The most beautiful couples in the world of Studio Ghibli animation

Studio Ghibli movies are loved for many reasons: soul-stirring music, eye-catching animation, emotional storylines, and heart-warming voice acting. Honestly, there are too many great aspects of Studio Ghibli movies to list. That's why Studio Ghibli's animated films are definitely worth watching at least once in your lifetime.

Another aspect that fans love about Ghibli is the beautiful, romantic love stories that blossom between the characters. Hayao Miyazaki continues to make magic with every film he releases. Whether it’s an unlikely friendship-turned-lovers situation, Studio Ghibli films are filled with wonderful couples that prove that love really is real.

The most beautiful couples in the world of Studio Ghibli animation

• Ashitaka and San - Princess Mononoke
• Kiki and Tombo - Kiki's Delivery Service
• Ponyo and Sosuke - Ponyo
• Sheeta And Pazu - Castle In The Sky
• Taeko and Toshio - Only Yesterday

Ashitaka and San - Princess Mononoke

Set in the 14th century, the balance between humans, animals, and gods has been gradually eroded. The protagonist, a young man named Ashitaka, is infected by an animal attack and is banished from his village to seek a cure from the deer-like god, Shishigami. Upon arriving in Iron Town, he is forced to witness the horrors that humans are inflicting on the earth, inciting the wrath of the wolf god Moro and his human-hating companion San.

The two interacted with each other many times and in fact took turns saving each other's lives, which eventually led San to realize that, with Ashitaka's help, they could restore balance. The two had an undeniable chemistry and even though San tried to kill Ashitaka many times, he still fought for her and the things she cared about. In the end, they chose to live in their own world. Ashitaka healed and found a new home, while San stayed close to him in the forest. It was shown that they still had love for each other.

Kiki and Tombo - Kiki's Delivery Service

One of the best things about Studio Ghibli films is how they portray young love. One of those relationships is between Kiki and Tombo. As part of a witch training program, Kiki moves to a coastal town with her talking cat, Jiji, to live alone for a year. After learning how to fly a broom, she sets up an air courier service and quickly becomes a familiar member of the community. However, she begins to doubt herself and soon realizes that she has lost her powers. This forces her to overcome her self-doubt in order to regain them.

Kiki and Tombo accidentally become best friends and even date unofficially after a series of events. While their relationship isn't exactly the typical budding romance, it's still as cute as their friendship gets. And honestly, that's what a great relationship needs: a solid foundation.

Ponyo and Sosuke - Ponyo

Similar to the dynamic between Kiki and Tombo, Ponyo and Sosuke demonstrate the solid foundation that a good friendship can have for a budding relationship. The Little Mermaid-style story follows a goldfish princess' forbidden journey to the surface, where she meets a boy named Sosuke. After being named Ponyo, she gradually becomes more human the longer she stays above water, and the two must fight her father to stay above water.

Their friendship and love overcome all difficulties. Sosuke accepts Ponyo for all she has and the little goldfish is determined to stay in the human world. In the end, Ponyo is able to stay on land with Sosuke.

Sheeta And Pazu - Castle In The Sky

Castle In The Sky tells the story of a young orphan named Sheeta who is kidnapped by the evil Colonel Muska, who is trying to find the mystical floating city of Laputa. Sheeta holds the key to the city via a magical crystal around her neck, which fortunately allows her to escape from the Colonel and meet a young boy named Pazu. The pair work together to find the city, while being pursued by both Muska and a band of pirates who are hungry for the rumored treasure of the mysterious city.

This relationship is a typical Ghibli movie trope: a boy meets a mysterious girl and falls in love. But in Castle In The Sky, the two have an instant connection and often save each other's lives. Even though they don't actually end up together, they still share a special bond.

Taeko and Toshio - Only Yesterday

A single woman, Taeko Okajima, escapes the city of Tokyo to visit her family in rural Yamagata during the annual calla lily harvest season. On the train, Taeko daydreams about her younger self and reflects on who she is now. During her vacation, she wonders if this is the life her younger self wanted and in the process, she meets a boy named Toshio.

Toshio helps Taeko overcome the harsh memories and realities of real life, helping her accept the fact that she is actually happier in the countryside. In the end, Taeko accepts Toshio's proposal and decides to stay on the farm with him. It's an unexpected romance that shows that love really does happen in mysterious ways and when we least expect it.