15 Irresistible Games with a Ghibli Aesthetics You Must Play to Feel the Magic on Your Screen

Do you love Studio Ghibli films? Discover the best games with a Ghibli aesthetic that capture that magical, handcrafted, and moving essence. An epic guide for dreamers.

Sometimes, life seems a little grayer than we’d like. On those days, all I seek is refuge. Some find it in a book, others in a hot cup of tea, but I… I find it by crossing the threshold into a hand-painted world. If you’re reading this, you probably share with me that special connection to the Studio Ghibli universe. There’s something about its blue skies, the wind rustling through the grass, and that hopeful melancholy that makes us feel, somehow, that we’ve come home.

But what happens when the film ends? What do we do when the credits of Spirited Away stop rolling? We’re left with a void, a desire to stay a little longer in that world where the everyday becomes fantastical. Luckily for us, the video game industry has taken note. There are developers who clearly grew up dreaming of Totoro and have poured all that love into interactive works that are true love letters to Miyazaki and Takahata.

In this guide, which I’ve prepared with all my heart, we’re going to explore those digital corners where the Ghibli aesthetic comes to life. It’s not just about them “looking pretty,” it’s about the feeling, the message, and the ability to make us cry and smile at the same time. Get ready, because we’re going to delve into the latest titles, modern classics, and those hidden gems that will make you feel like the protagonist of your own fairy tale.

What makes a game remind us of a Studio Ghibli film?

Before we dive into the list of games, I want us to take a moment to think: what exactly are we looking for? It’s not just “anime style.” There are thousands of anime games that have nothing to do with Ghibli. For me, the magic recipe has three fundamental ingredients that I analyze in every game I test.

The Art of the Everyday (Lo “Ma”)

Miyazaki often speaks of the concept of “Ma,” those moments of emptiness or stillness amidst the action. In the games we’re about to see, it’s not all about running or fighting. It’s about watching water flow in a river, listening to the sound of your footsteps on the wood, or observing a stew simmering on a low flame. It’s the beauty of calm.

Nature as a Character

In Ghibli’s works, the environment isn’t just a backdrop. The forest is alive, the sea has feelings, and the wind tells stories. The games I’ve selected respect this premise. Nature is sacred, sometimes imposing, sometimes welcoming, but always vital.

A Soundtrack That Embraces You

We can’t talk about Ghibli without thinking of Joe Hisaishi. That combination of melancholic piano and epic orchestration is what seals the deal. Games that “smell” like Ghibli usually invest a great deal of effort in their compositions, seeking that immediate emotional response.

Game	Genre / Style	Platforms	Why Does It Feel Ghibli-Inspired?
Ni no Kuni	RPG / Adventure	PC, Switch, PS4	Direct animation work from Studio Ghibli and music by Joe Hisaishi.
Spiritfarer	Management / Emotional	PC, Switch, Consoles	Traditional animation and a deeply humanistic, spiritual narrative.
Hoa	Platformer / Puzzle	PC, Switch, Consoles	Hand-painted backgrounds that resemble Kazuo Oga watercolor art.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits	Action / Adventure	PC, PS5, Xbox	Magical creature designs and a mystical sacred forest atmosphere.
Europa	Exploration / Flight	PC, Switch	Endless green landscapes and ancient technology reminiscent of Nausicaä.
Baldo	Adventure / Puzzles	Switch, PC, PS4	Character designs inspired by classic 80s Ghibli anime.
Forgotton Anne	Cinematic Adventure	PC, Switch, Consoles	Beautiful cel-shading that feels like an animated movie.
Summer in Mara	Farming / Adventure	PC, Switch	Captures everyday coastal life and the connection between sea and land.
Attack of the Friday Monsters!	Narrative Adventure	Nintendo 3DS	Focused on rural Japanese childhood and magical realism.
Grow: Song of the Evertree	Management / Open World	PC, Switch, Consoles	An organic fantasy world filled with colossal natural structures.
Sable	Exploration / Desert Adventure	PC, Xbox	Clean-line aesthetics and a coming-of-age journey.
Neva	Artistic Action	PC, Switch, PS5	Minimalist visuals with strong emotional and naturalistic themes.
Hotel Galactic	Simulation / Management	PC, Switch	Inspired by floating architecture and the fantasy of Howl’s Moving Castle.
Spirit Crossing	Social / Decoration	PC, Consoles	Inspired by Shinto folklore and nature spirits.
Project Bloomwalker	Botanical Adventure	PC, Switch	Art focused on rebirth, flora, and peaceful rural life.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (and its sequel)

If there’s one game that holds the undisputed throne in this category, it’s Ni no Kuni. It’s no coincidence; Studio Ghibli literally participated in the creation of the animations and the game’s design. It’s the closest we’ll ever get to playing a Ghibli film.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

Everything in Ni no Kuni screams Ghibli. From the character designs (Oliver, the protagonist, could easily be Chihiro’s brother) to the landscapes of Ding Dong Dell. The story explores classic Studio Ghibli themes such as grief, a child’s courage in an unfamiliar world, and the connection between two parallel worlds.

Furthermore, the soundtrack was composed by Joe Hisaishi himself and performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Closing your eyes while playing is like being in the middle of The Princess Mononoke or Howl’s Moving Castle.

Platforms and subscriptions

This game is very accessible these days. You can find it on:

Nintendo Switch (Standard Version).

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (Remastered Version).

PC (Steam).

Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

Does it require a subscription? It’s not an online game, so no subscription is required to play the main story. However, it’s often included in the Xbox Game Pass or PS Plus Extra catalogs, so if you already pay for those services, you’ll likely have it available “for free.”

Spiritfarer: A journey about life and farewell

If Spirited Away touched your heart with its portrayal of the spirit world, Spiritfarer is going to be your new obsession (and will probably have you going through a couple of boxes of tissues). Here, we’re not a hero saving the world with a sword, but Stella, the new guide for souls on their journey to the afterlife..

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

Spiritfarer captures that facet of Ghibli that tackles mature and profound themes (like death and loss) through a sweet and comforting visual style. The design of the spirits, which are giant, adorable anthropomorphic animals, is strongly reminiscent of the gods who visited Yubaba’s bathhouse.

The attention to detail in the animations of everyday life is pure Miyazaki: cooking, hugging characters, tending the garden on the ship… these actions convey immense peace. It’s a game that teaches you that saying goodbye is part of life, but it does so with astonishing visual delicacy..

Platforms and subscriptions

It’s a fully cross-platform title:

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 4/5

Xbox One/Series

PC/Mac

Mobile devices (iOS and Android)

Does it require a subscription? If you have a Netflix account, you can play it on your mobile phone or tablet for free (within the Netflix Games subscription). It’s also frequently available on Game Pass.

Hoa: A work of art in motion

When I first saw the trailer for Hoa, I had to rub my eyes. Is it a new movie? No, it’s a platforming puzzle game that looks like it was painted, frame by frame, by Ghibli’s background artists.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

Hoa is, above all, a visual experience. The art style perfectly mimics the watercolor and gouache textures seen in My Neighbor Totoro. You control a small fairy creature returning home through magical forests filled with giant insects and rusty, moss-covered robots.

The lack of violence is another key feature. In Hoa, you don’t kill enemies; instead, you interact with the environment and the creatures. It’s an ode to nature and childlike curiosity, reminding us that the world is a place full of wonders if we know how to look with the right eyes..

Platforms and subscriptions

Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation 4/5.

Xbox One/Series.

PC (Steam).

Does it require a subscription? No. It’s a one-time purchase game, perfect for enjoying on a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits – Folklore and the purification of the soul

If you’ve ever seen Princess Mononoke and been captivated by the little forest spirits (the Kodamas), Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the game you need in your life. While technically a 3D game with Pixar-level quality, the soul of its narrative and art design draws directly from the Ghibli wellspring.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

The connection here is both spiritual and visual. We control Kena, a spirit guide who helps trapped souls cross over. The theme of the “corruption” plaguing nature is a thematic echo of what we see in Princess Mononoke: a dark stain consuming the forest due to human pain and hatred, which we must heal.

But the most “Ghibli” element of all is the Rot. These small, furry, black creatures accompany you, help you move objects, and fight alongside you. They possess that “adorable yet powerful” quality that defines the creatures of the Japanese studio. Furthermore, the soundtrack utilizes traditional Indonesian instruments, creating a mystical, earthy, and deeply evocative atmosphere.

Platforms and subscriptions

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

PC (Epic Games Store and Steam).

Xbox Series X/S (recently released).

Does it require a subscription? It’s not mandatory, but if you’re a PlayStation Plus Extra or Deluxe member, the game is usually included in the catalog, allowing you to play it at no extra cost as long as you maintain your subscription.

Europe – The Ode to Heaven and Freedom

This is one of those games that makes you sigh from the very first frame. Europa is an action-adventure exploration game that pays explicit homage to Castle in the Sky and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind..

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

The first thing you notice is the color palette: those vibrant greens and endless blue skies with fluffy white clouds that look like they were painted in oils. In Europa, we control a small android named Zee who explores a terraformed moon of Jupiter.

The feeling of freedom while flying with your jetpack is reminiscent of the flying machines in Miyazaki’s films. There’s an underlying melancholy, the solitude of exploring the ruins of a past civilization, yet surrounded by nature that has reclaimed its space. It’s pure “mono no aware” (the beauty of the ephemeral).

Platforms and subscriptions

PC (Steam).

Nintendo Switch.

Does it require a subscription? No, it’s a direct purchase game. It’s a relatively short but visually intense experience, perfect for those who don’t have hundreds of hours of gameplay but want a concentrated dose of Ghibli aesthetics.

Baldo: The Guardian Owls – Puzzles and retro-ghibli aesthetic

Baldo is a game that generated a lot of buzz precisely because of its visual style. It’s probably the game that goes the furthest way to imitate the hand-drawn animation style of the studio’s 80s films.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

The character and environment design is an almost literal copy of Studio Ghibli’s art style. The faces, proportions, and especially the architecture of the villages immediately evoke Kiki’s Delivery Service. The enemies and NPCs (non-playable characters) look like they were lifted from a discarded sketch for Spirited Away.

As for gameplay, it’s an adventure and puzzle game very much in the style of the old Legend of Zelda games, but what keeps you glued to the screen is discovering the next village or enchanted forest, just to see how they’ve been drawn.

Platforms and subscriptions

Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation 4/5.

Xbox One/Series.

PC.

Apple Arcade (iOS).

Does it require a subscription? If you’re an Apple user (iPhone, iPad, or Mac), you can play it included with your Apple Arcade subscription. On all other platforms, it’s a one-time purchase.

7. Forgotton Anne – Where lost objects come to life

Have you ever wondered where that sock that gets lost in the washing machine ends up, or the toy you forgot under the bed? Forgotton Anne answers that question with a cinematic adventure that feels like a cult animated film.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

The premise of inanimate objects coming to life is a common trope in Japanese folklore and in Studio Ghibli’s works. Visually, the game uses a traditional animation technique that makes it hard to tell if you’re playing a game or watching a film. The transitions are fluid, and the design of the city of “forgotten things” has that simultaneously industrial and magical feel, very similar to Howl’s Moving Castle.

The narrative is also complex and morally ambiguous at times, moving away from a simple “good versus evil” approach to focus on the humanity of its characters, something very typical of Miyazaki’s screenwriting.

Platforms and subscriptions

Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation 4.

Xbox One.

PC.

Mobile devices.

Does it require a subscription? No, but it’s a game that’s often heavily discounted in digital stores (sometimes for less than €5), making it a must-have gem.

Summer in Mara – The warmth of eternal summer

Made in Spain, by the way, this game captures the essence of Ghibli films that take place in coastal environments, such as Ponyo on the Cliff or From Up on Poppy Hill.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

Summer in Mara focuses on Koa, a young girl who lives alone on her island and must care for it while exploring the surrounding ocean. The connection to Studio Ghibli lies in its optimistic spirit and the importance of farming, cooking, and helping neighbors. The design of the non-human characters has that whimsical and fantastical touch we love.

It’s a quintessential “cozy” game. No stress or deaths, just the satisfaction of watching your pumpkins grow, fishing, and sailing across a sea full of tropical colors. Similar to what you can do in Stardew Valley.

Platforms and subscriptions

Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation 4.

Xbox One.

PC.

Does it require a subscription? No. It’s an indie title you can enjoy at your own pace.

Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale – The Dream Childhood

If you’re looking for the pure feeling of My Neighbor Totoro or Only Yesterday, this game is a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed but captures the essence of Ghibli like few others. It transports us to 1970s rural Japan where the line between childhood imagination and reality is delightfully blurred.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

There are no grand battles for the fate of the world here. You are Sohta, a boy who has just moved to a town where, it’s rumored, giant monsters (kaiju) appear every Friday. The game revolves around exploring, talking to other children, collecting cards, and enjoying the sunset.

The exquisitely hand-painted backgrounds evoke a summery nostalgia: the sound of cicadas, rice paddies, and the slow pace of life. It’s a game that understands that, for a child, going down to the corner store can be as grand an adventure as climbing into a flying castle. It’s “magical everyday life” elevated to its highest expression.

Platforms and subscriptions

Originally released on Nintendo 3DS (eShop).

Does it require a subscription? No. Unfortunately, after the closure of the 3DS eShop, it’s harder to obtain legally if you didn’t buy it back then, but if you own the console, it’s a collector’s item that defines the “slice of life” genre.

10. Grow: Song of the Evertree – The Gardener of Worlds

This title is an explosion of color and fantasy that draws directly from the imagery of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and the idea of ​​restoring an ecosystem wounded by the hand of man (or by dark forces).

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

In Grow, you are the last of the Everkind Alchemists. Your mission is to care for the Evertree, a colossal tree that once sheltered entire worlds within its branches before being consumed by “The Withering.” The creature designs are pure fantasy: grandiose, colorful, and with unique behaviors.

The mechanic of “creating” world seeds and watching completely different landscapes bloom (some more forested, others more desert-like, but always beautiful) is reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s ability to create biomes that seem to breathe. Furthermore, managing the village and interacting with its inhabitants has that friendly, community-oriented feel characteristic of Isao Takahata’s best works.

Platforms and subscriptions

Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation 4/5.

Xbox One/Series.

PC (Steam).

Subscription required? No. It’s a management and exploration game to enjoy solo, getting lost in its endless plains.

11. Sable – The most artistic desert you’ll ever see

Although at first glance Sable’s visual style is reminiscent of Moebius’s illustrations (the French artist who so greatly influenced Miyazaki), the structure of her coming-of-age journey is pure Ghibli. If you enjoyed the aesthetic of Nausicaä in its manga or film versions, stay here.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

Sable tells the rite of passage of a young woman who must traverse a vast desert on her flying motorcycle to find her mask, which will define her adult identity. You’ll find exploration, environmental puzzles, and above all, a breathtaking sense of freedom.

The connection to Ghibli lies in the respect for silent travel, the discovery of ancient temples swallowed by the sand, and the interaction with rusted spaceships that seem like relics of a forgotten past, much like the mechanical contraptions in Castle in the Sky. It’s a contemplative game, where the wind and the changing colors of the sky, depending on the time of day, are the true protagonists.

Platforms and subscriptions

PlayStation 5.

Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

PC.

Does it require a subscription? It’s not mandatory, but this title has been almost always available on Xbox Game Pass, making it a fantastic option for subscribers of Microsoft’s service.

12. Neva – The masterpiece of wounded nature (October 2024 + DLC 2026)

If GRIS made us cry, Neva has completely broken our hearts (in the best way). Released in late 2024 by the Barcelona-based studio Nomada Studio, this game is the ultimate representation of the modern “Mononoke” aesthetic.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

The relationship between Alba, the protagonist, and a giant wolf (and later her cub) is a direct reflection of Moro and San in Princess Mononoke. Visually, it’s a delight of colors that change with the seasons, and the central theme is the struggle of life against a darkness that corrupts everything.

Super recent news! The Neva: Prologue DLC, which expands the story, was just released (February 2026), so it’s the perfect time to talk about it.

Platforms and subscriptions

• PC (Steam).
• Nintendo Switch.
• PlayStation 5.
• Xbox Series X/S.

¿Necesita suscripción? No, es un juego de compra única (y muy económico para la calidad que tiene).

13. Hotel Galactic – The “Spirited Away” you can manage (2025/2026)

This is the game everyone’s talking about in the “cozy gaming” forums. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Hotel Galactic has arrived to fulfill the dream of many: managing a hotel for magical creatures.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

It’s basically like Yubaba leaving you in charge of the Bathhouse, but on a floating island. You have to cook delicious dishes (with that mouth-watering “Ghibli food” aesthetic), decorate rooms, and welcome guests from all over the world who look like they stepped right out of the sketches for Howl’s Moving Castle. The art style is unmistakably Ghibli, with soft lines and pastel colors.

Platforms and subscriptions

PC (Steam – Early Access).

Consoles (phased release in 2026).

Does it require a subscription? No, it’s a direct purchase.

14. Spirit Crossing – Netflix’s “Animal Crossing” (June 2025)

Released in mid-2025, this game has been a complete surprise. Developed by Spry Fox (the creators of Cozy Grove), it’s a cooperative life simulator with a purely spiritual soul.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

The aesthetic is very handcrafted, like something out of a storybook. You focus on creating a community with spirits and animals in a magical forest. It has that peaceful feel of My Neighbor Totoro, where the important thing is collecting, decorating, and enjoying the company of your friends. It’s “high vibes” in video game format.

Platforms and subscriptions

Mobile devices (iOS and Android).

PC.

Does it require a subscription? Yes! If you play it on mobile through Netflix Games, you need an active Netflix subscription. On PC, it’s a standalone purchase.

15. Project Bloomwalker – The New Promise (Announced 2025, Released 2026)

Announced at Gamescom 2025, it is an environmental restoration adventure.

How is it similar to Studio Ghibli?

It features a “Mobile Home” system strongly reminiscent of Howl’s Castle. You travel across a withered world to bring it back to life alongside creatures called Oddlings. The art direction is strikingly similar to the hand-painted backgrounds of the Japanese studio.

Platforms and subscriptions

PC.

Xbox Series X/S.

Does it require a subscription? It’s been confirmed that it will be available on Xbox Game Pass day one, so if you have a subscription, you’ll play it “for free.”

Current games and what’s to come: The future is “Cozy”

The rise of “cozy” or relaxing games has led more and more independent studios to look to Studio Ghibli. This isn’t just due to the aesthetic, but also to the philosophy of non-violent gameplay.

Recent titles like Minami Lane (a small Japanese street-building game) or the highly anticipated Neva (from the creators of GRIS, with an aesthetic reminiscent of the wolves in Princess Mononoke) demonstrate that this trend is not a passing fad. We are seeking experiences that nurture us, that give us a break in a hyper-connected and, at times, overly aggressive world.

The best thing about these games is that you don’t need to be a “pro player” or have lightning-fast reflexes. They are designed to be enjoyed with a blanket, your favorite drink, and a willingness to let go. They are, in essence, “comfort food” in digital form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about games with a Ghibli aesthetics

Y tú, ¿con cuál de estos mundos te quedas? ¿Eres más de gestionar un hotel galáctico o de volar por las ruinas de una civilización perdida? Me muero por saber si conoces alguna otra joya que se me haya escapado, ¡porque siempre estoy buscando nuevas excusas para perderme en estos paisajes!