This September, some of Hayao Miyazaki’s most beloved Studio Ghibli films are heading back to the big screen at SM Cinemas from Sept. 10 to 16.
Have you ever caught yourself endlessly scrolling through Netflix, Disney+, or whatever streaming app you use—only to realize that after 30 minutes, you’ve picked… nothing? Or maybe you’ve been doom-scrolling TikTok and YouTube Shorts, overwhelmed by bite-sized clips that don’t really satisfy you? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. With so many shows and films competing for our attention, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of indecision.
Sometimes, instead of chasing what’s new, it helps to take a step back and revisit the timeless classics. These are the stories that shaped our imaginations, tugged at our emotions, and stayed with us long after the credits rolled. When it comes to classics, few names shine brighter than Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
These Studio Ghibli Films Are Coming to Cinema This September!
There’s always something magical about rewatching a movie that once moved you. Sure, you may already know the plot by heart, but experiencing it again at a different stage in life gives it new meaning. Scenes that once felt like pure fantasy might suddenly echo real-life struggles. Small details you overlooked as a kid can now feel like profound reflections on growing up, love, loss, and resilience. And that’s the beauty of Studio Ghibli films: they grow with you.
From September 10 to 16, select SM Cinemas will be bringing back some of Miyazaki’s most iconic works. This is your chance to once again dive into breathtaking hand-drawn animation, emotionally rich storytelling, and worlds that transcend age, culture, and even time itself.
Here’s the lineup you can catch: Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984), The Wind Rises (2013), and Ponyo (2008).
And if you’re up for it, some screenings will even be shown in IMAX. This gives you an even more immersive experience. Sure, you could stream them on Netflix at home. But we can all agree that watching these masterpieces on the big screen—the way they were meant to be seen—hits completely differently. Especially in IMAX.
Why These Films Still Matter Today
Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli is one of the most respected names in animation. Beyond whimsical characters and stunning art, these films tackle themes that remain deeply relevant today. They explore environmental destruction, the value of kindness, the cost of ambition, and the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world.
As kids, you’ve probably been one of those mesmerized by Chihiro’s journey into a strange, magical bathhouse in Spirited Away. As adults, it becomes more impossible not to notice the sharp commentary on greed, consumerism, and identity. Or take Princess Mononoke, which may have once just seemed like an epic fantasy but now feels like a very real reflection of humanity’s struggle with nature—particularly with ongoing concerns on flood control projects, landslides, and illegal quarrying cases.
So, why not chat with your friends, set a movie date, and relive the wonder? In this age of instant gratification, AI-generated everything, and content overload, slowing down to appreciate the craft and heart poured into these films feels like a breath of fresh air. Studio Ghibli reminds us that not everything has to be fast or flashy to be powerful. Sometimes, all it takes is a hand-drawn frame, a quiet moment, and a story that touches your soul.
