Spirited Away: A good first anime?

In my opinion, people have two “first” animes. The first is the anime you watch without realizing it’s anime—those shows many of us grew up watching on Cartoon Network or other kids’ TV channels. For many, this includes classics like Pokémon, Beyblade, or Dragon Ball. Then there’s the second kind: the anime you watch while fully aware that it’s anime.

My modern love for anime began with Persona 4: The Animation, an adaptation of one of my favorite games. From there, I tumbled down the rabbit hole, exploring popular series like Toradora and Psycho-. I mention this because, for many people, the works of Studio Ghibli seem to fit into both categories of “first” anime—bridging the gap between familiarity and intentional discovery.

As I delve deeper into anime criticism and discussion, I often wonder: what is the perfect first anime? With Spirited Away being re-released this Boxing Day, I began to consider whether it might be the ideal introduction to anime. Does it capture what makes anime special and distinct from other forms of animation? Is it accessible for newcomers?

For those unfamiliar, Spirited Away is written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, famous for his frequent “will he or won’t he retire” announcements. It was also the first anime film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The story follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who has recently moved to the suburbs with her parents. On their way to their new home, the family stumbles upon an abandoned amusement park. While Chihiro is cautious, her parents eagerly explore—unaware they’ve entered a world ruled by gods. When her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate this mysterious realm to save them and return to the human world.

Right from the start, Spirited Away establishes a vibe unlike any other film, let alone any other anime. Watching Chihiro’s parents slowly transform into pigs as they greedily devour the feast before them is nothing short of visceral. Miyazaki’s work carries a sense of magical wonder that feels uniquely his own, even in earlier works like his Lupin the 3rd film, The Castle of Cagliostro. There’s an unmistakable sense of enchantment that is inherently Miyazaki.

One standout moment occurs when Chihiro flees from the encroaching spirit world, which is overtaking the human realm. The accompanying score swells triumphantly, amplifying the scene’s sense of urgency and its magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Miyazaki masterfully establishes a tone and aesthetic that feels both singular and truly wondrous.

Spirited Away is a classic for a reason: it’s a visually stunning film with a story that feels wholly unique to the medium. This is a tale that could never work in live action; it thrives because of its animated presentation. The film is an incredible, otherworldly experience. While I haven’t seen every anime film out there—that would be an impossible feat—of the ones I have seen, nothing compares to Spirited Away.

Many filmmakers have attempted to replicate Miyazaki’s magic, with varying degrees of success. Studio Ponoc, founded by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, has created works like The Imaginary, which are stylistically and thematically similar to Ghibli’s films. However, these efforts often lack the originality and artistic depth of Spirited Away and other Ghibli classics. As a result, they feel like lesser imitations. Interestingly, Studio Ponoc’s logo mirrors Ghibli’s iconic use of Totoro, featuring a key character from each respective film. This nod only further highlights the comparisons, though it underscores the gap in innovation and artistic merit.

Makoto Shinkai is another filmmaker whose work often draws comparisons to Miyazaki. Upon the release of Your Name, critics dubbed him the “next Hayao Miyazaki.” As a director clearly inspired by Miyazaki’s films, it’s not a far-fetched connection. However, while there are thematic similarities between their works, Shinkai’s approach diverges in significant ways. Since Your Name, Shinkai has rarely embraced the kind of fully immersive fantasy worlds that Miyazaki is known for. The closest he has come is with his recent film, Suzume, which incorporates fantastical elements but remains largely grounded in the real world. While Shinkai draws inspiration from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, his films reflect his own distinct vision. This differentiation is ultimately a strength, as Shinkai is forging his own path as a filmmaker.

There’s no denying that Spirited Away could serve as a fantastic introduction to anime because of how extraordinary it is. However, one could argue that it’s almost too perfect as a first anime. Few films in the medium are on par with Spirited Away. The only ones that come to mind are A Silent Voice or other Miyazaki films. Studio Ghibli has long been referred to as the “Disney of Japan.” While this comparison isn’t entirely accurate, it’s easy to see why people make it. Like Disney’s animated classics, Ghibli’s films have transcended the medium to become iconic works of cinema.

Many non-anime fans have likely seen Spirited Away or another Ghibli film. However, these films should serve as a gateway to anime—a catalyst for exploring this incredible medium—not just as a way for people to say, “I’m not an anime fan, but I’ve seen Ghibli films.” To use a lighthearted analogy, Spirited Away is like an amazing Costco sample: it offers a taste of anime’s potential. But instead of just enjoying the sample, why not invest in the whole product?

If Spirited Away is your first anime and you truly loved it, here are a few titles I’d recommend as your next steps into the world of anime.

Your Name is a heartfelt romance that blends unexplained fantastical elements with a stunningly animated body-swap love story. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, another fantastical film, is sweet and poignant, and it’s the movie that first brought Mamoru Hosoda widespread acclaim. Finally, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is the directorial debut of anime writer Mari Okada. This deeply emotional and beautifully crafted film is a true masterpiece that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.