here to break it down. 

What is the Ghibli photo trend?

Before diving deeper into what the Ghibli photo trend is, here’s some background about the studio itself. Studio Ghibli is the iconic Japanese animation studio behind some of the most beloved films of all time. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli has brought some of the most loved animated films to life—think My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. With hand-drawn animation, rich storytelling, and themes of nature and adventure, their movies have a way of drawing you in—whether it’s through magical worlds, unforgettable characters, or just pure nostalgia.

Lately, the signature Ghibli aesthetic has taken over social media, with people turning everyday photos into scenes that look straight out of a Miyazaki film. It all started in March when software engineer Grant Slatton shared an AI-generated image of his family that looked almost identical to a Studio Ghibli animation. The post went viral, and soon, everyone was jumping to recreate their own version, using tools like ChatGPT to create their own “Ghiblified” images. Whether it’s heartwarming moments with their pets, family, or even throwback holiday snaps, it turns out you can turn almost any photo into a soft, hand-painted masterpiece—no drawing skills required. And the ease of it all quickly flooded our feeds with nostalgic visuals, bringing a bit of Ghibli magic into real life. But the internet, of course, was divided on their stance about this trend. So, let’s break it down. 

The 'yay' side

For many, the Ghibli photo trend is all about diving into a nostalgic, magical world and making it their own. Studio Ghibli's films have this undeniable charm, and transforming your photos into similar hand-drawn visuals allows people to step right into that fantasy. Be it giving a family portrait a Totoro twist or turning a pet photo into something straight out of Spirited Away, it’s a fun way to interact with some Ghibli magic.

The Ghiblification of photos has really taken off on social media, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok buzzing with Ghibli-inspired images. It’s more than just a trend; it’s become a space where people share their creations, exchange ideas, and celebrate the magic of Ghibli together.

What makes this so appealing is how AI tools have made art more accessible. You don’t need to be an artist—just a few clicks, and your photo becomes part of a whimsical animated world. It’s all about creativity without the need for years of drawing practice. But this might just be a little too problematic for some. 

An ethical conundrum? 

One of the biggest concerns is the use of Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style without permission, potentially infringing on intellectual property rights. While the images are AI-generated, they clearly draw heavily from Studio Ghibli’s work, and some argue that recreating such a recognisable aesthetic without the studio’s approval could pose legal and ethical issues down the road. Even the Studio Ghibli co-founder himself was against the idea of AI being used to recreate art. In an old video from 2016, which resurfaced on social media, Hayao Miyazaki expressed his disapproval of AI in animation when Dwango AI Lab researchers introduced him to an AI-generated animation project. “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself,” he said. “Artificial intelligence could present us with grotesque movements that we humans can't imagine.”

Another point of concern is the impact on human artists. While AI makes it easy for anyone to create their own art, there’s a growing debate about whether this diminishes the value of original creations. Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn style is renowned for its intricate details and emotional depth, and some critics argue that AI-generated images just can’t match that authenticity. As AI art becomes more prevalent, it raises a very important question: What happens to traditional artists and their craft in a world where machines can churn out images with just a few clicks?

There’s a fine balance between enjoying the innovation of AI and respecting the original art that inspired it. The Ghibli photo trend is undeniably fun—transforming your photos into whimsical animated scenes taps into a deep sense of nostalgia. But it’s also important to acknowledge the value of the creators and the art behind it.

At its core, this is a playful way to bring a bit of animation magic into your world and express creativity in an accessible way. Still, as with any trend that draws from the work of others, it's essential to engage with it responsibly. Celebrate the creativity it sparks, but also respect the originality that made it all possible.

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