Studio Ghibli films are recognized for their dreamy pastel animation, the idyllic worlds they immerse viewers in, and their stories filled with adventure and wonder. These movies are more than just mere entertaining pieces of media though, their characters frequently dispense profound life advice in the form of wise quotes.

From musings on love to ways to cope with the heaviness of grief, Studio Ghibli movies seem to cover nearly every aspect of the human experience, leaving viewers feeling seen and comforted, regardless of their circumstances. These ten quotes are some of the franchise's best, completely shifting viewers' perceptions of the world around them in just a few words.

10 "A Heart’s a Heavy Burden."

Howl's Moving Castle

This musing is arguably Howl's Moving Castle's most famous quote. These words do not just fit well into the film's story, since Howl Pendragon, the main character, gave up his heart in a pact with a fire demon, Calcifer, they will feel relatable to anyone watching, speaking to the highs and lows of human emotion that everyone has faced.

Having a heart, and thus, the ability to feel deeply, is a double-edged sword, bringing with it both joy and sorrow. Howl especially had to face this reality in the film, but he also realized that shutting himself off from the world was no solution either. Howl losing his heart did not prevent pain, it only numbed him from experiencing happiness too, and by the end of the film, he embraced having his heart back, as heavy of a burden as it may be at times.

9 "Everybody, Try Laughing. Then Whatever Scares You Will Go Away."

My Neighbor Totoro

Tatsuo Kusakabe, My Neighbor Totoro, was on to something when he offered them this genius life advice. The phrase, "laughter is the best medicine," may seem like just a silly, meaningless cliché, but Tatsuo's words prove it to be true, illuminating the fact that it is far easier to face the more frightening parts of life if you are able to let humor overpower the fear.

Their mother Yasuko's sickness was difficult for her daughters to cope with, but armed with their father's advice, they were still able to find peace and joy in the midst of a dark time in their lives by enjoying their time with Totoro. Laughter and happiness certainly do not erase negative situations or diminish the pain of grief, but they do make life's hard moments easier to handle.

8 "Life Is Suffering. It Is Hard. The World Is Cursed, but Still You Find Reasons to Keep Living."

Princess Mononoke

This Princess Mononoke quote acknowledges the fact that life is often filled with adversity, but that giving up is never an option, because there are always new, positive experiences on the other side of the pain. The character who spoke these words, Osa, certainly comprehends the mixture of delight and agony that life brings, because he has a severe case of leprosy.

Although Osa's leprosy is so serious that he wears bandages that obscure his entire body from view, he still manages to offer this hopeful advice. These words promise viewers that although life will not always be easy, and pain will come to each of us at one time or another, the reasons to keep pushing forward always outweigh everything else, and must be focused on.

7 "We Each Need to Find Our Own Inspiration, Kiki."

Kiki's Delivery Service

One of the most meaningful and unique aspects of the human experience is the fact that everyone has something different that motivates and inspires them, giving them the drive to push through even seemingly unconquerable obstacles. This quote from Ursula, spoken to Kiki in Kiki's Delivery Service, reminded her of the importance of pursuing her ions in life.

When Kiki lost her magic, she felt hopeless, and was unable to pilot her flying broomstick anymore, which is an integral part of her delivery business. Thankfully, Ursula was able to offer Kiki these uplifting words, helping the girl refocus on the parts of life that bring her excitement and fulfillment. Everyone should take Ursula's advice to heart, pursuing their unique gifts and talents.

6 "My Heart Is Stronger Now That You’re in It."

The Secret World of Arrietty

Few quotes encom the richness of friendship like Sho's words in this scene. With this phrase, he makes it known how much he appreciates and benefits from the unlikely bond between himself and Arrietty, a relationship neither of them ever expected to find.

Arrietty and Sho manage to develop a friendship filled with acceptance and love, despite the fact that they are from two vastly different worlds. Friendship is one of life's most remarkable gifts, making life immensely enjoyable, and Arrietty and Sho would definitely agree.

5 "The Wind Is Rising, We Must Try to Live."

The Wind Rises

This The Wind Rises quote is reflected in the title of the film and also originates from a poem. The poem was written by Paul Valéry's and is entitled "Le Cimetière marin" or "The Graveyard by the Sea." This written work was a perfect influence for the film, which follows Jiro Horikoshi, an aeronautical engineer.

Both the poem that filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki was moved by and the film itself discuss living with ambition and fighting for the future, no matter the circumstances. Although difficulties will come along in life, The Wind Rises shows the importance of continuing to work towards the life you want and never giving up.

4 "When You First Become an Artist, You Are Like That Rock. You Are in a Raw, Natural State With Hidden Gems Inside. You Have to Dig Down Deep and Find the Emeralds Tucked Away Inside You. And That’s Just the Beginning. Once You’ve Found Your Gems, You Have to Polish Them. It Takes a Lot of Hard Work."

Whisper of the Heart

Artists and writers will definitely resonate with these words from Whisper of the Heart, but their wisdom pertains to everyone. The movie follows a girl named Shizuku with big dreams of becoming a writer, and this quote reminds her that although it will take effort, she can hone those talents inside her.

To create impactful art of any form, it takes lots of hard work and practice. Whisper of the Heart remind the protagonist that, although she will have to give it her all, her dreams are well within reach, so long as she is willing to put in the time and energy to achieve them. This is a vital life lesson, and heeding it can help fans reach their goals too.

3 "Once You Do Something, You Never Forget. Even if You Can’t ."

Spirited Away

Oftentimes, the exact circumstances of certain life events are forgotten, but people still deep down how they felt in those times and the influence these moments had on them. That concept is what this Spirited Away quote gets at, because the most life-changing experiences and people can never be truly left behind.

Even if the memories begin to fade, these parts of life always remain in some way, shaping who you are. Spirited Away, Chihiro meets countless fascinating spirits during her time working in the bathhouse and has many adventures, and even if she does not every facet of this part of her life when she grows older, the impact it had on her will never fade with time, even though the precise details of her recollections might.

2 "They Say That the Best Blaze Burns Brightest, When Circumstances Are at Their Worst."

Howl's Moving Castle

Sophie Hatter uttered these words in Howl's Moving Castle, expressing how important it is to stand strong even when life is hard. Howl's Moving Castle brought burdensome circumstances for both Howl and Sophie, making them put this quote into practice.

Howl was struggling with his identity and complex emotional state without a heart, since he gave up his heart to Calcifer years prior, and Sophie was desperate to be turned back into a young woman, rather than stay the old woman that the Witch of the Waste turned her into. Both Howl and Sophie continued persevering through their respective hardships while ing each other in the process, and it paid off for them in the end, allowing them to solve their problems and find true delight together.

1 "You Must See With Eyes Unclouded by Hate. See the Good in That Which Is Evil, and the Evil in That Which Is Good. Pledge Yourself to neither Side, but Vow Instead to Preserve the Balance That Exists Between the Two."

Princess Mononoke

Out of all the quotes in Princess Mononoke, Princess Mononoke have this effect, harming both humanity and the natural world around them.

In this quote, Prince Ashitaka urges viewers to set aside hate, which only creates more hurt in the long run, and attempt to adopt a more level-headed, positive approach. This does not mean accepting mistreatment, because Prince Ashitaka himself is certainly unafraid to stand up against atrocities, but refers more to pursuing harmony wherever possible.

Source: Reddit (1)(2)