Japan's Enduring Love Affair with Spirited Away Continues
Despite countless new anime releases, Japanese audiences still turn to Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 masterpiece as their top rental choice, proving some films transcend generations.
When it comes to proving Japan's unwavering devotion to Studio Ghibli's crown jewel, the 2025 rental statistics tell an incredible story. Nearly a quarter-century after its debut, the film that once made Hollywood take notice continues to reign supreme as Japan's most beloved comfort viewing choice, and the numbers speak volumes.
Fresh anime titles hit theaters monthly, including highly anticipated releases like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Jujutsu Kaisen Execution, and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. The animation industry moves at breakneck speed, yet Japanese viewers consistently return to Chihiro's extraordinary bathhouse journey as if it premiered yesterday.
Miyazaki's Masterpiece Claims Top Spot Again
The headline says it all – this beloved Studio Ghibli creation still holds the crown as Japan's most-rented film from the studio in 2025. Two decades later, it continues defeating fresh theatrical releases and premium Blu-ray editions like an unbeaten champion in a competition it helped establish.
These aren't just fan theories or speculation – the data comes directly from PR Times, reporting Geo Corporation's annual rental and sales rankings. With over 900 locations throughout Japan, Geo's statistics essentially reflect the entire nation's viewing preferences.
The complete ranking, compiled from January 1 through November 15, 2025, reveals: Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary (2024) in first place overall, Detective Conan the Movie: The Million Dollar Five-Star Mystery (2024) in second, followed by the Ghibli classic in third position among all films, with The Boy and the Heron (2023) and My Neighbor Totoro (1988) rounding out the top five.
Classic Ghibli Films Outperform Modern Releases
What makes this phenomenon remarkable is that multiple Studio Ghibli classics secured spots in the top ten, surpassing brand-new anime productions from 2025. My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke both earned places on the list, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these timeless stories.
Hayao Miyazaki's latest work, The Boy and the Heron, maintains strong performance following its 2024 Oscar victory, claiming the fourth position. This represents an extraordinary achievement – films spanning decades continue outperforming newer titles backed by massive marketing budgets, contemporary fanbases, and cutting-edge animation technology.
Princess Mononoke, once Japan's highest-grossing film with 20.18 billion yen in earnings, secured its place on the list, proving that Miyazaki's world of forest spirits, ancient curses, and wolf princesses retains its captivating power. Meanwhile, Totoro remains the universally cherished character audiences have always adored.
Cultural Phenomenon Transcends Generations
This isn't merely about popularity – it represents a cultural tradition. Parents rent it for their children, teenagers rediscover its magic, and adults revisit it when reality becomes overwhelming. Each viewing reinforces the same conclusion: this remains exceptional cinema.
The film has evolved beyond entertainment into a cultural ritual, defining one generation in 2001 and continuing to shape new ones in 2025. Studio Ghibli doesn't follow trends – it creates them. Calling this work a masterpiece seems insufficient; it's become a legacy, a landmark, and an emotional touchstone that Japan refuses to abandon, regardless of how many new blockbusters arrive in theaters.