How to create video in Ghibli style

How to Generate Video in Ghibli Style: 

A. Creative Guide Using AI and Animation Tools

Studio Ghibli is synonymous with breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and a whimsical art style that has enchanted viewers worldwide. Films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke showcase a unique visual language characterized by painterly backgrounds, expressive characters, and a deep connection to nature and emotion.

Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence and animation tools, it’s now possible for artists and creatives to emulate this beloved aesthetic without a full animation studio. Whether you're a hobbyist, an indie creator, or just curious about animation, this guide will walk you through the process of generating videos in the Ghibli style using a blend of AI, traditional techniques, and modern software.

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1. Understanding the Ghibli Aesthetic

Before diving into the tools, it's important to understand what makes Studio Ghibli's visuals so captivating:

Soft, hand-drawn lines and painterly textures

Rich, naturalistic color palettes

Detailed and immersive backgrounds

Lifelike motion that captures emotion and character

A sense of warmth and nostalgia, often evoked through lighting and atmosphere

The goal is not to copy Ghibli, but to interpret and honor its spirit using digital tools.

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2. Gather Inspiration and Assets

Start by creating a mood board. Collect screenshots from Ghibli films, background art, character designs, and concept illustrations. This helps define your project's visual tone.

Next, decide on your video's concept. Will it be a short narrative? A looping animation? A music video? This will guide your production steps.

If you're not drawing everything by hand, you'll need source material:

Photos or videos (for AI stylization)

Character sketches (either original or using AI generators)

Storyboards (to plan your scenes)

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3. Use AI to Generate Ghibli-Style Art

Recent AI tools can transform images and video into Ghibli-inspired art:

a. Image-to-Image Tools

Use platforms like Runway ML, Stable Diffusion (with Dreambooth or ControlNet), or InvokeAI to convert images into painterly frames.

Fine-tune a model on Ghibli-style data (fan art, background stills).

Use prompts like “Studio Ghibli style painting of a forest with warm sunlight.”

Apply ControlNet to maintain structure from your original frame while transferring the style.

b. Text-to-Image Models

If you don’t have source material, generate scenes from scratch using AI prompts. For example:

> “A Studio Ghibli style cabin in the forest at sunset, with glowing fireflies, hand-painted textures, and soft lighting.”

You can stitch these together as backgrounds or set extensions.

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4. Create or Animate Characters

Characters are central to the Ghibli style. You can go two ways:

a. Traditional 2D Animation

If you’re comfortable drawing, use tools like Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or RoughAnimator to animate frame-by-frame. Focus on subtle movements, emotional expressions, and fluid transitions.

b. AI-Assisted Character Animation

Alternatively, you can:

Use EbSynth to stylize motion video based on a single painted frame.

Employ Krikey AI, Move AI, or Cascadeur to animate 3D models with a hand-drawn feel.

Convert live-action footage into stylized animation using Rotobrush in After Effects or DaVinci Resolve’s Fusion, then apply a Ghibli look via stylization layers.

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5. Assemble and Composite the Video

Once your background art and character animation are ready, it’s time to composite.

Use software like Adobe After Effects, Blender (with Grease Pencil), or DaVinci Resolve to layer characters, effects, and scenery. Key tips:

Add film grain and subtle vignette to mimic the hand-drawn charm.

Use parallax scrolling in backgrounds to create depth.

Apply animated overlays like dust, particles, or watercolor textures for atmosphere.

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6. Sound and Music

Sound plays a huge role in capturing the Ghibli mood. Use ambient sounds like rustling leaves, distant birds, and wind chimes.

For music, try:

Royalty-free Ghibli-inspired tracks from platforms like Epidemic Sound or Artlist

Composing soft piano or orchestral melodies reminiscent of Joe Hisaishi’s iconic scores

Syncing gentle music with your visuals can significantly boost emotional impact.

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7. Export and Share

Render your final video in HD or 4K for clarity. Consider looping short scenes for social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts.

When posting, mention your tools and techniques—this helps others in the community and shows appreciation for the sources of inspiration.

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Final Thoughts

Creating a Ghibli-style video is a deeply rewarding journey. While AI tools provide shortcuts and new creative pathways, the heart of Ghibli’s magic lies in its soul—empathy, nature, imagination, and wonder. Use these tools not just to replicate the look, but to tell your own story with warmth and care.

So go ahead—dream big, draw softly, and let your world come alive in a Ghibli-inspired glow