Studio Ghibli has made a name for itself across the globe, producing films so popular that fans are still calling for sequels decades later. From full-length features to short films, Ghibli has a wide array of creations covering multiple genres. With a multitude of choices from slice-of-life to an action-packed adventure, there is something for every fan.
With the vast number of movies under the studio's belt, it is no surprise that there are so many memorable and wonderful characters throughout the various works. While many of them are major characters with speaking roles, some of the most memorable characters are silent and do not speak or make excessive noise throughout the film. Rather, they convey their thoughts and feelings in other ways, and it is for this reason that they win over so many fans.
10 Moon's Blasé Attitude & Sweet Side Are Endearing (Whisper Of The Heart)
Studio Ghibli's slice-of-life and coming-of-age story, Whisper of the Heart, follows protagonist Shizuku Tsukishima. Shizuku finds herself on an adventure where she meets a cat on the train, and follows it through town on an impulse. The cat seems to have a bit of an attitude, teasing neighborhood dogs and leading Shizuku through several neighborhoods and strange back alleys to reach his destination.
The cat is given the name 'Moon' by one of the characters, though he admits it is a stray and has many names. Despite this, Moon seems to take a shining to Shizuku and is often seen sitting quietly by her side whenever she is upset. His teasing personality and sweet side will win over most viewers.
9 The Cute Design & Gentle Nature Of Soot Sprites Make Them Likable (My Neighbor Totoro)
The iconic Soot Sprites appear in multiple Ghibli works, most notably in Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. In Spirited Away, the Sprites are very animated and make squeaking sounds frequently. My Neighbor Totoro contrasts this by introducing the Soot Sprites as quiet and peaceful creatures, who are a bit skittish.
The Sprites float around the home wherever it is dark and quiet, and are found by Satsuki and Mei. They leave rather quickly as the family settles in, but are still around throughout the movie. With their gentle and whimsical nature, it is impossible not to love them.
8 Boh & Yubaba's Bird Shrink In Size But Grow As Characters (Spirited Away)
Miyazaki's most successful film to date, Spirited Away, shows how a change in form can really change a character by introducing Boh and Yubaba's bird, then changing them quite suddenly into a mouse and tiny bird not much bigger than a housefly.
In these forms, Boh and Yubaba's bird silently work together to help Chihiro and make for some memorable scenes, such as Boh imitating Chihiro to the Soot Sprites, or the two running on the wheel in Zenbaba's home to help her knit. The sweet and quirky nature of their new forms makes them an instant favorite with many fans.
7 Jeff Helps Kiki & Jiji When They Really Need It (Kiki's Delivery Service)
This iconic dog appears in a couple of scenes in Kiki's Delivery Service and quickly won a place in viewers' hearts. When Jiji replaces a damaged doll for a period of time, Jeff takes a liking to him and ends up guarding him for the duration of his stay, cuddling up with him to nap.
When Kiki returns with the real doll, Jeff waits at the door to be let outside, then brings Jiji back to Kiki and takes the real doll back in. This kindhearted pup proves what a good dog he is without ever letting out a single bark.
6 The Egg Princess & Mr. Dough's Sweet Relationship Is Heartwarming (Mr. Dough & The Egg Princess)
One of several short films that can only be seen in the Ghibli Museum in Japan, Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess tells the story of a witch who enchants an egg and brings it to life, then forces it into servitude. The Egg Princess kneads dough, which magically comes to life, and the two decide to escape.
The film is short and sweet, and the bond between these two silent characters is incredibly endearing and will melt the heart of any viewer. The film is still in the Ghibli Museum rotation, so Ghibli fans planning to visit the museum in the future still have a chance to watch.
5 Turnip-Head Is Always Ready To Help Sophie (Howl's Moving Castle)
Turnip-Head appears several times in Howl's Moving Castle, a novel that was changed and adapted into film form. Sophie discovers Turnip-Head in a bush when she begins hiking away from town, mistaking him for a walking stick. Once freed from the bush, Turnip-Head proves an invaluable ally, bringing Sophie a walking stick, finding her housing, and later on helping with chores and even saving the group from a dangerous fall, damaging himself in the process.
Turnip-Head's giving nature and loyalty make him one of the most memorable characters from the movie. Though he never utters a sound, he also never fails to communicate his feelings.
4 The Broken Robot Soldier Will Break The Viewer's Heart (Castle In The Sky)
While there are many ancient Robot Soldiers in Castle in the Sky, most of them communicate through a series of lights and beeping. However, the first of the robots to appear is broken, and cannot make any sound, though his lights still flash. This robot goes from terrifying to heartbreaking quickly as it saves Sheeta from her captors.
As the army attacks the robot, it protects Sheeta who is liable to be caught in the crossfire. and places her on the wall, away from the flames and in position to be rescued by her friend Pazu. In a truly sad moment, the robot is shot and reaches out to Sheeta as it falls, breaking the viewer's heart in the process.
3 The Mini Totoro Have Big Personalities (My Neighbor Totoro)
My Neighbor Totoro follows Satsuki, Mei, and their interactions with a magical forest spirit called Totoro. While Totoro may be the mascot of Studio Ghibli there are two other Totoro that play a large role in the movie, Chu (Middle) Totoro and Sho (Little) Totoro, nicknamed Blue and White Totoro by fans. Mei stumbles upon White Totoro while playing outside, and follows him and Blue Totoro to the forest where Totoro resides.
These two expressive creatures are instantly likable. They reappear several times, hiding in a pot while Mei visits Totoro, and helping the garden grow at night. With their tiny leaves in hand, it is hard to resist falling in love with these characters.
2 The Baker's Sweet Gestures Steal The Scene (Kiki's Delivery Service)
While many creatures in Ghibli films do not speak, the baker from Kiki's Delivery Service is a rare human example of a silent character. His expressions and actions are both funny and sweet, such as showing off his baking skills to Jiji and making Kiki her own personal delivery sign for the window.
Interestingly, the English dub of the movie did add a couple of lines of dialogue to his character, but the original Japanese kept him silent. He is definitely one of the film's highlights, and like Jiji, he tends to steal any scene he appears in. The baker is proof that actions really do speak louder than words.
1 Yakul's Unwavering Loyalty Makes Him Unforgettable (Princess Mononoke)
Yakul from Princess Mononoke is a very quiet animal, but it is easy to see what he is thinking nonetheless. Early in the film, Yakul is frightened by the demon approaching the village and shakes but does not make a sound. This trend continues throughout the film, whether he is nibbling at Ashitaka's hair to wake him up, limping after him when he is injured, or even staying and waiting for Ashitaka to heal despite being freed by San.
Yakul is one of the most loyal animals in Ghibli films to date, and his gentle nature combined with his expressiveness and loyal personality make him unforgettable.
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