400 free images from Studio Ghibli


Studio Ghibli, the studio known for producing iconic animated films like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, has released 400 free still images from 8 of their animated films on their website. These high quality images are free to download for personal use and there might be more images released in time to come.


400 still images of iconic animated films for use


studio ghibli free images - screenshot of release
Release of 400 still images on Studio Ghibli website
Image adapted from: Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli has released 400 still images of scenes from 8 of their animated films on their website, along with a handwritten note from the producer, Toshio Suzuki. There are 50 images available for each of the 8 titlesWhen Marnie Was There, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, The Wind Rises, From Up on Poppy Hill, Arrietty, Ponyo, Tales from Earthsea, and Spirited Away.

studio ghibli free images - 8 titles
When Marnie Was There, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, The Wind Rises, Spirited Away, Tales from Earthsea, Ponyo, and From Up on Poppy Hill.
Image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, and Studio Ghibli

Besides Spirited Away, which was released in 2001, the rest of the titles are newer works that were released between 2006 and 2014.

studio ghibli free images - spirited away train scene
Spirited Away
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

studio ghibli free images - from up on poppy hill
From Up on Poppy Hill
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

The still images feature iconic scenes from the films and include shots of the food, architecture, scenery, and characters.

studio ghibli free images - spirited away shophouses
Spirited Away
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

studio ghibli free images - spirited away large house
Spirited Away
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

You can use these high quality stills as wallpapers, inspiration for illustrating, or even print them out to decorate your home.

The only caveat when using these images is that they are to be used “within the scope of common sense”. Although it’s ambiguous, it serves as a gentle reminder that the images should not be used for commercial purposes or with ill will. It is likely that personal use as wallpapers, on blogs, and on social media, are acceptable. 


More images in the coming months


These first 400 images are just a sneak preview of what is to come. Studio Ghibli also announced that they will be releasing more images in the coming months. This means that we can look forward to more high quality still images of our favourite Studio Ghibli’s works in the future.

studio ghibli free images - possible upcoming images
Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke
Image adapted from: Studio Ghibli and Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli did not provide additional details on which images they’ll be releasing next, but we can probably expect them to progressively release still images from their older films like Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke. 


Studio Ghibli wallpapers for virtual meetings


studio ghibli free images - spirited away wallpaper
Spirited Away
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

Earlier this year, Studio Ghibli released wallpapers of their animated films every week between 13th April and 25th May. These wallpapers came in handy for those who want to have their favourite Studio Ghibli works as their background when attending Zoom meetings.

Now, with the release of 400 high quality still images of 8 Studio Ghibli films, we have even more Zoom backgrounds to choose from.

studio ghibli free images - totoro wallpaper
My Neighbour Totoro
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

Whether you want to pretend you’re walking through the Totoro Forest or have the towering Night-Walker behind you while you’re in a meeting, these Studio Ghibli wallpapers have you covered.

studio ghibli free images - princess mononoke
Princess Mononoke
Image credit: Studio Ghibli

You can even pretend to be Toshio Suzuki and work in his office, surrounded by all the books, files, and figurines that he has collected over the years of producing well-loved Studio Ghibli animated films.

studio ghibli free images - toshio suzuki office
Toshio Suzuki’s office
Image credit: Studio Ghibli


Download Studio Ghibli still images for free


Now that we have Studio Ghibli’s permission to use these still images for free, gone are the days of taking screenshots while watching the film and using them as wallpapers or screensavers. The only problem you’ll have now is deciding which to use as your wallpaper.

Check out these other articles for more:

Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli, Studio Ghibli and Studio Ghibli

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