“Princess Mononoke”, “My Neighbor Totoro”, “The Moving Castle”… Everyone knows one of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces. We love its universe, its poetry, and that “je ne sais quoi” that makes each film unique, timeless and transgenerational. The Imperial College of London, renowned for its scientific reviews, looked into the recipe for such success. And the result is clear: studio films make people happier, and even reduce stress!
Studio Ghibli films make you happier, and it’s science that says so!
The study analyzed 518 students, divided into four distinct groups, to measure “nostalgia levels”, a bittersweet feeling specific to the Ghibli universe. Some people saw excerpts from My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki the Little Witch, while others watched different content. The aim of the study was to measure the participants’ sense of quietude and general happiness, through the feeling of nostalgia.
A short questionnaire was then given to each participant at the end of the screening. And it was those who had watched excerpts from the Ghibli films who had the highest happiness scores. In fact, watching these films, with their familiar characters, generated more joy and reduced stress. According to the researchers, there’s a real reason for this:
“Studio Ghibli films, like those by Hayao Miyazaki ( My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki the Little Witch ), have a unique ability to evoke nostalgia and bring a sense of happiness to viewers of all ages. The reasons for this range from richly detailed animation and gentle storytelling to deeper themes of community, family and a profound connection with nature.”
These films, filled with gentleness, often allow us to focus on every detail, making the most mundane scenes of everyday life wonderful. Playing in the countryside, cooking with the family, laughing at nothing, admiring the landscape… Wonder is everywhere , evoking a time when we felt safe and secure.
Ghibli films and open-world games reduce stress
The study goes further, analyzing the impact of open-world video games on morale. And like Ghibli films, open-world games, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, are said to bring greater happiness, reduce stress and soothe gamers.
The increased exploration and diversity of landscapes found in licenses like Zelda are said to reduce stress, anxiety and even burnout among students. Engaging in activities such as playing open-world video games or watching nostalgic films like those from Studios Ghibli would even strengthen the ability to find purpose and meaning in life.
“These films show characters finding meaning through kindness, self-discovery and connections with the world, which may inspire viewers to seek out or reinforce their own sense of purpose in life,” explain the researchers.
What about you?