A New Version Of My Neighbor Totoro Is Only 10 Days Away

Studio Ghibli fans won’t have to wait much longer to revisit one of animation’s most beloved classics on the big screen. Beginning July 11, My Neighbor Totoro returns to theaters across North America as part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2026, giving audiences another opportunity to experience Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpiece in cinemas. The limited engagement lasts just five days, making it one of this summer’s most anticipated anime theatrical events.

This year’s screenings come with more than a simple rerelease, according to a press release from GKIDS and Fathom Entertainment on CBR. Every showing will feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus featurette, “Creating My Neighbor Totoro,” offering fans a closer look at the making of the 1988 classic. With just 10 days remaining until opening night, anticipation is continuing to build among longtime Ghibli fans and newcomers alike.

A Five-Night Totoro Event With Something New For Fans

Unlike a standard theatrical rerelease, My Neighbor Totoro’s return includes exclusive bonus content unavailable during its original run. Following each screening, audiences will be treated to “Creating My Neighbor Totoro,” a special featurette exploring the creative process behind one of Studio Ghibli’s defining films. The addition gives even veteran fans a fresh reason to revisit the beloved fantasy adventure.

The event begins on July 11 with the English-language dub before additional dub screenings on July 12 and July 15. Viewers who prefer the original Japanese version can attend subtitled viewings on July 13 and July 14. The carefully split schedule allows audiences to choose between both versions while keeping the event limited to just five nights.

The rerelease also continues Studio Ghibli Fest 2026, which kicked off with Ponyo in June. The annual celebration will continue throughout the summer with Tales from Earthsea, Only Yesterday, and Castle in the Sky arriving in August, followed by Princess Mononoke in September before Spirited Away closes the festival in October.

Why My Neighbor Totoro Remains A Studio Ghibli Icon

First released in Japan in 1988, My Neighbor Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside while their mother recovers in the hospital. Their new home introduces them to magical forest spirits, including the enormous Totoro, playful soot sprites, and the unforgettable Catbus. The heartfelt story blends childhood imagination with emotional family themes that have resonated across generations.

The film proved to be both a commercial and critical success. During its theatrical run, it earned more than $41 million worldwide and went on to win six major awards during the 1989 awards season, including Best Film honors from both the Mainichi Film Awards and the Kinema Junpo Awards. Decades later, it still holds matching 94% critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

Studio Ghibli Makes Major Announcement, And American Fans Should Get Hyped

Studio Ghibli has made an official announcement for fans in the United States. with an exclusive Ghibli release for Americans coming soon.

Totoro’s popularity has only continued to grow since the film’s debut. The gentle forest spirit has become Studio Ghibli’s official mascot and remains the company’s most recognizable character. Collectibles featuring Totoro consistently rank among the studio’s best-selling merchandise, with premium items, including oversized plush releases costing around $700, frequently selling out almost immediately after becoming available. That lasting popularity makes this latest theatrical return for My Neighbor Totoro feel less like a nostalgic rerelease and more like another celebration of one of animation’s greatest achievements.