Fans ofStudio Ghibli, especially those who love the charm and whimsy ofHowl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away,andKiki’s Delivery Service,will soon have a new anime to fall in love with. The upcomingOnce Upon A Witch’s Deathpromises to be a magical and heartwarming adventure with beautiful visuals and a deeply emotional story. It is set to follow an apprentice witch named Meg, and will capture the hearts of viewers with its bittersweet premise and Ghibli-like aesthetic.
Meg’s story begins when her teacher informs her thatshe only has one year left to livebecause of a mysterious death curse. There is only one way to break the curse, by collecting tears of joy and growing the seed of life. Along the way, Meg will encounter strange fantastical creatures, make unlikely friendships, and learn about her own heart, creating a story that fans of Ghibli’s magical words are sure to love. The anime, based on a light novel series written by Saka and illustrated by Torefuji, will start broadcasting in Japan in 2025.
A Heartfelt Journey Full of Ghibli-Like Magic
Once Upon A Witch’s Death Promises To Be The Next Beloved Fantasy Anime
Once Upon A Witch’s Deathhasall the ingredients that make Studio Ghibli films so beloved, despite it being made by EMT Squared. It is a story of magic, emotion, and self-discovery. Similar toHowl’s Moving Castle’sSophie orKiki’s Delivery Service’sKiki,Meg is a young girl forced into an extraordinary situation. Her quest to collect the tears of joy to save her life is similar to Studio Ghibli’s theme of focus on personal growth and inner strength. The emotional stakes are high, and viewers will likely find themselves deeply invested in Meg’s success.
What’s the most underrated Studio Ghibli movie?
Across 40 years of filmmaking, Studio Ghibli has almost exclusively delivered hit after hit, though there have still been some to fly under the radar in the wake of more popular titles. With the upcoming Hayao Miyazaki documentary, I’ve found myself going back through the studio’s filmography, and I feel like Porco Rosso remains one of Ghibli’s most underrated movies, as I adore the movie’s mix of fantasy and grounded adventure, and while some English dubs don’t live up, Michael Keaton is fantastic in the titular role.
What sets this anime apart is the way it blends sweetness with the somber reality of Meg’s limited time. Like many Ghibli heroines,Meg must confront the fragility of lifewhile keeping a sense of hope and happiness. This balance of light and dark gives the anime an emotional depth, offering viewers both tear-jerking moments and uplifting scenes of joy.
Once Upon A Wtich’s Death Is A Love Letter To Classic Ghibli
A Visual and Intellectual Homage to Anime’s Most Famous Studio
Looking beyond the story,Once Upon A Witch’s Deathhas an art style that feels like a love letter to Studio Ghibli’s animation style. The lush landscapes, vibrant colors, and detailed character design are all reminiscent of Ghibli’s enchanting worlds. The fantastical creatures that Meg meets along her journey are sure to remind viewers of the mysterious beings inSpirited Awayand the beautifully animated background will transport audiences to magical realms similar toHowl’s Moving Castle.
The character design for Meg, with her whimsical witch’s attire and expressive face, echoes the kind of warmth and detail that gushes from Studio Ghibli’s most beloved characters. Her journey through a stunningly animated world, combined with the beautiful backdrops of castles and forests, will make this anime a feast for the eyes. While details of a Western release are still unknown, with its heartfelt story, enchanting art, and magical world,Once Upon A Witch’s Deathpromises to be a captivating story that Ghibli fans won’t want to miss.
