Ghibli’s Literary Roots
Before they became beloved films, they were stories on the page. Here are the books that inspired the Studio Ghibli movies! Some are direct adaptations and others were used as inspiration. Note: not all of them have been translated to English (yet).
created by chelssicle
last updated September, 2026
Comments
i will always recommend Howl's Moving Castle because it is beautiful and so cozy!! (Both the book and movie.) Thanks for introducing me to the other books Ghibli films are based on!!!
Some haven't been translated to English (yet?) but I hope one day they are!
I haven't watched the movie yet, but I read the book earlier this year! I've heard there are some differences, but the movie still looks gorgeous!
i definitely think there is a point at which the movie and book diverge from each other (and personally i love the book's plot more than the movie) but both are beautiful works of art and they hold such a special place in my heart
I mean the book is better BUT the movie is beautiful. Miyazaki could never make a bad movie.
great list, thank you!! 🫶
yessssss, thank you for making this list!!
selfishly made it for myself but decided to share 😂
my strategy was just to slowly read them as I remember them existing (just finished howl and was thinking of kiki next) so this is definitely a good tracker 😂
I liked the Kiki book better than the movie but still both great!
