Maybe it’s my geeky side coming out, but I really adore anime; there are some of the cutest anime film characters ever! From Totoro to Ponyo, there are super-cute little cuddly characters that you wish you could take home with you in most anime films. Studio Ghibli films in particular are known for having the cutest anime film characters, so here are 7 of the cutest around!
1. Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro
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My Neighbor Totoro is one of my favorite Studio Ghibli films – the artwork is so stunning! Totoro is a friendly spirit who lives in the woods and befriends two young girls who move to the area. This film is also where one of my other cutest anime film characters can be found! I love all the Totoro merchandise you can find in the shops – I have a cushion, slippers and wallet, but there is everything from stationery to bedding and clothing!
2. Susuwatari (dust Bunnies) from Spirited Away
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According to the film Spirited Away, this is what the dust in your home actually looks like. Dust bunnies! They’re so cute, it will make you think twice about vacuuming up all the dust in your home – although that’s not an excuse to skip the cleaning! The dust bunnies are a cute supporting role in Spirited Away, and you’ll love the scenes with them in. You can find susuwatari slippers, iPhone cases and much more, they’re such cute anime characters.
3. Ponyo from Ponyo
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Ponyo is a goldfish princess who makes her way onto dry land in a bid to become human, befriending a young boy along the way. It’s a Ghibli retelling of The Little Mermaid, which was one of my favorite stories when I was little, and I really loved this version so much! This was one of the most recent Studio Ghibli films, and Ponyo is super-cute; I love how tiny she is when she’s first brought ashore!
4. Pino from Ergo Proxy
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I’m not going to give much away about Ergo Proxy, as it’s a great sci-fi anime series that deserves to be watched! Pino appears to be a 5 or 6 year old child, but is actually a lab-created replacement for a child. She’s very cute, and you’ll see her in a variety of different outfits throughout the series that make her even cuter!
5. Kodama from Princess Mononoke
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Very cute but also a bit spooky, Kodama are the tree spirits seen in the film Princess Mononoke. They’re tiny and white, with huge black eyes, and the fact that they never actually speak somehow makes them all the cuter! When I first watched the film, I couldn’t decide whether they were cute or scary, but have settled for cute in the end.
6. Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro
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It’s a bus, but it’s a cat! The cat bus reminds me a bit of a Cheshire Cat, with his huge grinning smile and big furry body, and he’s even been in his own spinoff film! This character is really cute, and you’ll find lots of cat bus merchandise, from pens and stationery to pillows and cuddly toys!
7. Chihiro Ogino from Spirited Away
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Chihiro is the main character from the Ghibli film Spirited Away, and was created as a heroine for little girls to look up to. With her rosy pink cheeks and cheeky grin, she’s super-cute, and makes the film one of my favorites! There are loads of other cute characters in Spirited Away too such as No Face – check the film out for yourself if you haven’t already seen it!
I’ve focused mostly on Studio Ghibli films, as this is my favorite type of anime, but there are sure to be some other cute anime film characters out there that I haven’t come across. With so many different anime series being created, and new Studio Ghibli films being released all the time, there are probably lots of others that could have made this list. Who are your favorite cute anime characters from films and series?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are some of the cutest anime film characters?
- Some of the cutest characters include Totoro from 'My Neighbor Totoro' and Chihiro from 'Spirited Away.'
- What makes these anime film characters so lovable?
- Their charming personalities, adorable designs, and relatable stories make them truly endearing.
- Are these characters from popular anime movies?
- Yes, they are from well-known and award-winning anime films loved by many fans worldwide.
- Can these characters inspire fashion or style?
- Absolutely! Many fans draw inspiration from their costumes and unique looks for cosplay and everyday style.
- Do these characters appeal to women specifically?
- Yes, their depth, emotions, and often strong yet sweet qualities resonate well with a female audience.
- Where can I watch these anime films?
- Most are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, or purchase on DVD/Bluray.
- Are these characters suitable for all ages?
- Generally, yes—many anime films featuring these characters are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
- What genres do these films belong to?
- They often span fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age genres, offering something special for every viewer.
- Do these characters have any merchandise available?
- Yes, you can find plushies, figures, and other collectibles featuring these adorable characters.
- How can I learn more about these characters and their stories?
- Watching the movies, reading official guides, and joining fan communities online are great ways to dive deeper.