My Neighbor Totoro is the gentle Ghibli classic that gave the studio its famous logo — a warm story about childhood, nature and friendly forest spirits.
Quick Info
- Japanese title: Tonari no Totoro
- Release: 1988
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Runtime: 86 minutes
- Our rating: 9.4 / 10
My Neighbor Totoro — Official Trailer
Story (Spoiler-Free)
Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to an old house in the Japanese countryside with their father while their mother recovers in a nearby hospital. Exploring the woods, they meet Totoro, a giant, fluffy forest spirit, and their summer becomes full of small wonders — including a magical Catbus.
Main Characters
- Satsuki Kusakabe — the responsible older sister
- Mei Kusakabe — her curious 4-year-old sister
- Totoro — the big, sleepy forest spirit
- Catbus — a grinning cat that is also a bus
Why You Should Watch It
- Pure comfort — perfect for all ages
- Beautiful countryside art
- Real childhood feelings without villains
Fun Facts
- Totoro appears in Studio Ghibli’s logo
- Originally released as a double feature with Grave of the Fireflies
- Music by Joe Hisaishi
The coziest anime film ever. Watch it on a rainy day.
Where to Watch My Neighbor Totoro Legally
My Neighbor Totoro is on Netflix in many countries and on Max in the US. Streaming catalogs change by country, so check your local services. Watching legally supports the artists behind these films.
If You Liked This, Watch Next
Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and our Ghibli ranking.
