Totoro and Howl Lost! The Fan-Favorite Ghibli Character Tops the Ranking: He Protects the Heroine in Another World, and Iconic Scenes Make Viewers Cry Every Time

Studio Ghibli has released timeless animated classics over the years, including 'Spirited Away,' 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'Princess Mononoke,' and 'Howl's Moving Castle,' with characters that have accompanied audiences across generations. While some viewers are drawn to courageous and determined protagonists, others favor cute yet quirky fantasy creatures—each character possessing an irreplaceable charm.

A recent character popularity ranking by a Japanese polling website has revealed the 'Most Loved Ghibli Characters,' featuring 83 characters in total. The top 10 includes favorites from 'Spirited Away,' 'Princess Mononoke,' and 'Kiki's Delivery Service.' While Howl, Totoro, and Ashitaka made the list, the ultimate champion was Haku from 'Spirited Away.'

10th Place: Baron (from 'The Cat Returns') – 83.0 points Baron is a highly popular gentleman cat from 'The Cat Returns' and a key savior for protagonist Haru when she falls into the Cat Kingdom's crisis. Dressed in a neat suit, he exudes elegance in speech and action, and demonstrates calmness and agility in dangerous situations. Though occasionally overconfident, his unwavering determination to protect Haru has earned him the title of 'Prince of the Cat World' in the hearts of many viewers.

Fans attribute Baron’s appeal to his gentlemanly demeanor and stylish behavior. Some describe him as 'handsome inside and out,' with every protective move melting their hearts. Many even agree with the film’s sentiment: 'It’d be fine to become a cat.' Others say his posture and refined speech remind them of him whenever they see a dignified cat, while some jokingly claim they’d marry an animal if it were as gentlemanly as Baron.

9th Place: San (from 'Princess Mononoke') – 83.2 points San is a central character in 'Princess Mononoke,' raised from childhood by the wolf goddess Moro and identifying herself as part of the forest. She harbors strong hostility toward humans who destroy nature, possessing sharp eyes, agility, and an unyielding spirit. She refuses to back down, even in the face of weapons and death, to protect her forest and people. As Ashitaka appears, San gradually sees that the human world isn’t solely about exploitation, revealing softer, more vulnerable sides amid conflict.

Viewers find San most attractive for her 'strength and beauty coexisting.' Her fearless stance in defending what matters is seen as heroic. Some note that while her early gaze was fierce and wild, her expression softened as she opened her heart to Ashitaka, revealing her true beauty. Others praise her physical prowess and ability to understand animals, calling her a 'heroine with a wild spirit.'

8th Place: Calcifer (from 'Howl's Moving Castle') – 83.3 points Calcifer is the fire demon powering Howl’s moving castle, residing in the fireplace to provide energy, cook meals, and heat bathwater. Bound by a mysterious contract with Howl, he holds vital power over the castle but cannot leave freely. Talkative and often complaining, he shows impatience toward Sophie, yet helps when it matters—his gruff exterior hiding a soft heart, making him a source of comedy.

Fans say Calcifer is 'a bit arrogant' but impossible to dislike, finding his chatty, complaining nature endearing. Some joke that every household should have a Calcifer—he can fry eggs and dispose of leftovers, perfect for families with kids. Others see him as a classic tsundere; given a topic, he’d keep the conversation lively.

7th Place: Lin (from 'Spirited Away') – 83.3 points Lin is Chihiro’s senior at the bathhouse, initially seeming impatient and critical of Chihiro’s slow reactions. But upon realizing Chihiro is alone in a strange world, she actively teaches her the job, covers for her, and helps her in crises. Beautiful yet sharp and straightforward, Lin navigates the bathhouse’s complex social dynamics while becoming a crucial support for Chihiro’s adaptation.

Fans love Lin’s 'cold outside, warm inside' big-sister vibe. Some say she seems harsh at first but clearly cares for Chihiro, calling her a 'beautiful and cool big sister.' Others see her as the most reliable character in 'Spirited Away,' especially enjoying her natural, everyday conversations with Chihiro at work. Comments note that while Lin scolds Chihiro initially, she gradually sides with her—her gentle, dependable nature making viewers wish they had a sister like her.

6th Place: Nausicaä (from 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind') – 84.6 points Nausicaä, princess of the Valley of the Wind, can pilot a glider and understand the emotions of Ohmu and other腐海 creatures. Amid human fear and hatred toward the腐海, she seeks the true cause of ecological imbalance and treats the feared insects with compassion. Despite her royal status, she ventures into dangerous zones, even sacrificing herself to stop conflict—showing courage and empathy beyond her years.

Fans describe Nausicaä as 'strong yet gentle,' noting her kindness toward humans, insects, and children alike, always prioritizing others’ lives. Her charge into the Ohmu swarm deeply moved viewers, prompting reflection on environmental destruction. Others highlight her courage in sacrificing herself to calm the earth’s wrath, making her one of Ghibli’s most iconic female figures.

5th Place: Jiji (from 'Kiki's Delivery Service') – 87.0 points Jiji is Kiki’s lifelong black cat companion, accompanying her when she leaves home to train as a witch. He can speak, is mature for his age, and often critiques Kiki’s actions, offering advice when she’s impulsive or confused. Though sharp-tongued, he deeply cares for Kiki—once risking himself by replacing a black cat doll, staying perfectly still to help Kiki during a delivery mishap.

Fans love the sibling-like bond between Jiji and Kiki, finding his maturity and sass endearing. Many highlight the doll-impersonation scene, finding Jiji’s desperate stillness both tense and funny. Voice acting is a key point—many praise Sachiako Sakuragi’s voice as perfect for the role. Fans also note that despite his complaints, Jiji always helps when Kiki is in trouble, calling him a 'sarcastic yet utterly reliable best friend.'

4th Place: Ashitaka (from 'Princess Mononoke') – 87.2 points Ashitaka, the male lead of 'Princess Mononoke,' is cursed in his right arm after killing a demonized god. To seek a cure, he rides Yakul from his homeland to the Forest Spirit’s domain, becoming entangled in the war between humans and forest deities. A skilled archer with exceptional combat ability, Ashitaka insists on 'seeing the truth with clear eyes,' refusing to blindly take sides amid conflict.

Fans praise Ashitaka’s looks, personality, and actions—calling him a 'handsome guy who excels in every way,' skilled with a bow and calm under chaos. Others note his handsome features and composed speech, with strong personal principles, fitting the ideal heroic archetype. Comments highlight his courage and empathy toward San’s pain, combining masculinity with tenderness—some even calling him 'the most handsome character in Ghibli history.'

3rd Place: Totoro (from 'My Neighbor Totoro') – 90.7 points Totoro is a mysterious creature living deep in the forest, visible only to children under special circumstances. With a round body, giant ears, and a wide grin, he mostly sleeps quietly but, when awake, takes Satsuki and Mei on the Cat Bus or plays his ocarina atop trees. With almost no dialogue, Totoro became Ghibli’s most recognizable symbol through expressive actions and imaginative scenes.

Fans adore Totoro’s soft, large belly—many say the scene of Mei bouncing on it with his breathing is deeply healing and wish to hug him. Others mention the acorns he gives, initially thought to be food but later revealed as plantable seeds, making the gift even more charming. His startled expressions, fluffy appearance, and laid-back personality are widely loved, cementing him as 'the universally recognized mascot of Ghibli.'